My Favourite Beauty Products

I have always been a real beauty products fan! Even before having this blog, I remember sharing beauty tips with my co-workers, friends and family. Whenever I am in a shopping centre, I always go to the perfume shop to check out what is on offer and to sample the latest skincare, body care, lipstick or nail polish.

All these products were bought on promotion (30% off) except for the Tonifying serum - I seriously think we should never ruin ourselves, but instead shop intelligently.

It goes without saying that I would definitely recommend these products!

Lancome Absolue Precious Cells Day Cream SPF15

This cream was in the Lancôme Advent Calendar Sweetheart offered me in 2016. I used this cream for a month to finish the sample jar of 15ml. After the first week, I saw how my skin became brighter, more radiant, finer and better hydrated. It really plumps up the skin to leave it soft and smooth.

Lancôme Advanced Multi-Correcting Eye Balm

I love the smooth texture of this product. I must say I was extremely impressed that it concealed the dark circles under my eyes and it reduced the puffiness under them as well.

Prada’s Iris Eau de Parfum

When I first tried this perfume, I totally fell for its fresh and light scent of delicate flowers like iris or jasmine. I loved its warm iris scent which reminded me of the South of France.

Nuxe Crème Fraîche de Beauté Moisturising Cream 48H 

This day moisturising cream, with plant milks and Algae extract, offers long lasting hydration to my skin. My skin is fresh, soft and supple throughout the day. I love its creamy texture and I also like its smell, a little perfume of orange blossom and cedar.

Méthode Physiodermie Bioarome Skin care - Tonifying serum

Do you want a firmer skin? This Tonyfying ™ serum is excellent. Add 5 drops of Tonifying Bioarome to your cream. Thanks to its exclusive synergy of essential oils and toning plant extracts combined with MEIMA technology, this moisturising and revitalising serum firms the skin and helps it to regain its natural elasticity. On sale at beauty institutes only; I got it from my friend and beautician L.

February Monthly Round Up

LIFE LATELY: February is such a cute little month isn’t it? Always going by so quickly!! It’s been a fun month spent discovering new spots!!

Valentine’s Day Card – such a lovely way to start the day!

AUTOGRAPH BOOK: Recently, I started to keep an autograph book. They used to be popular among students during my youth. This notebook serves to record personal information and the well wishes of friends, colleagues and noteworthy acquaintances.

BOOK LOVER: The beautifully written “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel: I wasn't sure when I first started reading this if I would like it, but I’m so glad I persevered. After the 2nd chapter I was completely immersed in it. Stay tuned for this book review.

Very thrilling and “unputdownable”: “The Wife Between Us” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. I adored this book! It’s the best psychological thriller I’ve read in a long time. Stay tuned for this book review.

WALKS: Postcards from Geneva on a sunny and chilly day in downtown, I love how my city shines...

STYLE: I bought this sleeveless blue lace dress at Sandro Clothing to wear for my Valentine’s Day dinner at Le Patio. I paired it with accessories from Julie Gloor: long golden earrings and butterfly pearl rings.

BEAUTY PRODUCTS: In my basket of beauty products bought in February this was my favourite: The Hydra Zen - Anti-Stress Moisturising Cream by Lancôme. – It’s brilliant!!! My skin feels really moisturised and soft. The best moisturiser I have used for a long time.

BOOKSTORE: Payot Librairie (7, Rue de la Confédération)

This is the largest bookstore in Geneva; here we are spoiled by an incredible selection of books. On the 2nd floor there is a very nice coffee corner. For Valentine’s Day I bought Sweetheart “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles.

BOUTIQUE: Caroll | Sale with up to 70% off (8, Rue de la Confédération)

Before closing for renovations, this store is making incredible promotions.

CHOCOLATE SHOP: Teuscher (42, rue du Rhône)

Many chocolate connoisseurs consider Teuscher chocolates to be among the best in the world. So, for Valentine’s Day, I went to buy a box at their freshly opened shop next to the Globus department store Their main shop is at 16 rue de la Corraterie.

RESTAURANT: Le Patio (19, Boulevard Helvétique)

This is where we had a fantastic dinner for Valentine’s Day. Have a look at my upcoming post for the review of this restaurant.

El Catrín (7-9 Rue Richemont)

I am a huge fan of Mexican food and when a colleague recommended to me El Catrín, I was impatient to try it. If mole, chile relleno, tlayudas and other dishes from Oaxaca make your mouth water, you know where to go now. Their chef is specialised in the traditional cuisine of Oaxaca, one of Mexico's major gastronomic centres whose cuisine is known internationally.

