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Khaleej Times
21 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Scents of Innocence: How fragrance is becoming popular among children
In the ever-evolving world of personal care and grooming, a subtle yet sweet-smelling trend is emerging — one that's tailored not for adults, but for the littlest members of the family. Across the UAE, children's fragrances are becoming an increasingly popular part of growing up, with parents exploring light, safe, and hypoallergenic options that help their kids feel confident, clean, and just a little bit fancy. From back-to-school bundles to Eid gifts and birthday party goody bags, perfumes for kids are making their way into daily routines and special occasions alike and retailers are taking note. Why kids are wearing fragrance In today's multicultural environment, personal hygiene and grooming are not only part of family upbringing but also closely tied to cultural values. Scent, in particular, holds great significance in Emirati and wider Arab traditions. Children often grow up seeing their parents layer perfumes or wear oud-based scents on religious and family occasions, naturally developing an interest in fragrances. Today, that interest is translating into real choices with child-friendly scents that reflect a playful, clean, and innocent personality. These perfumes are usually light, floral, fruity, or powdery in composition and are designed to complement a child's natural scent rather than overpower it. More than just smelling nice, fragrance for children is increasingly being seen as part of early self-care habits. Parents often describe it as a gentle confidence booster, helping children feel ready and fresh for their day — whether it's heading to school, going out for family gatherings, or dressing up for festive celebrations. What makes a fragrance child-friendly? Children's skin is more sensitive than adults', which is why safety and ingredient integrity are paramount in any fragrance made for kids. In the UAE, consumers are becoming more informed and selective about what goes on their children's skin. Most kid-friendly perfumes are alcohol-free, paraben-free, and dermatologically tested to prevent irritation. Many opt for water-based formulas or oil-based attars that are soft, long-lasting, and safe for young skin. These fragrances usually come in fun, colourful packaging — shaped like cartoon characters, toys, or animals — and are often marketed as part of themed collections, which makes them extra appealing to children. Spray bottles are designed with safety caps and gentle mists to make the product easy and enjoyable for children to use independently. Occasions for a Spritz In the UAE, children's perfumes are commonly used for several occasions, both casual and formal: Daily use (school and play): Parents often apply a light, non-intrusive fragrance to their kids as part of their morning routine, especially when getting ready for school. These everyday scents are typically fruity or powdery; think peach, vanilla, soft florals, or clean cotton. Festive events (Eid, weddings, birthdays): For more formal occasions, children are dressed in traditional attire and paired with a slightly richer scent; often rose, musk, or gentle versions of oud. This mirrors the cultural practice of using fragrances to celebrate and show respect at gatherings. Gifting and personalised sets: Fragrances are also becoming a go-to choice for birthday gifts and party favours. Many retailers in the UAE now offer customised perfume sets for children, complete with body sprays, lotions, and gentle shower gels; all in one theme or scent family. A growing market segment The children's fragrance segment in the UAE is still considered niche, but it's rapidly expanding. As per retail observations, local stores and e-commerce platforms are increasingly dedicating shelf space and search categories specifically to 'kids' perfume' or 'baby and toddler fragrance.' Parents from across cultural backgrounds - Emirati, South Asian, Western, and others — are embracing this trend not just as an indulgence, but as part of a well-rounded personal care regimen for their children. In a country where grooming, cleanliness, and presentation are highly valued, the rise of fragrances for kids fits naturally into the lifestyle. It's not uncommon to see toddlers with their own little toiletry kits — complete with hairbrushes, colognes, and lotions - mimicking the adult rituals they observe daily. As demand grows, manufacturers are focusing on creating safer, more inclusive, and eco-friendly fragrance options for children. Organic ingredients, refillable bottles, and sustainable packaging are beginning to enter this space — aligning with the wider UAE market's shift toward conscious consumerism. At the same time, experts suggest that while introducing fragrance to children can be a delightful practice, it should always be done thoughtfully. A patch test before regular use and choosing age-appropriate formulations remain key. In the UAE's scent-savvy society, where tradition meets modernity in nearly every aspect of life, children's perfumes are more than just a novelty; they're a gentle introduction to the world of personal expression, wrapped in a bottle and topped with a bow.
Health Line
3 days ago
- General
- Health Line
Is It Better to Shower in the Morning or at Night?
