Gentlemen’s Tonic is a newly opened salon at the ShuiQi Spa & Fitness at Atlantis, dedicated exclusively to the needs of men, offering a perfect antidote to the rigors and stresses of the outside world.

With a variety of traditional grooming services tailored to the modern man, including shaves, haircuts and styling, Gentlemen’s Tonic comprises elements of old and new where wood, leather and marble are mixed with high-tech LCD screens, providing an environment where men can kick back and relax.

We caught up with the Founder of Gentlemen’s Tonic, Oliver Bonnefoy to get his take on the male grooming market and why he decided to leave the world of investment banking and pursue a career in the male grooming sector.

Why Gentlemen’s Tonic? You have a banking background?

I always wanted to work in a consumer services space. I thought about the food and beverage industry, bars and nightclubs but then you think of the late night hours, was this something I really wanted to do.  And then I started looking into the male grooming market. This sector was virtually untapped but growing at an astronomic rate compared to the female market. The demand was there for luxury men’s grooming services so this was where Gentlemen’s Tonic began. Many of the social barriers and stigmas have been eliminated and there is greater interest on the part of men to look and feel their best.

You have an exclusive product range to accompany the services you offer.  Were you involved in the development of the product formulations of your range?

Absolutely, I have been involved in all the product formulations for our entire range. When we started developing the range, our main focus was our client. We have created a product range that is free from synthetic materials and harmful chemical additives, is natural, and not tested on animals.

Are you products made locally?

All of our products and accessories are made locally in the UK our launch market place. Our shaving brushes are completely handmade, using traditional techniques and craftsmanship.

You have salons in London, Hong Kong and now Dubai? Why Dubai and Atlantis as your hotel partner of choice?

Men in the Middle East are well known for their neatly trimmed and groomed beards. Now with the Gentlemen’s Tonic open at Atlantis men can relax and enjoy treatments in traditional surroundings with a splurge of indulgence.

We chose to partner with Atlantis, The Palm as they are the ultimate entertainment destination resort in the UAE and ShuiQi Spa & Fitness captures the imagination and curiosity of guests and draws them into a haven of relaxation and well-being.

What would you say are men’s shaving habits here in the UAE?

If I had to compare shaving habits of our clients in the UAE to our clients in the UK, I would say the men in the UAE have a far better shave. In the UK, we have extreme weather conditions so the skin texture is very different. Constant changes or extreme changes in the weather especially during the winter or summer months where there is less moisture in the air can disrupt the balance of the sebaceous glands that produce your skins protective oil layer.

Tell me more about the Royal Shave?

Designed for men who require their face to be in top condition, the 45 minute Royal Shave priced at AED310 focuses on refreshing and recharging the face by rejuvenating the skin and promoting tissue regeneration. The process starts with cleansing the face and softening of the hair stubble using pre-shave oil, followed by a ‘touch up’ shave using a razor and brush set. A mask application is applied after the shave to cool the skin and to tone the skin in order to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines. Acupressure massage follows, focusing on stress relief points which encourage deep relaxation and a free mind.

What are your pro at home shaving tips?

• Personally I prefer shaving in the shower as the warm water opens up the pores.
• First shave with the grain, to get most of the hair and then against the grain to polish it off.
• Use a good quality product.
• Splash your face with cold water after shaving to close the pores.

For reservations at Gentlemen’s Tonic, call +971 4 426 1020, or email dxb-spa@atlantisthepalm.com.

Lux launched their new Soft Skin Range at the Origami Ballroom at Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai on Monday, 20th May 2013.

Guests were given the opportunity to discover and learn about Lux’s Soft Touch fragrance composition from Eckhard Simbt, world class and master perfumer from Firmenich.

Lux has teamed up with Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance company, which is behind globally-renown fine fragrances such as Dolce & Gabbana and Elie Saab. Eckhard Simbt, one of the perfumers behind Lux’s Soft Touch variant fragrance, was the guest speaker at the event in Dubai sharing his experience working on the fragrance.

