Affordable interior buys to update your home instantly. 

How to decorate your home on a budget 

If your home is in need of freshening up, but your credit card is still steaming after paying for a summer holiday, fear not! Just follow a few clever design hacks and pick up a handful of affordable interior accessories to instantly breathe new life into your space. 

Crystal decanter, Crate & Barrel Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates 

Take a leaf out of the design experts’ book and create a bar top in your living room – you don’t even need a dedicated bar cart as any high table surface will do. On a tray, display a cocktail mixer, a selection of glasses (tall tumblers at the back and small sizes up front) and add decorative items such as a small bowl of fresh limes, a silver ice bucket and a mix of crystal decanters. 

Doorknobs, Zara Home Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Deira, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

Switching out old knobs for a more colourful selection will make old drawers look new and unique with minimal effort – it’s also an easy way of adding a touch of your personality to standard IKEA pieces that some of your friends may have too.

Ceiling lamp, Home Centre Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Mirdif and Mall of Egypt

You don’t have to be a tech genius to know that lighting has the power to alter a room’s ambience completely, so always opt for dimmers so you can control the setting throughout the day – anything too harsh can often make a place feel like a doctor’s surgery. We love these Moroccan-inspired ceiling lamps that reflect pretty patterns onto plain walls – beautiful light and art in one!

Selfie-worthy beauty tricks to amp up your face in a flash.

The best time-saving beauty tricks to know now

Whether you are finishing off an essential brief at the office or trying to put the little ones to bed, attempting to get out the door on time for evening social plans never entirely goes to plan. 

If you only have ten minutes to spare to take your face from day to dancefloor-ready, you will want to read our quick tricks to looking fresher than you feel in record time. 


Wipe the Day Away 

No matter how pressed for time, we always start with a clean canvas. There is nothing worse than piling fresh make-up onto oily, old slap – the result often ends looking streaky and patchy. Stash a pack of make-up wipes nearby to quickly clean before spritzing with a splash of rose water or toning spray. 


Cover Up

No time for moisturiser, primer and foundation? No problem – just opt for a do-it-all BB cream such as Dior’s Hydra Life BB Crème. This multi-tasking wonder product nourishes and adds a healthy-looking veil of natural coverage. 

Dior Hydra Life BB Crème, AED357, Sephora Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Bahrain

The Eyes Have It

Blend a dab of light-reflecting concealer (we love the Candleglow Concealer by Laura Mercier) under your peepers set with a quick dusting of translucent powder. If you have time, add a slick of white or beige kohl along your waterline to instantly open and refresh tired eyes.

Bronze Age

Dust bronzer onto the sides of your forehead, cheekbones and jawline to easily sculpt. Forgo eyeshadow and use the same bronzing shade to add subtle definition in the crease of your lids. Top off with a few coats of jet-black mascara.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer, AED148, Sephora Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Bahrain

Pucker Up

A punchy shot of colour on your lips is a sure-fire way to vamp up your look and mask a tired complexion instantly. Opt for a vibrant shade to suit your skin tone. This season we are reaching for berry reds and deep merlots for a quick hit of colour.

Lipstick in ‘Diva’, AED104, MAC Cosmetics at Harvey Nichols Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates

Disclaimer: Prices shown are at the time of the visit to the mall and could change at any point. 

These décor buys will instantly spruce up your living space 

As the new seasons come and go, it isn’t just our wardrobe that requires updating, we’re also rebooting our living spaces with a few fresh finds and décor tricks.

The below interior buys are all available from either Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif or other City Centres across the Middle East.

The Hold-It-All Tray

Glass tray, Zara Home, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

First port of call? Your coffee table. The easiest and perhaps most noticeable way to transform your living room is by updating your central table.

Bear in mind that this furniture piece usually sits in-between a sofa and television, so chances are you will use it a lot.

Less is often more, so rid the table of clutter and old magazines, replacing with a curated selection of books (pick tomes which best represent your tastes, be it fashion, cars or food for example) and use sleek trays to store and display stylish nik naks such as large scented candles, bowls and ornaments.

For extra impact, colour-coordinate your items. Start with a monochrome palette and add two colour tones such as grey and blue. This chic piece by Zara Home will instantly streamline the look, making everything appear neater and more cohesive.

The Velvet Pillow

 Velvet pillow, Crate & Barrel, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif

Through different textures, prints and colours, pillows are a quick way to jazz up any room with minimal effort. This season, the trend-conscious can look to a variety of different themes to work with sofas, chairs and beds depending on your overall style.

