I had a few days left in Kuwait and I suggested to my mom that we have a girl’s day and go get pampered at the local beauty salon. I feel that its very important to treat yourself once in a while for all the hard work that you put in. Not only do I like to maintain my figure, but I always make it a point to take care of my appearance whether it’s through a facial, manicure & pedicure or a sharp hair do.

My mom agreed to join and my dad offered to drop us off at a hole-in-the wall  beauty shop that was well known for their low prices and professional treatments. 

Beauty is a billion dollar industry in the Middle East. Kuwait alone has thousands of beauty salons, spas, makeup boutiques and plastic surgery centers. It’s a walking fashion show here!

Beauty Salons in Kuwait are segregated because of the Islamic law discouraging the grouping of men and women to decrease the urges of temptation.

The businesses open up shop in high rise apartment buildings and signs are posted outside their window to advertise to the public.

As you can see from the image, the salon is located on the 2nd floor and the sign reads SARA LAND in both Arabic and English since there are many foreigners that currently reside in Kuwait.

No appointment needed. We walked in to a little space of a salon that had the simplest setup: two chairs, a sofa and one other room that they did facials and waxing in. The salon was run by a Philippina (woman from the Philippines) named Madame Sara. From what my dad said, she has been one of the most talented in Kuwait for over 20 years. She takes pride in her business and only hires the best Phillippina girls to assist her.

  I came in thinking I just wanted to add a little shine to my hair, but then I noticed a beautiful hair color displayed on a manikin. The base color was a rich auburn chocolate with warm colored highlights.  I fell in love!

 

My mom wanted the same, so the ladies started to prepare for our process. Madame Sara (lady with silver hair) consulted us both and showed us a swatch book filled with hair color examples. After we chose our colors, she instructed her assistants to get to work on mixing and applying the base color.

My mom and I began to engage in a conversation with the 2 Philippina assistants as we discussed topics from family life to Celine Dion. They loved Celine! And even more, they LOVED to sing. My mom agreed with the girls saying that Celine’s “Power of Love” was one of her favorite ballads but she apologized because she couldn’t remember how to start the song. Out of no where… Dali (the one assistant) belted out the song in the most beautiful sultry voice. It was so good, I got tears in my eyes.

                            

“Walik! Bekafeh!”.. (Enough YOU!) My mom was not into me snapping pictures of her, so I’ll just sneak these two in for now. 

My mom had heard from my dad that Madame Sara was married to an Lebanese Man, that was a bit taboo issue in the Middle East. Arabs are encouraged to stick to their own people and religion, and avoid any other cultures especially ones from the far East.

Most Philippinos come to Kuwait to work as nannies, servants and  other occupations that involve long hours and very little money.

Curiosity kicked in, and we asked Madame Sara how she landed herself a successful Arab man. After hearing her story, I was in awe and hopeful that true love still exists.

Without hesitation, Madame Sara smiled at me and began her love story as she continued to do my hair. Long story short, this amazing woman left the Philippines in her 30′s with her two daughters and headed to Kuwait to pursue a job in cosmetology. When arriving, she kept to herself and concentrated on feeding her kids. She was invited to a child birthday party where she caught the eye of a Muslim Lebanese who was 10 years younger.

Everyone pointed out that he was interested but she stayed to herself. This man chased her for 3 years, made his brother and 2 sisters befriend her to get closer and his ultra conservative Muslim Mother adore her. After truly feeling his true love for her, she agreed to marry. But there was one problem.. even though Madame Sara converted to Islam, Kuwait law would not permit the couple to marry. The love birds drove to Iraq and found a place that would. Soon after, she gave birth to his son and another daughter making a total of four children.

Yes, the love story was very romantic and inspirational, but that’s not what touched me. I was impressed by Madame Sara’s Buddhist -like mentality as she radiated with peace and love. She was strong, independent and did not NEED her husband.. she wanted him as her partner. “His heart and mine are one”. She respected Islam and other religions and felt that she did not need to prove her connection with God to anyone but herself. She wasn’t against wearing a Burka, but she felt that it would not make her a better because she already was. She was secure with her heart and her spiritual connection and did not judge others for their way of life.