“Lux is committed to creating indulgent skin treats to provide an exceptional experience for women around the world,” commented Eckhard Simbt. “For the Lux Soft Touch, we have found our inspiration from the treasures of Taif Valley, one of the oldest cities in the world located in Saudi Arabia and known for the magnificent fragrant Rose Taif. We have modernized the scent with trendy, romantic, floral accords and enriched it with a mix of sensual, woody, musky and creamy notes to convey the sophistication and elegance Lux is known for. ”

To bring the captivating fragrance to life, Lux collaborated with Bollywood royalty and Lux Brand Ambassador Katrina Kaif who was involved with the re-launch of the range as she dazzles on screen during the TV commercial. Renowned singer Saad Ramadan also partnered with Lux to recompose Abdel Halim Hafez’s timeless song Ahwak which was used for the TV commercial as well.

Lux’s Soft Skin Range is available at all major supermarkets.

Lux Soft Touch Body Wash 250ml: AED11
Lux Velvet Touch Body Wash 250ml: AED11
Lux Soft Touch Soap Bar 170g: AED4
Lux Velvet Touch Soap Bar 170g: AED4

Esmod Dubai, a fully dedicated institute covering fashion in the Middle East has conducted a survey on the evolution of fashion in Dubai.

This hub offers not only a good quality of life with a forever lasting summer, multiple beaches and entertainment galore; but also endless shopping options which makes it one of the top holiday destinations. This vibrant city holds an exceptional multiculturalism demand in terms of fashion styles as well as an academically recognized generation, which are the two ultimate ingredients for a cutting-edge Fashion Designer recipe!

It’s only human to feel the need to belong to a community or a certain elite with the main desire to fit in, nevertheless the Dubai society is progressively seeking for individualism in different areas, particularly within the fashion field.

There is a high demand for alternatives within the shopping range and a niche outside the circular trends. Thus, outside of malls Concept Stores such as “Mahani” are coming to light; the boutique offers a new kind of shopping experience emphasized by a genius mix of well-known brands and yet unknown designers in the region, giving a chance to emerging Talent to be seen as worthy. The recent independent shops development witnessed along Al Wasl road and Al Safa is the response to the Dubai shoppers in need of “street shopping” style experience.

The pioneer within the fashion educational sector is Esmod Dubai’s “Fashion Incubator” which is a unique non-profit platform that guides young designers and Esmod Dubai’s Graduates in the process of manufacturing, retailing, branding and marketing of their collection.

In fact, since 2006, Esmod Dubai is fully dedicated to shaping the next leaders of the fashion industry in the region. Esmod offers a three years program with the highest level of courses based on a 170 years patented teaching method updated yearly and built on the fashion industry’s trend forecasts. The students learn in depth techniques on how to conceive and produce garments from A to Z as per the French couture’s quality standard.

“Dubai is home to the widest collection of fashion labels in the Middle East, making it a very popular destination for fashionistas from across the region. Esmod Dubai itself predominantly welcome foreign nationalities of students, which re-affirms the reputation of Dubai as a perfect breeding ground of international fashion talents, cross-cultural fashion designs and concepts. Our plan is to provide quality in fashion training and contribute to the expansion of Dubai as the indisputable centre of fashion in the Middle East,” said Tamara Hostal Founder and Managing Director of Esmod Dubai.

Esmod Dubai has also revealed two important dates.

The registration for its three years program is now open and will commence on 15th September 2013.

The 5th Graduation Fashion Show Ceremony will be held on the 19th of June 2013 at 7 PM in Wafi Mall.

“As usual Esmod Dubai is expecting thousands of visitors, celebrity guests and VIP’s from around the globe. It is an amazing opportunity to see the graduates ’s achievement in the form of a professional fashion show” said Tamara Hostal.

