Bravo Emma Watson. If you have no idea why I am praising Hermoine Granger (aka Emma Watson), then first, you need to realise there is more to life than “impeachment” and “Elizabeth Warren for president.” Secondly, it has nothing to do with her fancy wandwork.
It all started with the underage fictional witch, being a successful, Ivy league educated actor, who happens to be a woman.
As she approaches the big three o, she has spoken about the “subliminal social messaging” around “no husband, no child, no house” and the inevitable anxiety that caused.
Her response has been exceptional. As quick as you can say Expecto Patronum, she turned around and publicly, decided to celebrate both her age and single status, referring to the latter as being “self-partnered.”
I love the term, “self-partner” and if like me, you have never heard of it, Melanie Tonia Evans gives a superb explanation at this blog.
In the spirit of hoping that Facebook will introduce “self-partner” as a relationship status, here is my gift guide for November.
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI x H&M
Those extremely clever folks at H&M have struck (more) gold with this new collaboration. The best way to get your hands on any of the items is to buy them in a country outside Europe. The H&M in Dubai is still pretty well-stocked – but I am sure it won’t survive the weekend.
My favourites are this 100% silk scarf and earrings.
Lisa Elridge
All South Asians love Lisa Elridge. Who hasn’t learnt how to apply foundation or eyeliner from her excellent videos?
I love “Velvet Jazz” but honestly, the whole drama of pre-ordering puts me off placing more orders…I guess, I must be getting old.
Available online for GBP 26 (excluding shipping and taxes) at Lisa Elridge’s Beauty Shop
The Good Liar
In the absence of a Marvel film this Christmas, the Good Liar’s big screen adaption starring Helen Mirren and Ian McKellan, two Shakespearan actors and possibly, the last of their kind in cinematic greatness, is enough reason to buy and devour this book before you hit the cinema.
Available at most bookshops.
Mounser earrings
I love this eclectic brand, that absolutely no-one has heard of. Mainly because it takes a Met Gala / Anna Wintour level of style and self-confidence to carry off a pair of these earrings.
Available online for AED 1,050 (excluding shipping and taxes) at Ounass
Prickly Pear Oil
No guide is ever complete without skincare….
Prickly Pear Oil is a phenomenal ingredient to find in your skincare. Its Vitamin E content is at least 100% more than Argan oil. Its sickeningly rich in skin barrier repair acids; Vitamin K; stimulates new collagen and increases the rate of cellular turnover…
Everyone from Tata Harper, de Mamiel, Kyrpis, Caudalie use it in their products.
In short, its not quite a miracle oil, but it is a close second.
So, when I stumbled across this 3 for 2 offer on 100% USDA Organic certified Prickly Pear Oil, I nearly fainted.
It typically retails at about US$ 150+ for 30 ml. IZIL are offering US$ 188 for 90ml, and you don’t need to get out a scientific calculator to know that is an absolute bargain…
Whose says bulk purchases only make sense at Costco?
Available at the Dubai Mall outlet and online.
Closing remarks
See you next month for the Holiday Season gift guide!! Drop me a line at email@happyskindays.com if you have any queries.