Life is beautiful to me even though it contains so much sadness as well. I am continuously being shaped and molded by every situation and person that I face whether they are positive or negative. Women like Madame Sara inspire and motivate me to do more and love more of life, like anyone should. Unless you believe in reincarnation, a person should LIVE life, make mistakes, take risks and LOVE hard (without harming others of course).  Stop regretting the past and live for the now.

Don’t let life pass you by. You deserve to love your life.

Love, Ghada

I was driving to work last week and heard a commercial for a natural breast enhancement cream.

 

Supposedly, the cream was all natural and promoted a ½ “ in growth every month.

 

The cream works by attaching to the fat cells of the boobs and making them grow. When you get to your desired size, you can stop applying the cream and the results will last forever!

 

Oh my! I needed a good laugh that morning so I decided to call.  The phone rang and a young lady got on the phone. She introduced herself and the product and asked me if I wanted to go ahead with the purchase.

 

Whoa buddy, chill out! I need to know what this Snake Oil consists of first, and if it really works before investing my money.

 

Working in the beauty industry, I consider myself very knowledgeable when it comes to ingredients and how to scope out a bogus product.

  

Here are the questions I asked the lady & the answers she bounced back:

Me: What’s in it?

Lady: Natural ingredients. There are no side effects

Me: Do you have clinical studies?

Lady: No

Me: Do you have before and after pics?

Lady: No

Me: Ok. Do you have a site or information you can send me?

Lady: No. We will send you some when you place an order.

Me: No thanks!

 

Everyone has a website! I was so frustrated at the fact that this company was selling Snake Oil and had nothing to offer its customers as proof. Do women really fall for this? They must if this company has enough money to run ads on national radio stations.

 

I got online and started doing research on non-surgical breast enhancement treatments. You’ll be shocked to what I came across.

 

Non-surgical treatments ranged from topical creams, natural herbs, pills, lasers, push up bras and get this.. BREAST SLAPPING.

 

Breast Slapping? Are they serious? Yes, breast slapping is an officially approved method of breast enhancement.

 

 

Khemmikka Na Songkhla, a Bangkok beautician invented the method of breast slapping that was eventually approved by Thailand’s government health board in 2003 as a natural alternative to surgery.

 

 

Breast slapping is a well known treatment in Thailand and continues to generate more customers.

 

The treatment involves a kneading action that massages fat from surrounding areas around the breasts, and pushing them towards the breasts. The fat from other areas of the body eventually fill the breasts to create a fuller appearance and size. Breast slapping can be relaxing, stimulating and painful.

 

Hundreds of women were pleased with their results. Reports show that breast slapping can increase breast fullness by 4” within 3-6 months of continuous treatment.

 

What do you think? Real or powerful placebo?

While I wait for your thoughts, I’ll start the procedure on myself and keep you posted on the results. I’m a B cup shooting for a D! Wish me luck.

 Love,

Ghada

 

Hi Smallworld beauties,

 

A few blogs back, I listed some of my “can’t live without” skin, hair & body products.

Here are my “can’t live without” beauty & make up essentials.

 

 

 

# 1 I “can’t live without” my BABY WIPES

I really love baby wipes. I never leave my house without a travel pack of baby wipes. I love a little scent to mine.

 

They are great at removing make up at the end of the night before deep cleaning my face. If I go out to dinner, it’s a great way to clean my hands until I get to the ladies room. Baby wipes are also great to wipe your pickachoo so you can stay fresh all day. You never know!

 

 

# 2 I “can’t live without” my COVERGIRL Hydrating Foundation

I have tried so many foundations and its always hard finding something that compliments my skin tone, and does accentuate ever flaw and pore on my face. I have been using COVERGIRL’S hydrating foundation for over a year now and I always get compliments on how flawless my skin looks.

 

Trust me, my skin is not flawless. It’s all in the makeup application. I actually learned how to apply foundation from my mom. She used to apply it like a moisturizer. Dab here and here, then even it out like a moisturizer. Hmm.. how smart! So I have stolen her technique and I never have any blotching, or definite jaw line. This foundation is very light yet dewy. It gives me the J Lo Glow. 

 

 

# 3 I “can’t live without” my Sally Hansen SKIN BRIGHTNER

You know how it is. You walk into CVS and somehow you end up with a basket full of cosmetics when you arrive at the cash register. You may get to use them a few times before they are replaced by another group of products at your next CVS visit.  

This one was one of those products that ended up in my basket, and won its way on my beauty shelf.