Dubai has definitely earned its place as the capital for fashion in the Middle East along side Paris, Milan, London and New York. Twice a year buyers and other fashion marketers travel across the globe to unearth the new season “must have” in order to keep up with the fashionistas. But in a city with such an incredible melting pot and a Fashion Design Institution such as Esmod; what we are looking for might be standing right in front of us.

Olay’s Regenerist Microsculpting Cream contains high levels of a new magic ingredient that is proven to have the power to turn back the hands of time. Matrixyl, also known as Pal-KTTKS, is the key penta-peptide in the Regenerist range.

A new study by researchers at the Unversity of Reading published in Molecular Pharmaceutics highlights the role Matrixyl plays in enhancing collagen levels.

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in skin tissue and ligaments. It declines with age due to slowed production of new collagen and accumulated damage to existing collagen from the environment.  This can lead to lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness. This research shows that in in-vitro cultures, Matrixyl can positively impact collagen levels.

Professor Ian Hamley who led the study is quoted as saying “Our research shows that products with Matrixyl will have skincare benefits”.

“The penta-peptide, PAL-KTTKS, technology lies at the heart of the Olay Regenerist range.  This new research confirms once more its important role in anti-ageing skincare formulations. Over time Olay has conducted many clinical and consumer studies with moisturisers containing PAL-KTTKS. These studies have shown consistently the technologies ability to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve visible firmness and provide women with a more youthful skin,” said Olay Principal Scientist, Dr. Sian Morris.

Matrixyl’s important role in anti-ageing skincare formulations is acknowledged by other leading skin experts working in the field. Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Nick Percival FRCS recommends products that contain PAL-KTTKS for patients who have undergone facial surgery and are looking for effective skincare options: “6-8 weeks post treatment is recommended to maintain their results because it has been shown in clinical tests to increase the production of collagen in the skin, thereby providing anti-wrinkle benefits.”

Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream is available in all leading supermarkets.

Retail Price:  AED90.

With the beauty awards just around the corner, Viva are gearing up to celebrate, the best in beauty, on its sixth annual Viva Beauty Awards and Hair Show to be held on the 22nd May 2013 at the Fairmont The Palm.

After weeks of research, testing and analysis, hundreds of contenders across categories such as skin care, hair care, make-up and fragrance have been whittled down to a shortlist, with the help of a judging panel including make-up artist Zareen Shah and make-up artist and beauty blogger Huda Kattan.

The winners in each of the 10 categories are picked by thousands of avid beauty consumers, via public voting, a process which is audited by BPA (Business Publications Audit of Circulations).

Running alongside the Awards, during May 19- 23, is the very first Viva Beauty Week: Five jam-packed days of pampering and exclusive offers from some of our favourite beauty brands.

Tune in to 92FM or follow Viva on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MyVivaMagazine for more details!

The Beauty Hub team have selected their choice of winners in each of the following short-listed categories and here we share it with you:

Mass Category

• Best Perfume – Eau De Lacoste
• Best Mascara – Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara
• Best Nail Polish – Max Factor Glossfinity Nail Polish
• Best Anti-Ageing Product -Olay Regenerist Night Renewal Elixir
• Best Hair Product – Sunsilk Co-creations Expert Damage Reconstruction
• Best Face Moisturiser – No7 P&P Intense Day Cream
• Best Lipstick – Bourjois BB Gloss 5 in 1
• Best Body Product – L’Occitane Exfoliating and Smoothing Delicous Paste

Prestige Category

• Best Perfume -Givenchy Irresistible
• Best Mascara – Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess
• Best Nail Polish -Dolce & Gabbana The Nail Lacquer
• Best Anti-Ageing Product – Eve Lom Intense Firming Serum
• Best Hair Product – Davines Oi/Oil
• Best Face Moisturiser – Clarins Multi Active Day Cream
• Best Lipstick -Saint Laurent Vernis a Levres Glossy Stain
• Best Body Product – Neom Luxury Organics Real Luxury Organic Body Scrub
• Best Hair Salon – Salon Ink Dubai

Some of our beauty splurges:

• Tinted moisturiser/BB Cream with SPF/Foundation – there are great drug store brands however at the moment we are loving Clarins BB Cream with SPF.
• Skincare – anti-ageing serum or cream – what woman would not splurge on this product.  Anything to keep those wrinkles at bay.
• Eyeshadow – the higher end eyeshadow pigments tend to be a lot richer and adhere to the lids easier.
• Face powder – we would invest in a good translucent powder to set our makeup – especially in the summer months.
• Hair mask – treating our hair one or twice a week with a good conditioning hair mask will nourish hair especially if it has been colour treated.

