Beauty Diaries: Reem Abou Samra On Why She Won’t Be Having Botox Anytime Soon
The Laloge founder tells us her tricks to keeping her lipstick in place and her complexion looking flawless
MAKE-UP & FRAGRANCE
Eye Make-up: “I love Huda Beauty’s New Nude and Naughty Nude Eyeshadow Palette (Dhs278) as they have a good texture and a rich pigment that lasts. I carry Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk eyeshadow (1. Dhs172) for top-ups as it’s very small and compact.”
Favourite foundation: “For the daytime I use Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation (Dhs230) as it’s light. If I have a big event or a photo shoot and I want full coverage, I wear Huda Beauty Foundation Original #FauxFilter Full Coverage (Dhs185).”
Go-to lip colour: “In the evening, if I don’t wear eyeshadow, I will wear Dior Rouge lipstick in 999 (Dhs184) – I always get asked about the colour. For summer, the Hermès lipstick in Orange Boîte (Dhs285) is my favourite.”
Mascara: “I love Lancôme Hypnôse Drama (Dhs150), it gives a nice shape to the lashes. I add two coats without drying in between to make them thick and long for full drama.”
Huda Beauty Foundation Original, Dhs185.00, sephora.ae
Make-up hack: “Everyone always asks how my lipstick stays put, especially as I’m always at luncheons. Firstly, I don’t use any moisturiser on my lips, so my lipstick doesn’t slide off and I select lipsticks with texture, nothing too light. I apply a lip liner and then I mix matte and creamy lipsticks. ”
Signature scent: “BYREDO Lil Fleur Eau De Parfum (Dhs965) is my go-to for day and night – it’s flowery and fresh.”
HAIR
Go-to hairstylist: “For my hair, all my Laloge stylists are all my favourites. They’re all the same level and use the same techniques. The idea with Laloge is that you will always get consistency and expert styling from everyone.”
Styling secret: “Blonde hair is incredibly difficult to maintain as it’s quick to show dullness and drying and can look cheap and brassy. So I use L’Oréal Serie Expert Silver Shampoo at the salon, too much use at home can be drying.”
Treatments: “The sun and bleach are very damaging so I will have a treatment once per week. I also have the Kérastase Caviar Treatment once a month and afterwards I’m left with super-silky, shiny hair.”
SKIN & BODY
Go-to product for skin emergencies: “I avoid skin emergencies by taking all my make-up off every night. Lancôme Bi Facil Eye Make Up Remover (Dhs180) gets rid of everything.”
Skincare routine morning & evening: “I like to change up my routine to keep my skin guessing. Just like if I were to eat the same food everyday I would not get all the nutrients that I need. I always apply a light cream or serum in the mornings and keep the rich creams for bedtime.”
Abeille Royale Night cream, Dhs804.00, ounass.ae
Cleanser: “Wishful Clean Genie Cleansing Balm (Dhs152) is a really good remover for heavy make-up.”
Moisturiser: “I really like the Guerlain moisturisers, they smell so good. I use the Abeille Royale Night cream (Dhs804) for night-only as it’s very rich.”
Manicure: “You’ll never catch me wearing nude as I love bright, flashy colours for summer and I play with nail designs for fun.”
INTERVENTION
Attitude to injectables: “I tried Botox but I like to be expressive so it doesn’t work for me. I don’t like chemicals and medicines – unless really needed – as ultimately it’s putting poison into your body. It’s about mind and mood – if you’re happy your energy will reflect on your face. Good energy is more important than looking beautiful.”
DIET & FITNESS
Favourite workout: “I enjoy yoga and meditation and I find this to be very relaxing and beneficial for general wellbeing and calmness. I also love swimming in the sea because saltwater is very healing”
Food dislikes: “I go to many events where there’s no choice, so I will eat most things. However I don’t eat much shellfish and I prefer vegetarian.”
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia June 2021 Issue