Sally Hansen SKIN BRIGHTNER is tinted sheer moisturizer. I love wearing this to the gym because it gives me a tiny bit of color without anyone noticing. I also like to mix this with my COVERGIRL hydrating foundation, to create a more radiant glow with a hint of bronze.

 

# 4 I “can’t live without” my SW MINERAL MAKEUP

After my foundation is applied, I like to go back and conceal my blemishes and dark circles.  I love using mineral makeup to do so. Mineral make up contains light reflecting ingredients that can trick the eye. I have created my own Mineral Makeup line so I don’t have to spend a fortune on “powder”. Apply just a little here and there, and watch how you can transform your flaws into perfection. Email me if you are interested in purchasing some SW Mineral Makeup.

 

# 5 I “can’t live without” my MAKEUP BRUSHES

A must have for any Smallworld Beauty, is a great set of make up brushes. My brushes come in different sizes to serve different purposes.

I have my powder brush, blush brush, angled eye shadow brush, thin lip brush to line my lips and an eye brow defining brush.

I love my brushes because they make me feel creative whenever I apply my make up. I am an artist for those 10 minutes.

 

 

# 6 I “can’t live without” BLACK RADIANCE BRONZER

Even though Black Radiance is a great line created for the woman of color, their hues and products are beautiful!

Black Radiance has this bronzer that can compliment any tanned complexion. I think I might really cry if they discontinued this one.

This compact has four shades to create a natural sun-kissed bronze, and contains the perfect amount of shimmer to reflect any texture flaws.

 

# 7 I “can’t live without” my CG’s LASH BLAST.

Mascara is a great in creating long seductive lashes. I’m always down to try new products, but Drew Barrimore’s cute face worked in reeling me in to try the new CoverGirl LASH BLAST.  It delivers what it claims; Full, Luscious Lashes! Who doesn’t crave that?

Eyes are the window to the soul, so make them gorgeous!

 

 

# 8 I “can’t live without” my AIR Stocking

Having a gorgeous made up face is great, but I also like to make sure my legs and body look good too.

 

My legs are far from perfect. Due to genetics, weight gain and sport injuries, my legs are really not that cute.  

 

I have accepted that, so I choose to conceal and accentuate them when I want to wear a beautiful dress. AIR Stocking is an airbrush like foundation that easily covers any imperfection. Spray it on, blend a little and watch how your legs scream sexy. Try a little of the Black Radiance Bronzer on top to add a little shimmer if you’re heading out to a lounge with some friends.

 

Now it’s your turn to share your “can’t live without” favorites with us!

  

Love,

Ghada.

 

I have had my share of experience in the hair and beauty industry, so I have learned to ignore genius marketing strategies and purchase items that I truly love and that work best for me.

 

The products that I have featured in this article are just a few of my “can’t live without” items. I understand that everyone’s preference is different so I expect that some may or may not love my choices. At the end of this article, I would love for you to send me a list of your favorite day to day products. I am always up for testing new things!

 

# 1 I “can’t live without” ACNE FREE

I have suffered from acne all my life and tried everything from Differin Gel, ProActive to Birth Control pills. And the winner by a long shot is: ACNE FREE!

Ladies, I truly love this product. I noticed an improvement in my overall skin condition in only a few days. The only negative about this product, is that I have to continuously apply it daily or I’ll produce more oil and break out again. I’m oily, acne prone so I have to deal with it. And ACNE FREE has really made it simple for me to control my skin.

 

You can purchase Acne Free at any drug store (CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens etc).

The kit will run you $19.99 and lasts a month or two. Acne Free also offers a GIANT cleanser that I like to use in conjunction with my body wash.

 

 

# 2 I “can’t live without” MEG 21Advanced Formula

You’ve heard that sugar is bad for you, but have you heard that it is also horrible for your skin? Sugar’s harmful effects include inflammation, loss of collagen, cross-linking of elastin and collagen, free radicals and so much more.

 

My #2 favorite product is MEG 21! This amazing moisturizer contains a patented active ingredient called Supplamine that works to fight sugar’s harmful effects leading to great skin.

So let me tell you a personal testimonial about MEG 21.

 

First of all, I was offered a job by Dynamis, the makers of MEG 21 a few years back. I promised myself that I would never sell a product that I did not 100% believe in. before committing to the position, I requested if I could test the cream and read more about it. I fell in love with the Dynamis Story.