Some products that we save on:

• Nail polish – this is normally applied in the salon when heading down for a manicure and pedicure. 
• Eyeliner – our favourite is Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner.  At AED42 it is a save for us.
• Mascara – there are so many great drug store mascara’s available in the market that match up to the more expensive ones.
• Shampoo & conditioner – normal supermarket brands get the job done for us.  Unless it is something really special, we would rather splurge on a great hair mask.

Laura Mercier Cosmetics is a global luxury cosmetic line that was founded by French Makeup Artist, Laura Mercier.

Working as a makeup artist for clients such as L’Oreal, Maybelline and Vanity Fair to name a few, Laura saw a need to create products, particularly for the face and skin, that were not available in the marketplace at the time.

Unable to find colours, textures or formula’s she wanted, she began experimenting and mixing her own.  Hence the industries first primer was born.

Tabaya Jafari is one of the Global Artists for Laura Mercier Cosmetics. She happily jet sets around the globe promoting the brand and their new collections, a job many are envious of.

We caught up with Tabaya at Harvey Nichols, Dubai to discuss the inspiration behind their new Folklore Collection and share some of her pro beauty tips and trends.

Tell us more about the inspiration behind the Folklore Collection?

Laura Mercier is all about the process of developing new and innovative products and the inspiration behind the Folklore Collection was the spirit of cultural influences from South and Central American civilizations. The look is naturally bronzed, with rich earthy tones perfect for summer days and nights.

Growing up you were dazzled by Bollywood Cinema. What was it that drew you to this?

I was born in Pakistan but grew up in Canada from the age of four. In the 1970’s Bollywood produced many romantic confections filled with colour and lots of drama. I was drawn to the ladies with their colourful outfits and beautiful makeup looks.

What are 3 of your top beauty tips?

1. Women should exfoliate their skin more often. We have a fantastic Flawless Skin Face Polish that has purifying micro-beads that gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells leaving skin smooth and even toned.
2. Always use a primer underneath makeup. Our primers are water based that creates a perfect canvas for makeup applications, no silicon has been added, therefore you can wear it every day.
3. Rather opt for a translucent powder than pressed powder for the weather conditions in the Middle East as the invisible formula works for all skin tones, from light to dark. This powder contains unique light-reflecting, micro-refined spherical silica powders that help create a soft-focus appearance, diminishing the look of fine lines and imperfections while visibly smoothing skin. You can re-apply through the day without the powder caking on the skin which pressed powders are known to do.

What are the current makeup trends for 2013?

1. Colour focus is huge for 2013. The statement eye and nude lip or nude eye with statement lip.
2. Eyeshadows with multi-layers.  There is a lot of playfulness in nudes and dark colours.
3. Textures – matte lipsticks are big this season.

What are your top 3 Laura Mercier products that you can’t live without for the Middle Eastern Woman?

1. Caviar Stick Eye Colour – are long-wearing, creamy shadow with an innovative, lightweight texture that glides on and adheres to the eyelid perfectly, leaving an even finish that lasts for hours without creasing.
2. Secret Finish Mattifying Cream – which is applied after makeup application primarily for touch-ups throughout the day, this innovative formula ‘soaks up’ facial oil, mattifying the skin on contact perfect for the weather conditions in the UAE.
3. Mineral Pressed Powder – offers a natural, buildable foundation for sheer to full coverage. With its creamy texture, the oil free, water-resistant formula adheres to skin for a colour-true finish all day.