No research suggests that morning showers are necessarily better for you than night showers or vice versa. It comes down to preference because both have benefits, depending on your schedule and lifestyle. You might step into the shower every morning because it helps wake you up, or you might take a shower at night to wash the day away. But scientific evidence supporting one type of shower over the other is limited. It really just comes down to preference. Health and wellness touch everyone's lives differently. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Healthline Media. All quotes are strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Does it matter what time you shower? You don't need to align your shower with a certain time of day for health benefits. Either, depending on your preferences, can be good for you. Benefits of a morning shower You may find that you benefit from a morning shower if you: Need a morning pick-me-up: Not everyone rises in the morning feeling ready to go. If this sounds like you, a warm (not hot) shower may help. You might also want to try turning the water to cold for a moment as an extra wake-up call. Want to start the day fresh and clean: Your bed contains sweat, skin cells, and skin oils, and showering in the morning sends this residue that you might have picked up overnight down the drain. Style your hair: If you wake up with unruly hair, you're not alone. A morning shower can help reset your hair, especially if you use hair products that call for application on wet hair. Benefits of a night shower However, if going to bed clean rather than starting the day clean is more your style, you may benefit from a night shower. Some benefits of showering in the evening may include: Removing a day's worth of dirt: Your skin picks up bacteria and grime whenever it comes in contact with something or someone. Showering at night stops this gunk and other topical skin care products you might apply throughout the day from getting into bed with you. Cleaner sheets: If you go to bed clean, you won't have to worry about your sheets getting dirty as fast. But your sheets will still inevitably get dirty over time. Night showers go to bed clean cleaner sheets potentially better sleep Showering tips (no matter the timing) Consider some of these pointers the next time you shower for potentially even more benefits: Use warm water: Hot water (above 104°F [40°C]) may feel good, but it's more likely to dry out your skin and aggravate inflammatory skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema. A hot shower may also raise already high blood pressure. Add a blast of cold water at the end: Though it might not sound the most pleasant, a dose of cold water may help promote healthy skin and hair, increase circulation, and wake you up (if needed). Use gentle soaps and cleansers: Opt for gentle body washes instead of harsh scrubs and heavily scented products, especially if you live with an inflammatory skin condition or have sensitive skin. Limit your showers to 5 to 10 minutes: A long, hot shower at the end of the day may sound relaxing, but according to the American Academy of Dermatology, try to limit your showers to between 5 and 10 minutes, especially if you have dry skin or an inflammatory skin condition. Pat your skin dry: After your shower, try not to rub your skin, as this can dry it out and damage its moisture barrier, which is what helps your skin hold onto moisture. Instead, gently pat it dry. Follow up with a moisturizer: To lock in moisture, try applying a gentle moisturizer within a few minutes of toweling off. Be sure to connect with a healthcare professional if you live with an inflammatory skin condition, have chronic dry skin, or another skin disorder before changing your shower habits. We polled some of our staff to help get a better sense of where the Healthline team stands on this conundrum. See the results below and what some of them have to say. 'I grew up in Asia, where everyone takes at least one shower, and the one at night is nonnegotiable. The reason? You don't want to bring all the sweat and dirt to your clean bed. I guess it also helps reduce the need for frequent washing of the bed sheets.' — Louisa Wah, editor 'I need [a morning shower] to clear the fog and get my day started. Some of my most productive work ideas happen during that time!' — Heidi Smith, Real Appeal manager 'I think of showers as a way to wash away the day and help my mind reset for bedtime. I also really don't like getting into bed with the dirt of the day still on me.' — Megan Severs, senior editorial director 'I work out and walk my dog in the evening, so it fits better in my schedule to shower at night and wash away the sweat and grime from being outside! Plus, there is nothing like getting into a clean bed after a hot shower :)' — Victoria Torrez, senior influencer marketing manager 'I need to be clean before I get into bed! Plus, it has become part of my nighttime routine and helps my brain recognize that things are winding down.' — Sara McTigue, senior editor, Bezzy 'I feel very strongly about [night showers]. I have a 'shower lamp' that has very soft lighting, and my showers are steaming hot, so I'll fall asleep if I do them in the morning. I also want to be clean before I get in bed. It doesn't sit right with me having everything built up from the day get on my sheets, especially if I worked out or spent a long time outside.' — Sarah Choi, associate editor
