1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash- iHerb UAE

I have tried various facial washes and acne bar soaps before. Some of them worked short term and some didn't really help. After 2 weeks of use, it lessened my breakouts, my skin didn't purge severely, and it makes my face hydrated. This product also contain salicylic acid which is an acne-fighting ingredient and helps unclogging pores. What I love more about this product is that it doesn't leave my skin dry and tight after every wash, reduces redness of acnes, leaves my skin smooth despite that it has salicylic acid which is also an exfoliant.

2. T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel- iHerb UAE

This product is so hyped up everywhere that is why I gave it a try. I saw this from a girl on Pinterest, who shared that she religiously used this everyday and it helped in cleansing her face, especially her pores, calms skin irritations, and reduces oiliness on the face. I was currently on a hunt to finding a toner that will cleanse my face without leaving it dry and rough. This witch hazel did help in removing unwashed dirt on my face and helps in minimizing my pores. The only downside of this product, for me, is its strong scent which is very alcohol-y. Aside from that, this product definitely does its purpose.

3. Nubian Heritage African Black Soap- iHerb UAE

This is the soap I use at night, which also fights acne. I like the scent of this soap and how soft it leaves my skin. It has solid particles in the bar soap, which doesn't affect its gentleness on the skin. It is not irritating, it is made from natural ingredients, and a bar will definitely last because it suds quickly. 

4. Vaseline Coco Radiant Lotion- Carrefour (it is available in any grocery store)

MY FAVORITE LOTION EVER!! Well, aside from the aesthetic of the packaging (it really attracts my eyes), it leaves my skin glowing! I am using too many exclamation point because this product deserves all the rave reviews. Before I use this twice a day, and only using at night now, because I bought another skin-soothing lotion (you'll find out later). Only 3 days of use and I was already seeing visible results. Even without touching my skin, I already know how smooth and soft it feels. It really gives the glow you want on your skin and the scent, oh the cocoa butter, lasts the whole day! One advice I can give you, buy this lotion!

5. Benefit Cha Cha Tint- Sephora UAE

Back when I was still attending to the office, this is my holy grail makeup product. I use this on my cheeks and on my lips and the pigment lasts all day. I don't need to reapply as it stays on my skin and lips despite the sweat and lots of water that I drink. Previously, I was using the Benetint, from the same brand. Nothing bad with this product except that I just wanted to try a different product and a different shade. Cha Cha Tint has a thicker formula than Benetint, but both gives color and life to my face.

6. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion- Carrefour (it is available in any grocery store)

We all know that this product, I mean the whole line from this brand, has been ins topres for quite some time now. I regret that I bought this lotion just recently. Why didn't anyone tell me how great a bottle is? One, the scent, cocoa butter, my favorite. Two, a little goes a long way. Three, it is so effective in leaving my skin soft and radiant. Four, it reduces the appearance of scars and smoothens dry and rough skin. Five, it is so affordable. What's not to love? (heart eyes everywhere indeed!)

7. MAC Lipstick- Paramount- MAC UAE

It is Monday again which means back to work. As for us here in Dubai, we have already started our week yesterday. Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19, most companies have been working remotely to observe social distancing. To be honest, it is not an easy transition. If you have been working from home even before the pandemic, you might find this mundane. However, for those used to attending to their offices, sitting in front of their monitors from 9-5, it can be quite challenging and indeed affects productivity. Personally and not trying to sound like "the best employee" or a workaholic, I still prefer working in the office. Why? The work environment motivates me more to work and focus on my tasks as compared to working in the comfort of my home, where I usually find other things to fritter away time that results to divided attention.

In order to work effectively, I am sharing 7 tips to boost productivity while working at home.

1. Ensure that you got everything you need. Laptop, stable internet connection, mobile phone/telephone with plan, and all the files you will be working on. Without these, you will be surely be lost.

2. Find a peaceful and organized workstation. It is proven that a clutter-free workspace helps in completing tasks. It is also important to find a workspace where you can work comfortable and far from distractions.

3. Wake up early as if you're coming to the office. Let's be honest here. Working at home has a space for flexibility, including being flexible with time. I have awoken a little later on the first day of WFH (working from home) and I totally crammed mid-afternoon due to my workload and ended up extending a few minutes past my end shift. Moreover, it is better to wake up early so you can prepare yourself- have a nice bath and a good breakfast, and to fix your desk tasks for the day.

4. Create a to-do list. I have always kept a list of my tasks even back in college. It really helps me to keep track and brief myself of what I should do throughout the whole day. Also, it helps with prioritizing work- what should be done first and what can wait. After each task, I crossed it out so I won't  be confused if I have already done it and it serves also as a log of my weekly work accomplishments.

5. Take little breaks. Frustration and tiredness can be experienced whether at home or in the office. I usually stand up from my desk, take a little walk around the office, have a little chat with my colleagues, or go to the washroom to freshen up. Here at home, I also take a break by playing with my baby niece, grabbing some snacks, or watching some fun videos online. Once my spirit has been uplifted, I go back to work and try to finish any pending tasks.

6. Stay connected. It is crucial not to put your phone on silent. Whether you colleague contacts you to ask a question or your boss gives you something to do, having your phone beside you and all your messaging apps running is very important.

7. Listen to music. Almost all of my daily activities, I always listen to music. It increases my energy and makes me want not to leave my desk especially if I'm playing music on my laptop. Furthermore, it lessens the possibility of me getting all sleepy and feeling worn out.

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