Latest from Cosmopolitan ME
Cosmopolitan ME
2 days ago
- Health
- Cosmopolitan ME
Let's Get Clinical: The tea on the ingredients that should be in your skincare
Ready for some major skincare tea? You're predicted to spend upwards of Dhs130,000 (yes, you read that right) during your lifetime on lotions and potions promising perfect skin and a rewind button for time. BUT what if we told you that all those fancy creams and pricey serums you're eyeing up are often only treating the very top layer of your skin? And – plot twist – that top layer is actually made up of dead cells? Seriously – you could be dropping hundreds of dirhams a pop in your fave beauty megastore, and all those products are doing is chilling on a layer of dead skin. It makes total sense why studies by Dermalex showed we end up binning nearly half of our skincare products because they just don't tackle our actual skin concerns… As Mona Mirza, Founder and CEO of Biolite Clinic says, 'You can spend thousands on a beautifully packaged cream, but if it's not clinically formulated, all you're really buying is surface-level hydration'. Ouch. And definitely not what we want when we're investing our dirhams. Via Pixie – Unsplash So, what's the deal? In a nutshell, 'Over the counter or high street skincare simply isn't formulated to penetrate deeply enough into the skin to trigger any real change,' reveals Dr Mehri Pourkand, Aesthetic Doctor and Founder of Dr Mehri Aesthetics. 'They might smell nice and feel luxurious, but when it comes to targeting issues like pigmentation, collagen loss, or acne, they rarely have the right molecular structure or concentration of actives to make a real impact. That's where clinical skincare comes in. It offers real results and a more dramatic skin transformation'. Now you know why celebs like Jessica Alba, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hailey Bieber, and basically the entire Kardashian-Jenner Klan are obsessed with medical-grade skincare. It's their secret weapon because these products are clinical. That means they go deeper into your skin to actually change the way it behaves and functions from within. We tapped the experts to get the full lowdown on clinical skincare and why it might just be time for you to upgrade your beauty routine. Trust us, your skin – and your bank account in the long run – will be sending you thank you notes. So, what exactly is clinical (or medical-grade) skincare? Okay, let's be real. The term 'clinical' can sometimes feel like a marketing buzzword because everyone's using it now. But when we talk about effective clinical or medical-grade skincare, we mean formulas designed to seriously get to work below the surface. You could call it 'low pH skincare' or 'low molecular skincare' because the ingredients are formulated to penetrate the skin barrier. And here's a key point: it's medical grade for a reason – meaning you won't find it sitting on the shelves of your local high-street beauty store. It's usually available only in a clinic or a Mediclinic. If you can buy it just anywhere in the mall, chances are, it's NOT truly clinical. That's the baseline! Mirza tells us, 'Clinical skincare refers to formulations developed through evidence-based dermatological science. These products contain medical-grade active ingredients – such as peptides, retinoids, antioxidants, growth factors, and acids – in concentrations proven to effect real change in the skin's structure and function.' She adds, 'Unlike cosmetic skincare, which largely targets the skin's surface, clinical formulations are designed to penetrate the epidermis and interact with cellular receptors to stimulate repair, regulate inflammation, or improve tissue regeneration.' Basically, it's skincare that means business. Why should you even think about switching? Unfortunately, those lovely-smelling creams you find everywhere just can't do that job. Sure, if your outer layer is dry as the desert, a nice cream will make it feel soft temporarily. But it won't change the underlying functionality of your skin. That deeper level still needs tackling, and only clinical products have the formulation to do it. Dr Pourkand explains, 'Clinical skincare can benefit everyone. Whether you're dealing with breakouts, dullness, fine lines, or simply want to maintain healthy, glowing skin, a tailored clinical routine can make a real difference. It's all about finding the right formulations for your skin type and concerns. You don't need to have 'problem skin' to use clinical skincare – in fact, many people use it as a preventative measure to future-proof their skin. Think of it as investing in the long-term health of your skin, much like you would with a good diet or regular exercise for your body.' Consider it skincare with a purpose – focusing on long-term skin health and visible improvements, not just temporary comfort. Okay, but it sounds intense and harsh – is it scary?! Totally fair to think that, but honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds. Don't let the word 'clinical' freak you out. In many ways, these products are actually more safe because they've been put through rigorous testing. You know how a lot of brands rave about clinical trials on a single ingredient? With clinical skincare companies, they often test the entire formulation as well as individual ingredients. That means you have much more certainty about how the product will actually perform and its safety profile compared to many high-street products where you don't know all the parameters. Therefore they're often safer, way more effective, and they actually work, which ultimately saves you money because you're not wasting money on stacks of products that don't do anything in the long run. 