CNN
6 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Recharge after the long weekend with nearly half off on editor-loved eye masks
De-puff and unwind following the holiday weekend with a pair of trusty under-eye patches. Luckily, one of our favorite sets from Grace & Stella is lower than its Memorial Day discount and is even matching the price we saw during Amazon's spring Prime Day. Grace & Stella's line of vegan skin care products is expert- and editor-approved for good reason: They're safe for a variety of skin types, are an affordable option compared to other trendy competitors and come individually wrapped for added protection. While we've covered the brand's products in the past, this beauty deal on its energizing masks is worth snagging now that it's discounted by 45%. Grace & Stella Energizing Eye Masks, 24 Pairs Our best budget under-eye patch pick is almost half off for a limited time at Amazon. They stayed in place during testing and became a staple in our editor's daily routine. The masks are packed with powerhouse ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, helping brighten the area over time. Throw on these eye masks after a restless night of sleep for a quick refresh. Tester and updates writer Ellen McAlpine added this pair to her morning routine and noticed her puffy, dark circles fading with each use. They left minimal residue and avoided slipping down her face. Plus, they're formulated for use on sensitive, acne-prone and other skin types. Consider gifting these in self-care packages as a bachelorette gift or as a party favor for weddings. Ringing in at $0.66 a piece, they're individually wrapped, making it easy to put them into gift bags. Finding a discount this steep on one of our best-tested products is a rare find. Our deals editors weren't expecting this 24-pack to drop this low following the long weekend, but we're stoked to see that the Memorial Day sales are still going strong. This deal brings Grace & Stella's popular masks down to their second-best price. When we last partnered with the brand for an exclusive offer, we were able to get them down to just $14. Since then, the pack hasn't dipped beyond $16, which makes this discount more enticing. The Underscored deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted footwear to deals at mega retailers, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure they're finding the best buys for our readers.
WebMD
22-05-2025
- Health
- WebMD
Personal Milestone: Regaining My Full Strength After PsA
This is a post I've wanted to write for a long time. Not because I needed to prove anything, but because I knew how much this moment would mean to me when it finally came. After four years of navigating life with psoriatic arthritis, I can finally say: I've regained my full strength. It still feels strange to put that into words. There was a time when that version of me felt completely out of reach – like she was part of a past life I'd never get back. But here I am. When I first got sick, I had no idea what was happening to me. The fatigue was relentless. Not the kind of tired you feel after a long day, but the kind that sinks in and doesn't go away no matter how much you rest. Everything became hard. Just getting out of bed took effort. Moving around the house felt like a workout. And over time, my muscles started to atrophy. I became so weak I could hardly recognize myself. I spent about six months in bed before I got on the right treatment plan. That half-year stripped me down in so many ways. Physically, I was barely functioning. Emotionally, I was overwhelmed. I grieved the version of myself who could do things without having to plan every movement. The one who could walk, lift, carry, stretch – without pain, without hesitation. During that time, I remember staring at my old workout clothes hanging in the closet, wondering if I'd ever be able to wear them again. Not just because they represented fitness, but because they symbolized a version of myself I missed deeply: capable, energized, free. I missed feeling strong not just in my body, but in my spirit. Back then, I wasn't sure I'd ever feel strong again. And honestly, there were many moments where I stopped trying to hope. It felt safer not to. Setting expectations too high only led to more disappointment, and I was already carrying enough grief. But slowly, piece by piece, I started rebuilding. Not in some cinematic, dramatic way. Just one day at a time. It started with sitting up more often. Then stretching. Then walking a little. Then lifting light weights – much lighter than what I was used to, but still a start. It was hard. It was humbling. It was slow. And sometimes it felt like nothing was happening. But over the years, with patience and consistency, I've worked my way back. There were so many moments when I had to celebrate the smallest wins: being able to unload the dishwasher without sitting down halfway through. Taking a shower and drying my hair without needing a nap afterward. Doing five bodyweight squats without my joints screaming at me. None of these things would be impressive to the average person – but to me, they were everything. Now, I'm lifting the same weights