24 Hours With Fatema Alawadhi: How She Spends Her Day
The Kuwaiti fashion influencer carpes her diem one event at a time in between consistent healthy habits and daily skincare rituals… but her most important routine of all? Family
9:00AM: I wake up around 9:00am on weekdays – and on weekends, it varies. The first thing I do is check my phone for anything urgent, then drink a glass of water. At 9:15am, I write down three things I’m looking forward to that day before grounding myself with a morning dua.
9:30AM: I shower with Molton Brown’s gentle and hydrating body wash, and Gisou’s honey-infused shampoo and conditioner. I cleanse my face with the Daily Facial Cleanser from Cetaphil, moisturise then apply the La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 sunscreen, which offers protection without the greasy feeling.
I always use Dior’s Forever Concealer with Armani’s Silk Foundation in my daily make-up regimen because of their excellent coverage and blendability. I blow-dry at home and head to the salon for a manicure every three weeks. I also make sure to get a monthly hydrafacial from the Oud Clinic in Kuwait.
10:00AM: I typically have two to three cups of coffee a day, my first at 10:00am. I enjoy a balanced breakfast of fruits and yoghurt. I check my Gmail at 10:45am. I stay informed with news apps and I use Spotify for music. It typically takes about 15 minutes to dress myself every morning. I might start with an accessory and build the outfit around that; sometimes it depends on my feelings, or the occasion. I’d describe my style as the best of both worlds: pairing classics with contemporary trends to make something that looks like ‘me’.
11:30AM: I attend meetings in tailored trousers, a blouse and often a blazer. I accessorise with statement jewellery and add a watch or sunglasses. I clock in by 11:30AM. I usually bring my leather Moynat tote to work, but it depends on my vibe that day – items inside it include: phone, wallet, keys, a small perfume and hand sanitizer.
For evening events, I’ll wear an elegant dress with heels. I can appreciate Dior’s legacy and Fendi’s innovations, but I also like Jacquemus’ modern yet playful look books and how Off-White blends high fashion and streetwear. I’m naturally drawn to quality craftsmanship, fine details and statement items. I’ve collected roughly 150 bags over the years – my favourite being the Lady Dior Multicolour Python Bag from 2014.
1:00PM: Lunchtime depends on my husband and kids’ schedule – we always eat together. I’ll usually have a quinoa salad with grilled chicken and a light vinaigrette because it’s nutritious and tasty. I try to maintain a balanced diet, incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein but I also believe in enjoying treats in moderation. I play tennis three times a week.
5:00PM Outside of planned meetings or shoots, my schedule is very accommodating, with enough time to catch up with friends over dinner once a week or so after 5:00PM. We tend to frequent cozy cafes like Baker and Spice in Kuwait.
I visit my regular boutiques in Kuwait whenever there’s a special sales or new releases – I have one house there, where my husband works and my kids study, and another in Dubai with a beautiful golf courtyard where we can relax and enjoy the outdoors on vacation. I enjoy hosting small intimate gatherings at home rather than huge parties, it’s just far better for conversation.
7:00PM: Every 24 hours, my life revolves around balancing family time, personal activities, work commitments and self-care. So my favourite way to spend 7:00PM is a cozy dinner with my family and maybe a movie together. I’m a fan of The New Look series, which is a historical drama about Christian Dior’s “New Look” collection, and the musical La La Land for its beautiful cinematography.
10:30PM: I go to bed around 10:30PM, but not after removing my make-up with the Sensibio H2O Micellar Water from Bioderma, which is effective and gentle on my face. Then I cleanse and apply Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Cream to moisturise.
Currently, I have the book, Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson on my nightstand. It’s about understanding different personality types by communicating those insights in one’s relationships. I jot down any notes, thoughts, sudden epiphanies, or reminders in my journal and I always have a bottle of water nearby. I’m actually a light sleeper so I avoid screens before bed and keep my room quiet. The last thing I do is read the Quran, then lights out.
Fatema’s Picks
Edited by Bryan Liu. From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s September 2024 issue.