CAKE LOVER: LaDurée (33, Quai des Berques)

I started celebrating Valentine’s Day with a delicious passion fruit, pineapple and coconut “Réligieuse” accompanied by a jasmine tea. This is one of Geneva’s prettiest tea-rooms, where the cakes are as beautiful as the decor. At LaDurée we think we are in Alice in Wonderland. Everything is cute; pastel and soft colours, ribboned boxes, large glazed windows and velvet sofas. The watchword for here is fairytale. Check my review in April.

Martel Chocolatier, established since 1818 (4, Rue de la Croix d’Or)

I highly recommend to you the Martel signature tartlet, the « Symphonie », an almond cake base with red fruit and blackcurrant compot, whipped cream and a layer of chestnut cream. I also love the “Choco Framboise”, a crispy cake base topped with layers of airy raspberry and chocolate mousse.

January Monthly Round Up

LIFE LATELY: January was a relatively quiet month, I didn’t go anywhere exciting and only had a few invitations, I ate some delicious food at gorgeous restaurants, but, best of all, January was spent catching up with some of my favourite people.

WALKS: In winter the “Sentier des Sautes” is deserted, but in the summer, the good weather pushes the Genevans to the edge of the water for swimming and barbecuing... nicknamed “Jonx-beach”, this place is a must to discover in summer if you visit the city.

The Viaduc de la Jonction (Viaduct of the Junction) is a rail viaduct completed in 1945.

Jonction is a neighbourhood located near the confluence of two rivers; one side is bordered by the Rhône and the other by the Arve. 

A beautiful building on Boulevard Carl-Vogt in the popular neighbourhood of Jonction.

EXHIBITION : Uni Carl-Vogt (66, bd Carl-Vogt)

« La Villa d'Hadrien à Tivoli » is a small and interesting exhibition at the university.

Hadrian’s Villa is an ancient villa built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century. It is spread over an area of ​​120 hectares, of which about 40 are visible nowadays. Hadrian’s Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important cultural and archaeological site.

Resting Satyr statue

Discus thrower statue

STYLE: I’m totally in love with this grey fluffy faux fur short coat. I bought it a long time ago, but it is only recently that I have been wearing it each time I go out. I feel funky and a bit sexy in it. Especially when I pair it with these high heel boots.

BEAUTY PRODUCTS: Klorane Shampoo and Conditioner. If you are looking for excellent hair products, don’t look any further. These Swiss hair care products are expensive, but, trust me, they are worth every penny.

CAKE LOVER: Stettler & Castrischer (69, Rue du Rhône) We finally succumbed to the temptation of the Castrischer dark chocolate Black Forest, a super soft and airy sponge cake with a thick layer of ultra-light whipped cream.

Café Remor (3, Place du Cirque) I like to go there for a cup of tea and to eat the lemon meringue pie, which is a delight - the best I’ve ever had! I highly recommend their dessert menu.

RESTAURANT: La Plancha (2, Place des Eaux-Vives)

It may be relaxed and convivial, but La Plancha is a truly special place. The food is fine and hearty. The setting is very nice, the staff efficient and friendly, yet discreet. I highly recommend this restaurant, especially in summer when the terrace is open.

We ordered the menu of the day:

Aperol Spritz

Leek soup with curry and parsnip chips

Bavette beefsteak with Bleu d’Auvergne sauce, fondant turnips with sesame and gratin potatoes

Wasabi Sushi Carouge (6, Place du Temple)

Whenever I’m craving for sushi, this is where I go. For me, their sushi is very good, fresh and affordable, plus they have a delivery service. I sat by the window with a nice view of the Temple and I enjoyed my menu composed of sushi rolls and makis tempura shrimp.

BOOKS: Here’s what I've been reading in January (books from my bookshelves).

Child of Happy Valley: A Memoir by Juanita Carberry. This book covers Juanita’s life in Kenya and her adulthood in the UK up to her joining the Women’s Territorials. A very pleasant read. I will review it in the coming months.

Girl with a pearl earring by Tracy Chevalier. I have just read this book for the second time (248 pages) I re-read it to be able to write a better analysis. This great novel gracefully combines true facts and fiction about Johannes Vermeer, whose life is very little known. This novel tells the story of Griet, a poor young girl living with Vermeer’s family in Delft. Stay tuned for this book review.

I hope you all have a fun February…