We sit down with the multi-hyphenate artist to explore the power of wellness rituals, the beauty of slowing down, and her must-haves on Ounass

Layla Kardan, singer-songwriter, recording artist, and entrepreneur, defies labels with her multi-hyphenate career. At the heart of everything she does is artistry, and her latest venture Contrast Wellness is no exception. This Dubai-based recovery and wellness studio brings ancient healing practices to modern life, offering accessibility and convenience so people can easily integrate wellness routines into their busy schedules. We sit down with Layla to explore the power of wellness rituals, the beauty of slowing down, and her must-haves on Ounass.

First thing, every morning..

I start my day with a warm cup of lemon water followed by a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar. I then do a copper dry brush and shower with a light body and face exfoliant. Applying moisturiser after my shower is a ritual I love to do if my son doesn’t interrupt me, it keeps my skin supple and hydrated. I end by doing my four-step skincare routine and apply light make-up. Before I set out for the day, I’ll have a cup of coffee with a piece of 100% dark chocolate and always take my daily supplements, ending with magnesium before bedtime. I try to get my steps in before 9am and if I can’t, I’ll hit the gym. Whilst I don’t make it to the sauna daily, I try to do it three times a week - this is a game changer when it comes to detoxing, improving circulation and reducing water retention. I like to eat healthy, but my husband and I are foodies, so we ensure to keep a balance.

On beauty and wellness…

I grew up with mostly women around me, from my grandmother to my mother, aunt and three sisters. We all love to use grandma’s beauty recipes, she taught us to use natural remedies such as eggs for shiny hair and oatmeal masks with fresh avocado and papaya for clean and soft skin. I believe that beauty starts from within, from what you eat, drink, even as far as what you think, watch and who you spend time with. I try to keep my environment toxic free - whether that comes from the food we eat or how we spend our time. I drink plenty of water and whilst I believe enhancements are ok, I try not to do too many injectables. The most important element of beauty is self confidence. There’s nothing more beautiful than a healthy and confident woman who smiles.

On founding Contrast Wellness…

My husband Hamdan and I used to frequent saunas and ice baths as we’re big believers in the benefits, but we never got the service we were seeking and felt it was too expensive for people to access regularly. After having our baby, we wanted to create a business that was conducive to a healthy lifestyle and would have a positive impact on people's lives. Contrast Wellness is the ultimate sanctuary to unwind, pause, relax, and escape the everyday stresses of life. Our studios are complete with private state-of-the-art infrared saunas and cold plunge studios. We want to be the destination for the wellbeing conscious, where healing, immunity and youthfulness combine to elevate and enhance mind, body and soul. After just over one year of operation with branches in City Walk, Creek Harbour, Palm Jumeirah and JVC, we are opening our fourth location in Dubai. We are very proud of the concept and team, and hope more people will embrace the benefits.

Nothing beats an infrared sauna for that inside-out glow…

My favourite beauty treatments are definitely infrared sauna - nothing gives you a natural glow like a sweat from the inside-out. I love to do regular face massages and lymphatic drainage massages, and facials are an important part of keeping my skin clean and hydrated. I’m big on body oils with beautiful natural ingredients and essential oils - from Ounass I love using the Maroc Maroc L’argan Magnifying Body oil after sauna if I’m going out for that extra glow, and before bed I love to use Augustinus Bader, The Geranium Rose Body Oil.

On the perfect day off…

Whilst I don’t believe too much sun exposure is good for your skin, I love to recharge at the beach catching the morning sun for some Vitamin D and swimming in the calm ocean with my husband and son followed by a nutritious breakfast and smoothie. I love to spend my days off with my family and closest friends, relaxing and enjoying each other's presence. Our busy life always has distractions so those moments are very important to me.

Music has always been a huge part of my life…

I love such a variety of music across different genres and from all eras, so that’s a really hard question for me, but in general I would listen to a song with beautiful lyrics, elevated melodies and good vibes. Recent songs on my playlist that boost my energy and bring the high vibes are “Sunshine”, by Cleo Sol (she wrote it for her baby and I can totally relate to it). I also love “Shine” by David Michael Wyatt - his voice is magical. My ultimate mood lifting song by one of my favourite artists is “It's Love” by Jill Scott.

My go-to self care essentials…

I love the La Mer Renewal Oil for bedtime - I wake up with glowing skin. I also love the Corpus Naturals - Third Rose natural body wash as it’s made with clean ingredients and smells amazing. I like to use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid under my daily moisturiser and the Bioactive Collagen Gel by Health Nag is part of my daily supplement intake. I’ve also been using the Almond Delicious Paste Exfoliant by L'Occitane for over a decade. I always apply the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir before putting on my make-up on a night out, and of course I can’t live without sunscreen - Vichy’s UV Age daily tinted sunscreen is good for when I don’t want to wear foundation.

On recent beauty discoveries…

I’ve recently discovered the 111 Skin Performance Oil which I love, as well as the Matiere Premiere French Flower hand and body wash, which smells divine and the La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Wonders kit - my under eye area drinks it and it feels so good on my skin.

When it comes to wellbeing rituals…

We underestimate the power of hydration and good nutrition - this is essential for not only a beautiful body and face, but also your overall wellbeing and continued good health. I love using massage techniques to keep skin young over injectables any day, and the cold plunges are amazing and keeping skin tight, improving circulation and reducing inflammation. I avoid sugar and gluten where possible, but don’t completely rule it out- it’s all about balance. Personally, it's a combination of sauna, cold plunge, plenty of water, quality food, good moisturisers, great music and peace of mind.