'It's a fair concern, but it usually comes down to misunderstanding the category,' agrees Orsi Matheisz, Advanced Aesthetic Practitioner and Founder of Orskin Aesthetics. 'Clinical skincare has come a long way, it's not all aggressive peels and prescription-only retinoids. Many of the newer formulations are actually quite gentle, thanks to advances in delivery systems and ingredient pairing. It's about using potent ingredients in smart combinations to create visible change, not to shock your skin into submission.' We're so used to being told to buy, buy, buy, always wondering 'what new product do I need next?'. But when you find your perfect routine with clinical skincare, you often don't need anything else! It keeps working without hitting a plateau. So, ready to save money and switch to products that deliver actual results? Get ready to explore these top 5 clinical skincare brands… Obagi Supplied While your Instagram feed is flooded with trendy serums, dermatologists have been quietly prescribing Obagi for 35 years – and for good reason. This number doctor-recommended brand delivers actual prescription-strength results (we're talking their legendary 20% vitamin C serum that erases dark spots and their medical-grade retinol that smooths wrinkles without the irritation). Unlike over-the-counter products that just sit on your skin, Obagi's clinically-proven formulas penetrate deep to transform pigmentation, firmness, and texture at the cellular level. This is the glow-up that lasts. OBAGI PROFESSIONAL-C SERUM 20%, Dhs,651, By Biolite Supplied By Biolite is the medical-grade, vegan powerhouse you need on your radar, formulated using game-changing nano-molecular technology. Think clean ingredients meets serious science: these products are plant-derived, paraben-free, cruelty-free, water-based, and totally non-reactive. They even pair perfectly with in-clinic treatments for next-level skin transformation. As Mirza explains, 'By Biolite was created to go deeper. With nano-molecular technology and medical-grade actives, our products don't just sit on your skin – they transform it from within. True transformation happens below the surface.' BY BIOLITE AQUA FLUID, Dhs, 278. Exuviance Supplied Exuviance discovered some of the most iconic ingredients in the skincare world (hello, glycolic acid) and are major innovators in clinical skincare. With over 100 patents and publications backing them up, their performance-based products blend serious science with that luxe, spa-inspired feeling for a skincare experience that's truly next level. What's their secret? They spill: 'We use clinical grade ingredients, precisely blended at the optimal pH to deliver maximum efficacy while minimising the potential for irritation. That's why exuviation is beautiful, our formulas shed surface skin cells to reveal fresh skin while helping to renew skin for visible results.' Sold. EXUVIANCE WRINKLE SMOOTH TOPICAL PEPTIDE FACE SERUM, Dhs,473, NeoStrata Supplied This brand does exactly what its name means – 'new layers' – by delivering potent skincare packed with super-strength concentrations of clinically proven ingredients. Think formulas with a low pH that go deep into skin, targeting the inner layers and building blocks of the skin's matrix where real transformation happens. The result? Long-term, highly effective results you'd totally expect from a leading clinical skincare brand. Fun fact: NeoStrata basically discovered the major beauty benefits of AHAs way back in 1974, cementing their status as pioneers. And they haven't stopped there – they're still investing in cutting-edge scientific research to create some of the most powerful products we've ever tried. NEOSTRATA CLARIFY EXFOLIATING MASK OVERNIGHT TREATMENT, Dhs,230, iS Clinical Supplied When it comes to the skincare brands that celebrities are obsessed with, iS Clinical tops the list. We're talking major fans like Dove Cameron, Shay Mitchell, and Sophie Turner. Still not convinced? How about the fact that they pack their results-driven 'active level' formulas with a wild 95-95 percent botanically derived ingredients to actually transform skin from deep within? Their philosophy is simple and effective, built around four key steps: Cleanse, Treat, Hydrate, and Protect. So, instead of piling on endless products that just end up sitting on top of your skin, you can switch to just four focused heroes from and prepare to watch as your skin actually changes, for the better. IS CLINICAL ACTIVE SERUM In your wellness era? You need to try out face massages. Click here to find out where to get yours.