An interesting point to raise on our pressed mineral powder is that a 100% Natural Binder System of rice lipids, jojoba esters and amino acids have been used to mimic the skin’s structure promoting a healthier appearance. No other pressed mineral powder has this.

Bourjois had the pleasure of hosting their 150th Anniversary event “a la Bourjois” at Bambah Boutique in Jumeirah on Sunday, 12th May 2013.

Socialites, VIPs and press all got together to celebrate Bourjois blowing out 150 candles and looking back at the beautiful things they have accomplished over the years. From vintage products to the hottest new trends, Bourjois celebrated with guests in style!

Founded in 1863, Bourjois humble beginnings were born on the great boulevards of Paris in the theatre district.  The actor Joseph-Albert Ponsin was the company’s first creator, and he prepared makeup and perfumes for the industry in the comfort of his own home. In 1868, Joseph entrusted his company to Alexandre-Napoléon Bourjois, who pushed the brand to reach international status.

If your hair and skin has lost its usual lustre and shine, chances are you’re body is not obtaining the required nutrients from your diet.

Skin, being the largest body organ is always the first to show any outward signs of inner disharmony. Supplements are not a replacement for a well balanced diet, food can heal so many ailments but during times of stress or sickness they aid in giving the body the minerals and vitamins needed to keep us at our best.

Hair loss, brittle hair and nails, cracked swollen skin, rosacea, eczema and a number of other skin and hair disorders provide visible warning signs of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Omega 3 (Essential Fatty Acids) – vital to every living cell in the body.

• Combats dry and brittle hair, hair loss, dry, flaky scalp and reduced circulation to the scalp.
• Adds lustre, sheen and elasticity to your hair.
• Two components of Omega 3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are vital for the nourishment of the hair follicle. EPA regulates oil production in the skin.
• Containing anti-inflammatory properties, Omega-3s can also help relieve skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema.
• More and more hair care product manufacturers are starting to include Omega 3 into their range of products to help manage curls and kinks!

Biotin – also known as the hair growth Vitamin and is found in many cosmetic products.

• Deficiencies in Biotin show as brittle nails, baldness, thin hair and rashes.
• Processed foods, pregnancy, dermatitis, and antibiotics lower Biotin levels.
• Essential for normal growth and many biological functions.
• Can be found in cauliflower, egg yolks, some dairy products, nuts, oatmeal, peanut butter, some types of fish, meat products, whole grains and legumes.
• Helps with hair breakage, a variety of skin conditions, hair thinning, strengthens hair follicles, nails and bones, helps to stimulate the renewal process of dead skin cells, keeps skin hydrated from the inside out.

Zinc – is a nutrient that’s involved in almost every biochemical reaction in your body, but it’s especially important for skin-cell renewal.

• It is important for healthy skin and is involved in normal oil gland function.
• Supports the body’s defences against free radicals.
• Helps maintain healthy, supple, elastic skin.
• Supports acne-prone skin and dermatitis.
• Repairs wounds and other skin problems.

Horsetail – Horsetail extract has a high silica (collagen forming protein found in the skin) and sulphur content both of which are vital for strong, healthy hair growth.

Co-Enzyme Q10 – This powerful antioxidant is found in every cell and tissue produced in the body and aids in:

• Fighting free radicals (one of the major causes of ageing) within cells. Since the body produces less CoEnzymeQ10 with age, skin cells become more vulnerable to damage over time.
• Skin care products containing CoQ10 work to protect the skin’s outer layer from oxidation and aging therefore Co-EnzymeQ10 has a role in maintaining younger looking skin.
• Skin lacking in this enzyme results in the skin’s inability to produce collagen, which is vital to give skin firmness and elastin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid – is often called the universal antioxidant:

• Both fat and water-soluble.
• It’s naturally made by the body and used to fight free radicals.
• When applied topically, ALA has been shown to penetrate skin cells, where it may decrease inflammation and boost energy production within the skin cells.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid is classified as an antioxidant, and it plays a direct role in protecting our cells from oxygen damage.

