Shahnaz Husain, founder of organic cosmetics brand, Shahnaz Husain Products, recently made a trip to Dubai to pay a visit to her Deira salon.
Husain comes from a family of prominent Indian justices and politicians. She first launched her cosmetics line in India in 1971, and then introduced it to London ten years later. Today, the Indian entrepreneur owns 400 spas in 138 countries worldwide. Her products are available internationally in high-end department stores, like Selfridges and Harrods in London and Galeries Lafayette in Paris.
Her latest range, the luxury organic line, is the result of 10 years of preparation. “It is made especially for the desert climate and to help people cope with the exposure to heat and sunlight, and factors such as sand in the air. All the products are completely halal and are not tested on animals,” she says. Key ingredients include green tea, date shea butter and grapefruit.
Since many of us are about to embark on our summer travels, Husain dishes out some expert advice on how to take care of our skin while flying. “Flying really dries out of your skin — you cannot imagine the levels of moisture lost during a flight. My product Shaflight Air Travel Moisturiser should be applied as soon as your board a plane. It is invaluable to me and I take it everywhere with me. I even give it to the crew when I fly,” she says, adding that under eye serum and hand moisturiser are to other airplane beauty essentials.
Here are Husain’s top tips for maintaining hydrated, moisturised skin during the summer heat:
1. “The desert climate and air conditioning is severe and can prematurely age you and dehydrate your skin so you have to use products made for this climate.”
2. “I recommend moisturising three times a day at least.”
3. “In my range there is a product called Platinum Spray Moisturiser which you can even put over your make up to help you stay hydrated during the day.”
4. “It is good to moisturise your face before you shower so it sinks in when your pores open, and then again after your shower.”
5. “It is also important to keep your arms, hands and feet moisturised and not forget about them — they can dry out and age fast as they are exposed all the time.”
Shop Shahnaz Husain products at the Shahnaz Husain Signature Salon in Dubai, and call 04 259 4577 to make a booking for a facial or hair treatment.