Cosmopolitan ME
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
Prepare to serve on your vacay wearing this Dubai-based influencers' new edit
Summer holidays are calling and that means one thing…vacay 'fits. And if you are sick of scrolling as you decide what to pack in your bag, then stop and download the PrettyLittleThing app as the brand has announced a partnership with fashion creator Tia Lineker featuring an exclusive coastal holiday wear capsule collection. Tia, who lives in Dubai, has created a 20-look holiday edit featuring 32 pieces, and it lands on Thursday 26th June. Inspired by the allure of summer, this collection of holiday evening wear will ease you into serenity effortlessly. Expect curated coastal neutrals and muted greens selected by Tia. The entire collection will ensure your IG pics will pop esp with a backdrop of ocean waves and warm sands. We love the shell, opal, and mixed metal detailing, which we know will ensure our golden snaps will be levelled up. Other highlights include cowl necklines, fishtail hems, and wide leg styles in an array of textured fabrics, including sheer, mesh, satin, and linen. The best part? These pieces are the kind of evening wear you'll want to restyle endlessly. Your suitcase is sorted with Tia's new edit.
Cosmopolitan ME
2 days ago
- Cosmopolitan ME
24-hour Ras Al Khaimah road trip? Yes, pls
Whether you're trying to escape the city noise, or just want to post dreamy desert sunset content, Ras Al Khaimah is your underrated UAE staycation spot. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai, this northern gem is packed with serene beaches, mountain views, ancient forts and aesthetic vibes for days. Here's your 48-hour guide. DAY 1 6 AM – ActionFlight Hot Air Balloon Supplied Start your trip on a literal high with a sunrise balloon ride over RAK's golden deserts. Book with ActionFlight and float above dunes, mountains, and, if you're lucky, some desert wildlife. Location: Al Wadi Desert (pick-up arranged with booking) 11:00 AM – Brunch at Boons Brasserie & Bar, InterContinental RAK Back on solid ground, head to Boons for a classy-but-casual brunch. Their shakshuka and Nutella-stuffed pancakes are pure joy. Also: very aesthetic interiors. Location: InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah, Hayat Island 1:00 PM – Visit Suwaidi Pearls Supplied Time to dive (literally) into local culture. At Suwaidi Pearls, you'll ride a traditional boat through mangroves to the UAE's only pearl farm. Open an oyster, maybe find a pearl, and snap those gorgeous mountain-backed views. Meeting Point: Al Rams Marina (15 min from city centre) 4:00 PM – Spa + Sunset Chill Back at your hotel, it's time for a massage, a hammam, or just a lazy float in the pool. If you're staying at The Ritz, opt for their desert-facing spa for full main-character feels. 8:00 PM – Dinner at 1484 by Puro The highest restaurant in the UAE? Check. Epic views of Jebel Jais? Double check. Their truffle pasta and miso salmon are top-tier, and the drive up is just as iconic. Location: Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park DAY 2 10:30 AM – Climb Dhayah Fort Supplied Time for a little hike. Dhayah Fort is the only remaining hilltop fort in the UAE and has some seriously cinematic views. Pro tip: Wear sneakers and bring water. Location: Dhayah, 20 min from RAK city centre 1:00 PM – Lunch at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café Serving up authentic Emirati dishes in a nostalgic setting, Al Fanar is where you go for grilled hammour, saffron rice, and vibes. It's like a little time capsule of the UAE's past. Location: Grove Village, Ras Al Khaimah Corniche 3:00 PM – Last Pool Dip + Checkout Head back to your hotel for a final lounge in the sun. Order something sparkly, soak it all in, and start mentally planning your next trip back. Where to Stay: 3 Dreamy RAK Hotels to Check Into InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa – Hayat Island c For that five-star, toes-in-the-sand energy, this resort is the one. Think beachfront villas, an infinity pool that belongs on your feed, and a world-class spa. Ideal for a luxe girls' weekend or a chill romantic escape. Location: Hayat Island, Mina Al Arab The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert – Wadi Khadija Calling all nature lovers and soft-life queens. Nestled in a desert reserve, this resort serves Bedouin-meets-boujee vibes. Private pool villas, falcon shows, and candlelit desert dinners? Yes please. Location: Al Mazraa, Wadi Khadija Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island – Al Marjan Island Supplied Bright, beachy, and super social, this fun resort has serious girls-trip energy. Whether you're sunbathing at the infinity pool or sipping a mocktail at the beach bar, the mood is always: relaxed but ready to party. Location: Al Marjan Island Boulevard Don't miss out on these summer staycation deals around the UAE.
Cosmopolitan ME
3 days ago
- Cosmopolitan ME
The real flex is going on a vacay that gives back
Forget basic beach breaks, the new status holiday is all about giving back (to the animals, obvs). From feeding orphaned elephants in Thailand to safaris in solar-powered Land Cruisers, these getaways are your chance to reconnect with nature, while still living that luxe life. Here's where to book for your next guilt-free vacay. Tatvani, Chiang Rai – Thailand c c Imagine booking an entire 29-acre estate just for you and your crew (yes, really). Tatvani in Chiang Rai is what you get when five-star luxury and ethical travel have a baby. With six dreamy villas, koi-filled swimming ponds, and an award-winning spa, you'll be in your softest era yet. The real star of the show? The Tatvani Elephant Sanctuary. You'll get to spend quality time (as in, unlimited) with their small herd of orphaned elephants, no chains, no riding, just genuine connection. Add in rice planting, buffalo cuddles, and treks with local tribes, and this is your Eat Pray Love moment with a conservationist twist. Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sand – South Africa What if your safari could be totally silent and totally sustainable? Cheetah Plains is South Africa's first carbon-negative lodge (yep, NEGATIVE), running entirely off solar energy and using electric Land Cruisers that glide through the bush like a dream. It's peak eco-luxury. Set in the legendary Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, this place is all about preserving the wild, while giving you front-row seats to lions, elephants, leopards and more. There are only 12 guest suites, so it's all ultra-private, and every stay directly supports conservation, local communities, and grassroots education. Oh, and the beanies in the boutique? Made by local women trained through Cheetah's own knitting project. Cute and conscious. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Tsavo & Nairobi – Kenya What if your safari could help orphaned elephants heal and head back to the wild? The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of Kenya's most iconic conservation organisations, best known for rescuing baby elephants and raising them with round-the-clock care until they're strong enough to return to the wild. It's heartwarming, hopeful, and seriously unforgettable. Based between Nairobi National Park and Tsavo, the Trust offers intimate experiences where you can witness the magic up close—think feeding time at the Nursery or seeing reintegrated elephants roam free in the wilderness. Every visit, donation, and symbolic adoption goes directly towards wildlife protection, anti-poaching patrols, and habitat conservation across Kenya. Oh, and the baby ellies in red blankets? Adorable doesn't even begin to cover it. Check out the books celebs are packing in their bags this holiday.