Our standout interior trend of the season for the coming months is cosy velvet accents. Look out for plush cushions in deep, rich shades of emerald green, ruby red and dark ink blue paired with neutral classics such as white, cream or beige.

The Illuminating Lantern

Glass Lantern, Zara Home, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

Lanterns jar candles and candelabras add instant warmth and style to a room. Whether you want to give off a rustic vibe with wicker and distressed wood or opt for a more glamorous feel by introducing elements of glass and metal, these interior accents can be dotted around your home or placed on a dining table in the garden for al fresco family meals.

The perfect party looks made for dancing in this weekend.

The ultimate party dresses to buy now

As another long working week ends, it’s time to turn our attention to something (nearly) as important as that report’s deadline - what to wear for Friday’s social plans.

From short, sweet and bedazzled with sequins, to a dramatic mesh maxi decked with ruffles, these party frocks will take you from afternoon brunching to the dance floor in fashionable form.

Black dress, Bershka, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Muscat and City Centre Bahrain

Adorned with a beaded bodice and dotted sheer sleeves, we are head over heels for this long tiered ruffle maxi dress by Bershka. Add extra drama with smokey eyes and a pop of colour with bold spindly stilettos.

Lace dress, Topshop, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Beirut

This teal lace dress is the epitome of ladylike chic. We love the soft off-the-shoulder ruffles and contrasting black piping accents. Offset the look with a vibrant red lipstick and metallic accessories.

Sequin dress, Zara, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi

We cannot resist a sequined frock, especially with wintery floral detailing. This bedazzled t-shirt dress by Zara Dubai is everything we want in an after-dark outfit. Toughen up the look with studded biker boots and big silver hoop earrings.

A no-nonsense guide to the products your skin actually needs and you may not be using yet.

Be it travel, tiredness or simply one too many late nights out, lifestyles show on our skin. 

If the closet you have recently got to a glowing complexion came from a highlighting stick, you need to read our essential guide to upping your skincare game, stat.

These skin-changing beauty buys are the not-so-secret-now weapons you need to get ASAP.  

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask, Sephora Dubai

If you are yet to introduce retinol to your skincare routine, now is the time. This super ingredient comes in a variety of formulas and strengths (including prescription grades), but we recommend starting off slow and mild to see how your skin responds, as while incredibly effective, your skin might react at first and you need time to adjust to the powerful effects of this Vitamin-A derivative.

Best used over night, retinol products are predominantly anti-ageing, but also offer a range of other skincare benefits, such as increasing cell turnover (to help discolouration and brighten) and unclog pores to combat acne.

The market now offers tons of different formulas to pick from, such as Shiseido’s Pure Retinol Smoothing Eye Mask, which can be applied and removed in just 15 minutes - the perfect treat to pep up post-party eyes.

La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Light, 24H Rehydrating Fill-In Care, Boots Pharmacy at City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

Hyaluronic Acid is a star ingredient found in many moisturisers. Think of it this way, it is to skin what an Oscar is to an actress - a brilliant bonus.

Offering long-lasting hydration, the La Roche Posay Hydraphase products are offered in both a light and rich formula to suit either dry or combination skin types. The refreshing creams infuse and lock in water to ensure your skin retains moisture for longer.

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, Sephora Dubai

Swap out rough grainy facial scrubs (which could actually be tearing the sensitive epidermis layer of your skin and spreading bacteria on the acne-prone) for an all-together gentler yet highly effective acid exfoliant, otherwise known as AHAs.

To be used twice weekly, the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is an exfoliating treatment infused with pumpkin enzyme and alpha hydroxyl acid to remove dead skin and reveal smoother, more radiant pores in a flash.

Always apply sunscreen to protect your complexion during the day as retinols and acid toners can leave skin more susceptible to sun damage from UV rays.

You need to try these tricks-of-the-trades as revealed by the world’s most-followed women.

From supermodel Bella Hadid’s secret lip smoothing trick to Cindy Crawford’s body buffing technique, we’re sharing the ultimate celebrity beauty tips.

In an interview with beauty website intothegloss.com, legendary supermodel Cindy Crawford revealed the secret to her smooth skin: “I am a big fan of dry brushing,” she said. “It is great if it’s the winter and you are drier. They say it’s really good for circulation and lymphatic drainage, too. The bristles on a dry body brush are pretty firm so it takes some time to get used to, but I just love the way it feels.”