I could before all of this started. I'm doing the workouts I used to do, with modifications as needed. I'm moving with confidence again. That's not to say everything is easy now. I still need more rest. I still have to plan ahead. I still deal with symptoms. But I can do what I love again. And for me, that's huge. Strength has taken on a new meaning for me. It's no longer about what I look like or how many reps I can do. It's about what I've overcome. It's about continuing to show up for myself even when I'm tired or discouraged or flaring. It's about listening to my body and adjusting when I need to. It's about the resilience I've built by starting over again and again. What most people don't see is how much effort it takes behind the scenes. Planning workouts around medication timing. Making sure I recover properly. Accepting that some days I'll need to scale back. Giving myself grace when my body needs more than I want to give it. This isn't the same kind of strength I had before. But in many ways, it's more powerful now. Because it's hard-earned. Because I had to fight for it. And it wasn't just the physical effort; it was mental, emotional, and spiritual too. Rebuilding strength meant rebuilding trust with my body. After so many months of feeling like my body was betraying me, it took time to believe that we could be on the same team again. That my body wasn't the enemy – it was the place where healing could still happen, even if it didn't look like I expected it to. Looking back on those early days of diagnosis, it's hard to recognize myself. Not just because I was physically weaker, but because I felt so disconnected from the life I knew. I felt like I had lost so much of who I was. And it wasn't just about not being able to lift weights; it was about losing independence, confidence, even identity. Chronic illness can do that to you. It strips things away until you're forced to rebuild from the ground up. But that rebuilding process has changed me. It's made me slower, yes – but more intentional. Softer in some ways, but stronger in others. More aware of what actually matters. More grateful for the things I used to overlook. Now, every time I lift something heavy or go for a long walk or push through a workout, it feels like a small act of reclamation. Like I'm getting more of myself back. Not the exact same version I was before, but a version that's rooted, steady, and a lot more compassionate. There's also something incredibly grounding about knowing what it took to get here. When I see myself in the mirror or hit a new personal best at the gym, I don't just see muscle.I see perseverance. I see every bad day I moved through, every flare I didn't let define me, every painful step that led me back to movement. My strength isn't measured in pounds or performance anymore. It's measured in presence. In resilience. In grace. If you're in the thick of it right now – whether you're newly diagnosed, flaring, or just completely worn out – I hope this gives you a little hope. Not the kind that tells you everything will magically get better, but the kind that reminds you healing is possible in its own way, in its own time. Progress might be slow. It might feel invisible for a while. You might take two steps forward and one step back. But your body is still yours. Your strength is still there, even if it's buried under layers of pain and fatigue and frustration. You don't have to rush it. You don't have to force it. You just have to keep showing up when you can. And rest when you can't. You're not weak for needing more time. You're not failing because your recovery doesn't look like someone else's. Healing is not linear, and it definitely doesn't care about timelines. But it does happen. I'm proof of that. Four years ago, I couldn't walk across my house without getting winded. I couldn't lift 5 pounds. I couldn't imagine doing a full-body workout again. But now, I'm doing it. Not perfectly. Not always easily. But I'm doing it. And more than anything, I'm proud of that. Not proud in a 'look at me' way, but proud in a quiet, grounded way. The kind that comes from knowing what it took to get here. From remembering how hard it was. From honoring the version of me who didn't give up, even when she wanted to. So yeah, this is a milestone worth marking. Not because I'm 'back to normal,' but because I found my strength again. Because I now understand that strength can look different at different points in life, and that doesn't make it any less real.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
14-05-2025
- Health
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
10 Of The Most Luxe Face Masks On The Market
