Exploring the City of Gold: Dubai, UAE

This “city of gold” boasts record-breaking Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and man-made islands. Its also known for its ultra-fast cars, fantastic skylines and beaches and its scorching heat. 

I knew that Dubai was going to be hot. I arrived in November, which is the start of the "season". But honestly, I was not prepared for how hot it still was. And not just hot. Humid. So humid. It was intense and I needed to figure out a way to survive and look ok enough to show up at the glamourous pools, restaurants, beaches and bars. 

With the help of Brook, we assembled this routine...

Routine: 

1. Cleanser (Supreme Clean)
2. Brilliance. Vitamin C Oil Serum. 
3. Tighten+Glow. Refining Mist. 
4. Deep Hydration. Gel Balm. 
5. Transform. Active Nourishment Gel Serum. 
6. Meta. Ultimate Tx Cream. 
7. Condition. Rainforest Repair Balm. 
8. Deep Refining Cream 2-3x week

(Want to save a few clicks? Check out the Hot+Humid routine or the artisanal collection.)

With skincare in place, I trekked around the city. While my natural happy place is walking old city streets for miles and miles, I had to admit that Dubai brought its own certain charm to the table. It's almost unbelievable that nearly everything I visited was younger than me!

Hands down, my favorite area was Dubai Marina. Walkable and filled with great hotels, bars and restaurants, you almost don't realize its entirely man-made. 

And the night view. No words needed (only a glass of wine. Yes, you can drink there -- you just have to purchase it at an approved location).  This view was courtesy of Grosvenor House Dubai. 

It was the first time I went to a beach where city skyscrapers literally sit on the edge of the sand! There was even a camel walking through during our time there. 

They also tout what is becoming any major city must have -- the huge ferris wheel. But this one is so big. The biggest, I think. When I was near it I could not get a single picture with the full wheel in frame. 

Weirdly enough, my least favorite location was the most famed one. The view from the Burj Khalifa. It is an impressive 160 stories, but the view space was really small and the long wait to get up to it, I felt you could get similarly spectacular views at rooftop bars with a nice cocktail in hand. 

But the hotel known as the sail -- the only 7 star (!!!) hotel was even more breathtaking in person. 

 I think I managed to make most of the trip without looking "too dewey". I would definitely recommend light and easy clothing and extra room for your skincare!