We find dry body brushing works best after a sauna or hot bath when the skin has softened, making it easier to brush away dead skin. Rinse off in a cool shower post-scrub and finish with a thick layer of body cream.

Botanics Long Handled Body Brush, Boots Pharmacy, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

When strapped for time, the model of the moment Bella Hadid relies on Dior’s best-selling Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub to smooth her pout. “Mornings are usually really hectic for me but I’ve got my beauty routine down to a science,” says Bella. “The [Dior] Lip Sugar Scrub makes my lips super soft, it’s made with real sugar so it’s like a little treat for my lips and it melts into a balm so the sugar just disappears - no need to rinse.”

Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub, Sephora Dubai, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Bahrain

In a recent sit down with Vogue Paris, supermodel and Victoria’s Secret angel Alessandra Ambrosio said she keeps her daily beauty routine fuss-free: “My daily routine is simple but effective. I cleanse my face, occasionally with an exfoliator, and I love anti-aging serums that are packed full of vitamin C. BB creams with SPF are great too!” the Brazilian beauty revealed.

No7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh Radiance Essence, Boots Pharmacy, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

Keep, store or sell? Make room for the new with our essential guide to clearing out your closet

Your alarm rings, perhaps you hit snooze, then it’s onto shower, breakfast and finally the all too often challenge of what to wear – a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing that seems just right.

Despite a seemingly full array of clothes in front of you, we all have those dreaded days when it feels as though we have nothing to actually put on – and usually when we’re running late.

The remedy? A major closet clear out!

Here, we uncover the easiest ways to part with the old and show you exactly what to invest in to ensure no more closet overload ever again.

Keep

In our eyes, if you love it, hold onto it tight. Whatever your personal style, if you re-wear an item at least once a month, be sure to keep it at easy access within the front of your wardrobe. 

Your favourite denim, smart blazers, well-fitted smart/casual dresses plus an array of blouses and tops make for a well-curated collection to begin with – you can always update with different accessories.

Keep clothes colour-coordinated and divided into sections that best suit your lifestyle. For example office wear, party dresses, weekend comfies, etc…this will make daily outfit planning a whole lot more simple.   

Store

Just because the sun is shining, and you can’t bear the thought of leather and velvet, doesn’t mean you won’t want to wear it once the weather cools.

Bulk buy a selection of clear plastic boxes to store above your closet or under your bed. Neatly fold anything you haven’t worn in at least six months – be it biker boots, knits or sparkly festive frocks - you can pull it out again as the seasons switch.

Chances are you’ll reach for these items during Autumn/Winter, but for now, they’re better left in storage to free up rail space in your wardrobe.

Sell

If you haven’t worn it in over a year it’s time to chuck it in. Whether it’s a way-too-tight leopard print mini skirt or a slightly-too-cowgirl fringed jacket, there’s usually a reason why you haven’t worn it out the house.

Purge your closet on unwanted items and pass onto friends, or better yet donate to a charity of your choice.

The Love-forever Pieces

These classic sartorial staples will have a year-round place in your closet.

Shirt available at Mango, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Muscat

We could wax lyrical about our love for the classic white shirt - a piece so versatile it can be worn for quite literally any occasion, from the boardroom to the bar. This new season style by Mango Dubai is given a summery twist with embroidered blooms along the shoulders.

Black heels available at Aldo, visit City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi 

In addition to being extremely comfortable, these chic black chunky heels will be the finishing touch to any outfit.

Dress available at Zara. Visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria, and City Centre Maadi

Zara Dubai has delivered the ultimate wear-anywhere shift dress, complete with super flattering batwing sleeves and a knotted waist detailing in a bottle green shade perfect for all-year round.

The Insider Tips to Buying Better

First up, lend a few hours to thoroughly clearing out your closet and getting rid of anything you don’t wear or love anymore – and be brutal. Trust us, it will be a morning or afternoon well spent, and even save you outfit-planning time - as well as freeing up precious space for new purchases.

Are you heading to the mall? Before of the trip, go through your wardrobe and make a mental note of what items you wear the most. Be it a black A-line skirt or a floral maxi dress, look for pieces that you know you’ll get maximum wear out of.

Make a list and stick to it. Whether you need a classic camisole top to team with everything from off-duty denim to office blazers, or a floral summer frock to wear to the beach and beyond, go with the item in mind and you might just find what you’re looking for.

You don’t necessarily need to buy there and then on a whim. Many shops will hold the item in your name for up to several days. That way you go back, revisit the piece and purchase with clear conscious knowing it’s meant to be.