Ayat & Amina are the force behind Powder.ae, a Dubai-based online boutique which brings together a carefully curated selection of global beauty and skincare best sellers.

Q: How do you start your day? 

A: Ayat: With my cat yelling at me to get up!  And with a hot cup of vanilla soy coffee.  I cut dairy out of my diet recently and found it made a huge difference to my skin.

Amina: Usually with a big latte from my neighbourhood coffee shop and a pastry before I start work for the day.

Q: What gets you going? (exercise/ wellbeing routine) 

A: Ayat: I love a good Barre class and of course, getting into my long and elaborate but very soothing, evening skincare routine, which always includes at least an oil cleanser massage, a treatment serum and a wash off or sheet mask.  It takes a while but I really enjoy it!

Amina: I also went through a period of Barre obsession.  These days though, I am more about shocking my body into submission when it comes to exercise.  I go 3 to 4 times a week for circuit training.

Q: Where you are most inspired?  

A: Ayat: First thing in the morning. I really do wake up excited and with lots of ideas!

Amina: I feed off energies so my surrounding is extremely important.  We are lucky in Dubai to have so many start-ups and entrepreneurs and so many shared workspaces.  To be in the in presence of creativity definitely inspires me.

Q: You are a successful business woman now but what advice would you give your younger self?

A: Ayat: Successful (!!!) My advice to my younger self would be to take a chill pill and learn to stop being a drama queen – it really takes its toll on your face.  And to start my business much sooner.  I wish I had started a business in my early twenties.  I always thought I needed more money and experience but now I think you just need common sense and to be willing to do the work.  But maybe it fell into place at the right time when I found my perfect partner.

Amina: Start young is definitely one of them and do not be afraid to fail.

Q: What cause are you currently championing? 

A: Ayat & Amina: Powder.ae!

Q: How do you relax and switch off?  

A: Ayat: I tidy my environment up  because I can’t relax when there is even a hint of mess or disorganization and light a scented candle.

Amina: I enjoy evening walks or swims depending on my mood.  I like to do this with a couple of friends so that way I get to catch up and be social at the same time.

Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?

A: Ayat: I’m a French fry fiend.  I can’t resist fries.

Amina: I have a massive sweet tooth so I will say a good apple pie.

Q: You have to choose only one beauty product to use for the next 7 days, what would you pick?

A: Ayat: That’s not fair.  I’m a skincare junkie.  I actually think I would rather choose using nothing at all over just one product and that’s because I think you either have to use products together or leave your skin completely alone.  Maybe a silk pillowcase.

Amina: Hmm, I am tempted to say water because of its importance to my skin.  However, I am also loving the Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial lately.

Q: Do you sleep well, what is your bedtime routine? 

A: Ayat: I am usually exhausted and sleep like a baby.  I have a cup of peppermint tea in bed while watching a bit of Netflix (something trashy) usually while sheet-masking as part of my evening skincare routine.  I love it!

Amina: I do sleep well.  Once my head hits my Holistic Pillowcase, I am out!  After a shower, I start my skincare routine.  I have acne prone skin so I take my time and ensure that I both properly cleanse and hydrate my skin.

Q: And the final question… you favourite Holistic Silk item and why?

A: Ayat: I can no longer sleep without the Sleep Mask.  It’s so comfortable, gently keeps my eyes closed, keeps all the light out and I think my mind just associates it with switching off.

Amina: I love my Holistic Silk Pillowcase and no pillowcase compares anymore.  It feels utterly luxurious and it doesn’t hurt that it helps keep my lines at bay.

Visit Powder.ae to see Amina & Ayat’s collections, not to mention their great editorials on Double Cleansing, Toxin Free Skincare and more.