 

MEG 21 was unexpectedly discovered through Diabetes Research and helped target sugar in the skin. I was hesitant to use the cream since I had oily, acne prone pizza face skin and anything would cause it to break out.

 

From the first application, I fell in love with MEG 21. This product felt so soft and creamy, ultra hydrating, and soothing. My face did not break out at all, but instead it felt calm.

I have been using MEG 21 for over 2 years now and I swear by it. My skin has never glowed like this. The texture of my skin is smooth and radiant.

Ladies! This product is amazing under make up! Everyone thinks I have beautiful skin.. and I really don’t. You can ask my mom. 

If you’re looking to improve moisture, firmness and overall skin tone and texture, I suggest giving this product a try.

MEG 21 is distributed through aestheticians, plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Log on to www.DynamisSKinScience.com and find the closest seller near you.

 

 

# 3 I “can’t live without” St. Ives Apricot Scrub

Exfoliation is very important to me. Even though the skin naturally sheds every 25 days or so, a gentle scrub can assist with getting  any excess dead skin off. Exfoliation will also help better penetrate any other skin care products in to the skin so you can maximize the benefits.

I love St. Ives Apricot Scrub because it has a gentle grittiness to it and smells great. This scrub is very affordable and lasts me a few months since I only use it a few times a week. Over exfoliation can lead to more sensitive and irritated skin.

 

 

# 4 I “can’t live without” QUEEN HELENE, MINT JULEP MASQUE

Part of my weekly skin care regimen is Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Masque.

I like to apply a clay mask to help clean my skin from trapped dirt and toxins. The clay mask attaches itself to dirt in your pores so that you can easily wash them off. The mask also helps with shrinking pores. Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Masque is so cheap and efficient. It feels so cool and tingly on application and lasts me almost a year since I only need a little bit once a week.

 

 

# 5 I “can’t live without” LING RICE & WALNUTS IMPERIAL SCRUB

I like to take care of my entire body not just my face. My favorite body scrub is Ling Skin Care’s Imperial Body Scrub.

 

The perfect blend of rice, walnuts, and honey, Ling’s Imperial Scrub smells delicious! It really tastes sweet too. You can purchase the scrub at Ling Skin Care in New York or just order online. www.lingskincare.com Check out their handmade soaps too. They carry blends of black charcoal, jasmine and lemon grass soaps. Tell them Ghada sent you!

 

# 5 I “can’t live without” PALMER’S COCOA BUTTER

As I mentioned in the About me article, I also suffer from stretch marks all over so I like to treat my skin with nature’s cocoa butter. I love Palmer’s but any brand should be fine.

Cocoa butter is so thick and moisturizing, great for post showers. I like to apply it to damp skin so it will penetrate better and I won’t have to use as much.

Recent research indicates that massaging the skin with cocoa butter may help relieve stress, boost the immune system, and even prevent cancer.

 

# 6 I “can’t live without” HERBAL ESSENCES Hair Care

 

During my college years, I worked at a beauty salon that sold high end hair care lines such as Matrix, Nexxus and Back to Basics so I’ve had my experience in sampling many shampoos, conditioners and treatments. More and more companies are replicating the famous brands to offer it at a cheaper price.

Herbal Essences has done just that. I love this line especially the “color me happy” set, since I color and hi-lite my hair every 6-8 weeks. When I feel good about my looks, I project more confidence and energy. I love life more and my hair smells great! OMG! Just kidding, I really don’t talk like that.

  

 

# 7 I “can’t live without” BIOSILK HAIR SERUM

After a great shampoo, I have to prep my hair for a sleek blow dry. My hair tends to lean more towards the frizzy curly way. If I don’t apply a frizz control, forget about it. I look like the angry frizzy haired girls in the shampoo commercials.

 

Farouk System’s Biosilk is an unbelievably smoothing serum for any hair type. Other hair serums and shines can turn my hair greasy if I accidentally apply too much. Biosilk doesn’t seem to do that. I’m not too crazy about their shampoos, but the Silk Therapy always has a space on my beauty shelf. Try this serum as a body oil. It really feels like silk.

 

What are some of your “can’t live without” beauty products! I would love to see what’s on your beauty shelf.

 

Coming Soon… Part 2 where I share my favorite make up findings!