Cosmopolitan ME
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
POV: you're watching Yasmina Moonlight's rise in real time
In a world that moves at the speed of a scroll, Yasmina Moonlight stands still. The Tajik singer, who first captured hearts on The X Factor with her viral performance of Nasini El Donya, is not chasing the noise, she's building something intentional. As she steps into her moment, Yasmina opens up to Cosmo ME about feminine power, self-trust, and the quiet kind of confidence that doesn't demand attention, but earns it. Top and trousers: The Kript Earrings: Elisabetta Franchi Bangle: COS Shoes: Joanna Heeled Sandals in Gold, Sam Edelman Cosmo: Yasmina, you're the cover star of our Summer Issue! What does this cover mean to you at this point in your journey? Yasmina: This cover is such an unforgettable opportunity. For the first time, I feel like I'm truly being seen for who I am and what I do. It's not just about the image on the outside, but everything I've poured into my music, my art, and my story. Reaching this point feels like confirmation that I've been walking the right path all along. It hasn't always been easy, but moments like this remind me that it's finally my time to shine and I'm ready. Cosmo: How do you describe yourself right now, in one sentence? Yasmina: A soulful force of nature blending vulnerability, strength, and stardust. Cosmo: Your name, Moonlight, feels symbolic. What's the story behind it? Yasmina: My name Moonlight represents light in the darkness. I try to shine through tough times, bringing comfort through my voice and presence. Choosing Moonlight is my way of saying I'm soft but strong. I don't need to shout to be seen. I illuminate in my own way. And lastly, it's a symbol of my religion. Cosmo: As a Tajik Gen Z woman, you're navigating multiple layers of identity tradition, rebellion, visibility, softness. How do you hold space for all those versions of yourself? Yasmina: Growing up as a Tajik girl in the UAE, I carry a mix of worlds within me. The deep-rooted traditions of my culture, the evolving lens of my generation, the softness I was raised with, and the rebellion I've grown into. Holding space for all those parts hasn't been easy, but I've learned to stop apologising for being more than one thing. Growing up in the UAE added even more complexity. It gave me exposure to so many cultures but also made me cling tighter to my own. Cosmo: Do you ever feel pressure to represent the culture and how do you stay true to your roots? Yasmina: I do feel that pressure sometimes, especially as someone who comes from a culture that isn't widely represented on the global stage. But I don't feel pressure to represent my culture in a forced way. I carry my heritage with pride. I honour my roots in how I live, speak, and in the respect I hold for my family and community. Skort: Mango Top: Magda Butrym Head scarf: Magda Butrym Bracelets and rings: Swarovski Cosmo: What does being Tajik mean to you in 2025, especially in the online world where narratives are constantly being reshaped? Yasmina: Being Tajik in 2025 means holding onto something ancient while living in a world that moves at the speed of a scroll. In the online space I feel a deep responsibility to where I come from. Cosmo: What's your creative process really like behind the scenes? Yasmina: Creating is so intentional for me. But what people don't always see is how difficult it can be behind the scenes. Before I release anything, I overthink, second-guess, rewrite, and change things so many times. Some days I love what I create, other days I question it. It's emotional and vulnerable because I care deeply. What I share isn't just content, it's a piece of me. Cosmo: We're living in an age of constant performance. How do you protect your inner world while still showing up for your audience? Yasmina: We really are living in a time where everything feels like a performance, even our silence can be misread. For me, protecting my inner world is non-negotiable. That's where my art is born, and if I lose that, I lose my truth. I pull back when I need to. I create in private before I share. I journal, sit with my feelings, and talk to the people who remind me who I am. When I show up, it's from alignment, not obligation. I'd rather post less and be real than perform constantly and lose what makes my work meaningful. At the end of the day, I'm not here to impress. I'm here to connect. And that starts by staying connected to myself. Dress: Elisabetta Franchi Sunglasses: Dolce&Gabbana Earrings: COS Bangle (right hand): COS Bangle (left hand): Swarovski Shoes: Tillie Sandals in Amber Multi, Sam Edelman Cosmo: Is there a moment in your career that felt like a spiritual click? A