Planet Nutrition in Dubai Mall offers an extensive range of vitamins & minerals, herbs & herbal teas, weight loss, antioxidants, women’s formula, men’s formula, children’s supplement, digestive aids, essential fatty acids, sports nutrition and amino acids, aromatherapy, organic food and health books.

Personally we think it was long overdue for a company to produce a quality set of hi-def performance headphones for DJ’s, a very sexy piece of kit we might add.

Beats by Dr. Dre are committed to restoring the emotional music connection between the artist and the listener, allowing consumers to hear and feel music the way the artist intended. Developed with David Guetta, one of the world’s greatest DJs and producers, the Beats Mixr headphones deliver an unrivalled superior quality audio experience. They are lightweight and are now available in five cool new neon colours; blue, green, orange, pink and yellow.

“The Beats Mixr is an incredible combination of power, accuracy and durability in a lightweight package backed by great design.” said Luke Wood, President and COO of Beats by Dr. Dre. “We developed this product with David Guetta to create a headphone that can withstand the beating of a three hour club set every night of the year and consistently deliver premium performance. Now with limited edition neon colours, it’s just that much more fun.”

“These new Mixrs look incredible! I’ve been on a non-stop world tour since Mixrs launched, spinning at every show with them; I can honestly say they are the best headphones I’ve ever used; light, strong and super loud which is what you need as a DJ – and when you travel as much as I do. Now the whole crowd will see them glow in the dark too” said producer and DJ David Guetta.

Beats by Dr. Dre and David Guetta officially launched the neon range of mixr’s with a live Q&A at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, ahead of David Guetta’s show at Live@Atlantis on Friday, 3rd May 2013.

About the Beats Mixr

The Mixr headphone delivers deep bass at extraordinarily high volume and the rotating ear cups swivel back and forth for convenient conversations without having to interrupt listening. Additionally, with its dual input and daisy chain connectors the Mixr also enables a shared music listening experience with friends.

Beats Mixr headphones are built to withstand the rigours of life as an avid music fan, which means creating a housing flexible and tough enough to take a beating. The ultra-flexible headband was also crafted to be super lightweight and easily foldable for the constant traveller.

What we liked about the headphones:

• Articulating earcups – this is great when playing to a crowd.  Helps to illuminate any sound delay with one earcup on the ear and the other listening to the music to see if any delay feedback is coming through. This used to be a big issue when playing with vinyl.
• The colours – absolutely love the variety of colours they headphones come in.  Suitable for both men, women, boys and girls.
• Sound clarity – the sound is crystal clear and contained.
• Flexible headband – very easy to fold away and super light.

The neon range of Beats Mixr are available in Dubai from the 3rd May 2013.

Price:  AED1,100.

Sally Hansen’s new Complete Salon Manicure Nail Colour Exotica Collection is in jungle brights and desert neutrals, each polish is paradise in a bottle.

The vibrant Exotica Collection takes inspiration from the 2013 Spring runway’s vivid florals and mixed patterns, and puts intense colour landscapes from the verdant canopy of the Amazon to the fiery tones of a sunset at your fingertips.

These exotic new additions deliver seven benefits of a salon manicure in a single formula. In addition to acting as a Base Coat, Strengthener, Growth Treatment, Colour and Top Coat, Complete Salon Manicure delivers gel-like shine and chip resistance for the ultimate multi-tasking manicure. The polish features a precision brush designed to fit the curve of your cuticles and hug the contours of your nails, for better application and superior wear.

The new Exotica shades include:

• Vitamin Sea: deep aqua
• Palm Treat: muted lime
• Go Bananas: true yellow
• Shore-ly!: dusky sand
• Tahitian Sunset: pink orange
• Sgt. Preppy: poppy pink

Available at Faces Beauty Stores (UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar), Iconic, Spinneys, Carrefour (UAE, Lebanon, Jordan) and more!

Price:  AED39 each.