OG-influencer-turned-beauty-entrepreneur Tina Craig is the brains behind our favourite beauty industry disrupter, U Beauty.
Having been privy to so many luxury beauty products, Tina was well equipped to identify a glaring gap in the industry: “I was beholden to an elaborate 15-step daily routine, yet I’d developed rosacea and sensitivity. I found myself looking for a better, smarter solution, including a product that successfully resurfaced my skin without irritation.”
Ever since launching with the Resurfacing Compound in 2019, U Beauty has garnered global success with its USP of science-driven, effective and sustainable skincare, which addresses a plethora of concerns in a streamlined beauty regime. Most recently launching The SCULPT Arm Compound, which Tina describes as: “like invisible shapewear for the arms in a bottle”, there are new products underway to allow customers to ultimately use less and buy less.
Having lived in Texas for 16 years, here Tina shares her tips for an unforgettable trip.
Essential items to pack…
Don’t worry about packing. You’re coming to the shopping capital of America! Whatever you forget, you can pick up at Neiman Marcus or one of the boutiques in Highland Park Village – the country’s oldest and most glamorous outdoor shopping centre.
The best time to visit Texas is…
October. The weather is beautiful and the arboretum is in full bloom at fall’s peak. Plus, the State Fair of Texas is in October and an experience like no other.
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Our first pitstop should be…
Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village for a Mamba Taxi (frozen margarita) to feel instantly authentically Texan.
For an early morning workout head to…
One Lagree class will whip you into shape!
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
The Rosewood Mansion for old-world glam or The Statler for a fun, modern vibe.
Where should we go for breakfast?
Mercat Bistro hosts the absolute best brunch.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Bistro 31 in the middle of Highland Park Village. For the amazing lobster salad, homemade pasta, and the people-watching.
And for dinner with friends?
No trip to Dallas would be complete without a night at Al Biernat’s with your best friends. You can’t go wrong with their smooth martinis and steaks the size of Texas.
Your favourite restaurant in town?
It’s impossible to pick a favourite, but KĀI in Plano is great for sushi and late-night drinks. It’s by the same owner of Highland Park’s Bistro 31.
A must try spot for date night is…
The French Room. It’s the most romantic spot.
Where should we head post-dinner?
The Round Up Saloon – AKA the best gay country bar – for line dancing! Then to the Monkey Bar at Mi Cocina for after hours.
The best place to treat yourself?
The Joanna Czech spa. Let Joanna, or one of her expert facialists, slap and massage your face into sculpted submission!
The cultural spot to rave about…
Yao Fuzi for the best Shanghainese soup dumplings.
For great shopping head to…
Highland Park for high-end pieces, and the original Neiman Marcus downtown for the ultimate department store experience.
For a change of pace try…
Heading over to historic McKinney Square, one of the oldest American towns where pioneers settled, or the Fort Worth Stockyards, which happens to be the only twice-daily cattle drive in the world.
Great day trips include…
The Kimbell Art Museum and the Dallas Museum of Art.
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For the best views head to…
Sunset cocktails at Reunion Tower.
A book to read before we go (or while we’re there)?
Not a book but watch Dallas or Real Housewives of Dallas to get in the bigger-is-better spirit.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
You can’t leave Texas without indulging in some old-fashioned barbecue. There’s a lot of debate about favourites here, but I have to say the best BBQ is Hutchins Barbecue!
What’s your Texas secret?
If you know, then you know: Texas is home to some of the BEST vintage stores! (Probably because Texas women take meticulous care of their wardrobes.) Iconic designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Maria Grazia Chiuri, of Dior, have been known to scour Dolly Python and Vintage Martini for rare vintage finds.
Any Questions or Tips to add?