time when you thought, yes, this is exactly who I'm meant to be? Yasmina: The moment I stepped on the X Factor stage and sang Nasini El Donya, something in me clicked. I wasn't just performing, I was fully alive and fully me. I could feel every note in my bones, and I knew without a doubt this is where I'm meant to be. When that performance went viral, it wasn't about the numbers. It was about being heard in my most honest form. Of course, it was nerve-wracking. I cried after my audition, not out of sadness, but because it hit me how much I care. I always want to give my best, and that moment reminded me why I keep showing up, heart first. Cosmo: You speak often about feminine power, softness, and self-awareness. How do you define power now? Has that changed for you over time? Yasmina: For a long time, I thought power had to be loud, unshakable, always in control. But I've come to realiae real power, especially feminine power, can be incredibly soft. It's not about dominance, it's about presence. It's having the strength to feel deeply, to be gentle in a world that rewards hardness, and to hold space for yourself without shrinking or explaining. Power now lives in self-awareness. In knowing who I am and who I'm not. In saying no without guilt, expressing emotion without shame, and choosing to show up as myself, not as who people expect me to be. That kind of power is quiet, but it transforms everything. Dress and head scarf: Magda Butrym Sunglasses: Rewrites Eyewear Bangle and ring: Swarovski Shoes: Bianka Sling Heels in Rose Multi, Sam Edelman Cosmo: What's something you're currently healing from emotionally, spiritually, or creatively? Yasmina: There are quite a few things I'm healing from, both past and recent experiences that shook me in ways I didn't expect. But one of the deepest wounds I'm working through is the loss of people I once believed were meant to stay in my life. It's a hard kind of grief, realising some people were lessons, mirrors, or reminders. Letting go has been painful but necessary. I'm learning to release what I thought love or connection should look like, and open space for what truly aligns with who I'm becoming. Cosmo: When you're not on, not posting and not performing, who are you? Yasmina: When I'm not on, I'm simply myself. A regular girl at home, grounding in the quiet. I spend time with my cat, write songs, pray, go to the gym, and just be. Those moments are sacred. They remind me who I am without the noise. I value time with my family. I reflect, recharge, and reconnect. Top: Magda Butrym Capri pants: & Other Stories Earrings: & Other Stories Bracelet: Swarovski Shoes: Phoebe Embellished Mules in Beechwood, Sam Edelman Cosmo: What's the most important thing you want Tajik and Arab Gen Z girls to know not just about success, but about self-trust? Yasmina: I know what it feels like to question yourself, to wonder if your dreams are too big or your truth too complicated. But here's what I've learned. Self-trust is choosing to believe in yourself even when no one else does. It's honouring your feelings, your timing, your gut. It's letting your no be enough, and your yes come from alignment not pressure. Your worth isn't something you earn through perfection or performance, it's something you own by simply being you. Self-trust is quiet. It's not about proving anything. It's about showing up for yourself again and again. Cosmo: When the cameras are off and the season shifts, what do you want to leave behind from this chapter and what are you taking with you? Yasmina: When the cameras are off and the season shifts, I'm leaving behind lessons on self-trust, the evolving meaning of success, and the quiet strength of feminine power. I've learned that confidence doesn't come from being seen, it comes from knowing who you are when no one's watching. I'm letting go of the urge to rush or prove. Your time will come when it's meant to and no one can take away what's destined for you. If you lead with your heart, work with intention, and stay aligned with your truth, you can achieve anything. Dreams aren't distant. They're built moment by moment. As this chapter closes, I'm taking with me clarity, courage, and the quiet knowing that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be and the best is still unfolding. Swimsuit: Taller Maro Earrings: Swarovski Shoes: Bay Jelly Slides in Calypso Mint, Sam Edelman Editorial Director: Milli Midwood Deputy Editor: Sara-Aisha Kent Photographer: Daron Bandeira Stylist: Joyce Gereige Senior producer: Steff Hawker Hair & Make Up Artist: Aida Glow Styling Assistant: Lucy Semaan Lighting Assistant: James Aquillano Junior Content Producer: Quinn Catabui Junior Assistant: Kate Simmons Location: Maison De La Plage
