Cosmetics Culture in Saudi Arabia

Cosmetics are a huge business here in Saudi Arabia. Historically, culturally, and religiously, a female in Saudi Arabia had only one chance to make a good impression on a potential suitor - and it has always been largely based on physical appearance alone.  When I first met my husband many years ago and I was learning about his culture, I remember asking his friends what was the most important thing they would look for in their future mate.  All of them, without fail, said physical beauty.  I would say, well what if the woman is not so smart or a real bee-yotch - and they would that didn't matter at all.  Arranged marriages are still pretty normal here, but many families are allowing the couple to get to know one another better before they marry now.  

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All Things Birds

Everything you need to care for, feed and keep a pet bird happy can be found at this shop down south in the Bird Souk of Jeddah.  

Face Mask Truths

I think with everyone wearing face masks in this time of Covid, people who were previously leery or apprehensive about Muslim women who wear veils may have changed their tune a bit. One big complaint I used to hear was how the face veil (called niqab) would interfere with activities like driving or working.  The truth is, they just don't.  Another interesting result of wearing the masks is in how we can see that the eyes are so expressive by themselves and revealing of one's mood.  I have always been able to tell just from a niqabi's eyes that she is smiling at me or saying hello.  So I'm glad for this unintended teaching moment due to worldwide face masking.  

Saudi Festive Lanterns

 These festive lanterns are covered in a bright and bold fabric and would be used especially for holidays in Saudi Arabia.  There are only two holiday periods here and both are religious observances.  

Women's Fashions - Shop Windows in Jeddah

Today's post consists of an array of photos of various women's wear shop windows that I liked as I walked by.  The first one is from a maternity shop, and I just really loved the top on the left - isn't it adorable?  So cute and clever!

This colorful purple and goldenrod dress uses floral fabrics that are very typically Saudi, worn at home or in the presence of other women. These festive floral prints are popularly worn for holiday gatherings and events.  

The last photo is just a collection of fall-ish colors and clothing that could be worn for special private events. Modest dress is required when outside the home here in Saudi Arabia, so the three dresses would not be worn without an abaya over them while enroute to the destination. They would also not be suitable for a mixed gender event either.   

Jeddah's Beautiful Ritz Carlton

These are exterior shots of the beautiful Jeddah Ritz Carlton.  It is absolutely stunning inside with incredible mosaic tilework, gorgeous chandeliers and intricate ceilings, patterns and designs everywhere.  

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Red Crescent - Public Safety

The red crescent is used to identifying medical emergency service humanitarian centers around the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, providing ambulances, first aid clinics and hospitals. 

The red crescent is easily identifiable, and one of its major duties is providing health care crisis management for millions of religious pilgrims who have traveled to Saudi Arabia from countries around the globe for the annual Hajj. 

City Daily Photo is an online community of photo bloggers that share images of life in their cities around the world.  The first of every month is Theme Day for City Daily Photo bloggers.  This month's theme is "Public Safety."  Be sure  to visit the City Daily Photo portal to view other participants' entries for today's theme day.