Rima Zahran Al Matrooshi is one half of the sister duo behind the Dubai-based fashion label, Dinz. With her long, dark chocolate tresses, doe eyes (that she artfully paints with liquid eyeliner), and a set of expertly shaped brows, this beauty makes no secret of her love for a bold lippy. The Dinz ready-to-wear fashion line was launched (by Rima and her sister, Dina Zahran) some five years ago. Since then, the sisters have expanded the brand with a line of accessories and have also dabbled in a Dinz beauty collection with Clinique, while Rima has become a mother of two. Want to know how she manages a successful career with a young family in tow? We delve into the secrets behind her petite frame and beauty regime to find out what makes her such a polished beauty about town.
1. What’s the secret to your flawless skin?
The world’s greatest foundation is the La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation. It’s expensive, but trust me, no other foundation comes close. It looks natural, covers imperfections, and gives the perfect finish. It makes my skin glow and helps it feel hydrated. I also cannot get enough of the Diptyque skincare range. It’s perfect for the days when I don’t wear makeup.
2. What makeup products take pride of place in your makeup bag?
The La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation, Bobby Brown Creamy Concealer Kit, Bobby Brown Shimmer Brick, Chanel eyeshadow, Deborah Utraliner Eyeliner, and Benefit They’re Real! mascara.
3. How do you manage to keep your slim physique? Has having children changed your body and fitness regime?
These kids make me run all day and half of the night—that’s how. I’m a hands-on mom and I have two very young kids, a 2–year-old and an 11-month-old, so I never have time to relax. I consider myself quite an active person, but my body is not the same as it was before I started a family. Earlier, I could get away with not working out, but now, I really need to [work out].
4. Are there any tips and tricks that you wish to share about a pregnancy beauty regimen; like your favorite body moisturizer?
The truth is, I tried about 17 of the beauty world’s best moisturizers to avoid stretch marks; alas, I’m so small and had such a big belly during my first pregnancy that I got stretch marks all over my stomach. I think you either have an elastic skin or you don’t. I do, however, highly recommend almond oil after every bath. With all the raging hormones, your skin tends to get really dry and almond oil is amazing for thirsty skin—just be careful not to slip in the bath.
5. Are there any superfoods or supplements that you swear by?
Yes, Femibion is an incredible maternity supplement that helps your hair from falling and makes your skin look amazing. I noticed results within one week. I also eat lots of fresh vegetables, like spinach, at least twice a week. I feel that helps.
6. Do you have any at-home quick beauty fixes that you swear by?
After the summer holidays when my tan starts to fade or during the winter when I look a little pale or my skin is uneven, I get a tablespoon of warm olive oil, a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and mix it all together with just a bit of honey. I massage this concoction onto my face for 3 to 5 minutes and it removes all the dead skin and helps with pigmentation, making my skin appear more even right away. I sometimes go through a phase where I do this at-home treat every week for a month.
Quick Color fixes…
7. Which modern day beauty do you most admire?
I love, love, love Eva Mendes. The skin, the tan—everything about her is absolutely gorgeous. She always gets the balance right. She is never spotted with too much makeup, yet she always has some on.
8. You have a great set of brows—how do you enhance them?
I naturally have thick eyebrows, but once I went to have them groomed at a salon in Dubai and the shape was messed up for years. I tried everything to fix them, but they just got worse. So, I decided to do my own eyebrows from that day onwards and started watching beauty tutorials to learn how to shape them. I am now the only person who touches them and I fill in the gaps with a regular M.A.C brown eyeshadow using the M.A.C 266 Small Angle Brush and then use the M.A.C Brow Gel to fix them into place.
Illustration: Shamekh AlBluwi @shamekhbluwi