Indulge in the ultimate self-care ritual with these 10 luxurious face cream masks that deliver spa-worthy results from the comfort of your home Nothing feels more luxurious and spa-like than a face mask, the most pampering step of your skincare routine. Whether you're looking to hydrate, firm, or rejuvenate, a well-crafted cream mask can transform your complexion while offering a moment of indulgence and relaxation. From advanced anti-aging formulas to deeply nourishing treatments, these masks provide an oasis of care for your skin, turning everyday skincare into a luxurious ritual. Here, we've rounded up 10 of the finest face cream masks that elevate your beauty routine to a whole new level of luxury. Or Rouge Mask-In-Crème Experience and overnight transformation with the Or Rouge Mask, a deeply hydrating face mask designed to support your skin's natural nighttime recovery. While you sleep, its rich, creamy texture melts into your skin, delivering instant comfort and gentle exfoliation. Infused with the powerful anti-aging benefits of saffron, it boosts circulation and targets visible signs of aging. By morning, skin feels firmer, plumper, and intensely nourished with a revitalized, resurfaced glow. For a luminous, youthful glow, indulge in Clé de Peau Beauté's Precious Gold Vitality Mask. Infused with 24-karat gold, this luxurious treatment harnesses powerful antioxidants, including amino acids and botanical extracts, to combat visible signs of aging. Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, while the skin is left radiant, revitalized, and full of vitality. Let this gold-infused mask be your go-to for a complexion that glows with timeless beauty. Sensai Ultimate The Mask Ultimate The Mask is a sumptuous, leave-on cream treatment that envelops the skin in deep hydration, locking in moisture to promote a firmer, smoother complexion overnight, especially when used with the signature massage method. By morning, skin glows with renewed radiance and feels noticeably more resilient. The accompanying massage plate glides effortlessly along the contours of the face, soothing the senses while reawakening the skin's natural vibrancy. Chanel Sublimage Le Masque Sublimage Le Masque is a luxurious treatment mask crafted with biomimetic lipids and polyfractioned Vanilla Planifolia, featuring 40 times the concentration of active molecules compared to the raw plant. This powerful formula targets all key signs of youthful skin identified by Chanel Research, including hydration, comfort, wrinkles, structure, tone, strength, and radiance. With its sumptuous texture that melts effortlessly into the skin, the mask delivers instant revitalization and a luminous glow, all while providing a sensorial experience like no other. Now housed in a refined, refillable glass jar designed in collaboration with a renowned French glassmaker, it offers both elegance and sustainability in a travel-friendly form. Augustinus Bader The Face Cream Mask The Face Cream Mask by Augustinus Bader features a rich, creamy texture that becomes nearly invisible upon application, absorbing quickly and rinsing off easily to deliver an instant boost of hydration and radiance. Powered by the brand's patented TFC8 technology, a blend of amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and skin-identical molecules, it supports and enhances the skin's natural renewal process for a revitalized, glowing complexion. Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask The Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask is a luxurious, fast-acting treatment that instantly energizes and revitalizes the skin for a more youthful appearance. Infused with potent anti-aging actives, it visibly reduces signs of fatigue and restores radiance in just 10 to 15 minutes. With its silky, rose-scented texture, the mask offers both powerful results and a soothing moment of indulgence. Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask Clarins brings together skincare innovation and cold therapy with the Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask—a high-performance treatment that replicates the revitalizing effects of cold on the skin. Powered by potent actives and organic evening primrose extract, this fast-acting formula helps prevent visible signs of aging while delivering an instant lifting and tightening effect from the very first use. Dr Barabara Strum Face Mask Dr. Barbara Sturm's Face Mask is an intensive treatment designed to deliver deep hydration and lasting smoothness. Enriched with soothing Aloe Vera and Chamomile extracts, it calms and replenishes the skin, making it ideal for stressed or dehydrated complexions. At the heart of the formula is Purslane, a powerhouse ingredient that activates the skin's antioxidant defense system and shields sensitive cells from free radical damage, promoting a healthier, more resilient glow. La Mer The Lifting and Firming Mask This indulgent cream mask delivers serum-strength sculpting power to visibly firm and lift the skin. Designed to work in harmony with the skin's natural renewal process, it targets the face and neck to enhance contours and promote a more defined, refined appearance. With each use, skin feels strengthened, revitalized, and luxuriously smooth. La Prairie's Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Mask is a luxurious two-step treatment designed for the most demanding skin. Powered by Platinum Multi-Peptide and inspired by Dr. Paul Niehans' pioneering cellular science, it reactivates the skin's rejuvenation process to visibly reduce wrinkles, boost radiance, and enhance firmness. After just 15 minutes, skin appears smoother, plumper, and more hydrated. In four weeks, signs of aging are visibly diminished. Featuring breakthrough Macro-Infusion Technology with hyaluronic acid, collagen, and the exclusive Cellular Complex, this mask delivers needle-free rejuvenation. Enriched with rare platinum, it represents the pinnacle of Swiss skincare innovation.
