Zeina- Beirut

What is your skincare routine, and how has it evolved?

My skincare routine is simple. I wash with homemade organic olive oil soap, then use a vitamin C serum and a moisturizer. At night, I use a retinoid. During the winter season, I like to use Obagi Blue Brilliance Peel.

Do you have a go-to skincare product that you can't live without? Why is it your favorite?

I love the SVR Densitium Bi-Serum. It keeps my skin moist and gives me a nice glow.

What are the current beauty trends & practices popular amongst Lebanese women?

Lebanese women focus on cosmetic procedures rather than skincare. Face lifts and blepharoplasties are particularly popular right now. Lip fillers are always trending—the bigger, the better. Of course, Botox is a must. Essentially, whatever we can afford, we’ll do!

What’s your favorite beauty tip or secret you’ve learned from others or discovered yourself?

I swear by biannual platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials. They really work to restore a more youthful appearance. I also like to use a meso-roller (micrnoeedling device) every eight weeks to smooth out my skin texture.

How do you balance your busy lifestyle with self-care? What are your favorite rituals for maintaining your well-being? 

Although I have three kids, I always make time for wellness and self-care. Most importantly, I work out five times a week, doing weight lifting and/or pilates. I prioritize healthy habits like mindful eating, sleeping early, drinking water, and avoiding alcohol. In addition to keeping my body healthy, I keep my mind healthy. I love to study languages. I speak French, Arabic, and English, and have recently started taking Portuguese lessons. I love the language. I’ve always been attracted to Brazil- the culture, the language, the people- and learning Portuguese makes me feel one step closer to going there.

What are your favorite wellness places in Beirut?

I like Emak Urban Spa in Achrafieh. They do great hydrafacials. Of course, I have to mention my husband's clinic, The Plastic Surgery Center, in Sin El Fil, where I go for Botox, PRP, and other procedures.

Who is a woman that has inspired you, and what did you learn from her?

My mom, of course. Unfortunately, I lost her to cancer a few years ago. She was a strong woman, born and raised in Lebanon, who valued taking care of yourself, inside and out. I remember watching her get ready, as a young girl, putting creams and makeup on. Her dedication to self-care was really inspiring. In addition to being beautiful externally, she made sure I grew up focused on shining from within. Even in her darkest days, as she was dying, she brought such a light, positive, hopeful energy to everyone around her.

Can you share some advice that has significantly impacted your life?

We are all born different, so don’t compare yourself to others. You should be grateful that you’re different and that you’re uniquely you. I see so many women in Lebanon getting procedures to look like this person or that person, and I can’t help but ask myself- why?! You are one of a kind.

I would also encourage people to pay attention to energies. Stay away from negative auras, and spend time with people that lift you up.

What are your mantras or affirmations that keep you motivated and grounded?

I remind myself everyday that I’m healthy, happy, beautiful, and successful!

What does a day look like for you in Beirut? 

Living in Lebanon is a struggle right now. It’s a hectic life but I try my best to maintain some normalacy. I wake up, have a glass of water with a teaspon of honey and curcumin, drink coffee, eat breakfast (typically eggs, avocado, and toast), get the kids to school, do freelancing graphic design work, go to the gym, go to my language lesson, have lunch, then do some cooking. In the evenings, I spend time with family, read my book, eat dinner, and meditate thrity minutes before sleep.

What areas in Lebanon do you recommend for travelers looking to experience beauty and culture? 

Any area in Lebanon is full of beauty and culture but my absolute favorite place is Deir El Qamar, a beautiful old village in south-central Lebanon.

What’s something about you that surprises people once they get to know you?

People may see me and think I’m stand-offish, but I’m actually the complete opposite! I’m warm, positive, and pride myself in having a great sense of humor!

If you could describe your aura or energy in a color, what would it be and why?

Red, of course. I’m young at heart, energetic, and passionate.

What’s next for you, and what are you most looking forward to?

Once the situation gets better in Lebanon, I’d love to open a small bakery!