Sweet Song

Have been on vacation and listening to this sweet song over and over.  This version is especially sweet with the girl swaying next to him.  Promise to update soon!


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), youtube.com

Would You Like To Sample Our Perfume?

I have always been fascinated with advertising campaigns surrounding public transit system and airports; especially since I spend quite a lot of my time there. It is quite interesting where advertisers such as Europe's largest outdoor advertising company JCDecaux will choose to display what for best impact.

A well formed and placed ad will give something interesting for the passer-by to look at but JCDecaux now wants more than a few seconds glance from us. On top of having a visual impact, ads might now house a station where a perfume can be spritzed and sampled. These stations will contain perfume which can either be triggered released with a press of a button, at timed intervals, or by sensed motion of a passer-by.

There is a system such as this already in place in Japan where a restaurant uses it to emit the smell of a chosen item on their menu. The smell of teriyaki chicken could probably make me hungry at any time!

What do you think of this? Would you like to sample a perfume without stepping foot into a department store or be spritzed unknowingly by a sensor-triggered perfume station?


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), cosmeticsdesign-europe.com

Travel & Skincare

Looking at my stash of skincare products, I realized that most of the items are from Japanese or French companies. It is not that I discriminate because I do equally enjoy products from Burt's Bees (started 1984 in Maine), MAC (1985 in Ontario), Neutrogena (1930 in Los Angeles, not in Norway!), and many more. But since Japanese skincare products tend to be light and hydrating, and, French ones tend to be rich and nourishing, it is simple to address different needs of my skin during different times of the year.

I love to take a moment to relax on the couch or lay down for a moment with a facial treatment. I know that I look silly when I do this twice weekly (BFOG tells me so), but I treasure this time to unwind and feel happy that I am feeding my facial skin.

When I get the chance to travel, I opt to bring products that have smart packaging (spillproof, one-time use and not bulky). For my visit in Switzerland, I packed my bags with these hydrating eye patches from Biore. They are very handy because a box comes with 6 packets each containing a pair of patches. They peel back to reveal a sticky gelatine-like side and the patches are shaped to fit the contour of the eyes as well.

Once placed around the eyes the gel patches feel cooling and refreshing on the undereye area. I believe that the patches are even suitable to be worn overnight. I have tested both leaving the patches on for about 20 minutes, and overnight; both yielded the same results. There is no detectable scent to the patches and once removed, they left the undereye area smoother and softer; though the result did not last. Now I have tried many eye patch treatments from different companies. While I do like them for travelling, I generally prefer creamy treatments at home because I feel that the ingredients penetrate better. To sum up, these are pretty good. They are cheaper than others I have tried (such as Chanel or Clinique) and, are equally good.

A Review of Another Biore Product

The Beauty Bowl 2008


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)

Geneve

It is so good to be home. Oh lovely bed, how I have missed you! I wish I had the luggage space to bring my own pillows and sheets. Unfortunately, the space was filled with personal care necessities such as different colors of blushers.

I had a wonderful time on this trip. There weren't many sunny days but having fondue (and the most fantastic one I have ever tasted) in the beautiful town of Montreux, Switzerland made up for it all. The atmosphere was just stunning. The town itself is surrounded by the Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva, and many vineyards which is why it was the perfect spot for a Christmas market to be located at. The perfect backdrop.

I turn into a little kid every year I go to Christmas markets. I start to hyperventilate and begin to run around the different stalls, playing with sparkly boxes, hand painted wooden figures and ogling colorful pieces of hard candies. The bonus this year was stuffing down exactly 220grams of cheese fondue a l'ail. I have had cheese fondue in the past but none like this.

The day cross over French border at Charmonix, a town situated at the foot of Mont Blanc was another treat this trip. Even when the weather did not cooperate and we were unable to take the cable car further up or see glaciers, the town itself was still beautiful. We had only about six hours in town and had opted not to take a ride with the sleddogs because they smelled well, too natural. The enthusiasm of the dogs were great to see though as they were howling and so eager to get going.

There is something about the crisp cold mountain air. I have been sleeping so well ever since I got back and I certainly feel alot healthier than when I first left for vacation.

So what do you do to feel rejuvenated again? What makes you feel alive and charged up?


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)

Possibilities: Unknown

Day Two

Purpose: Vacation
Destination: Geneva, Switzerland
Possibilities: Unknown

As I write this, I feel a certain lightness surround me. It has been a while since I have had a vacation. It feels very different and so special blogging from an airport wifi cafe. I sit here with my miniature coffee listening to the buzzing of french being spoken around me and I can't help but feel giddy. Feel excited about the prospects of what's to come in the coming week, all of the new discoveries I will make. Discoveries that will likely leave a long lasting impression in my mind. I am in Geneva this week for a short winter getaway. Traveling wakes me up. It injects a new dose of energy back into my mind and my body.

Yesterday I wandered into a shop selling beauty supplies on Rue de la Confederation. The shop was about to close so I had to literally run through it. I am so excited because I spotted beauty brands that I have either wanted to try for a long time, or ones that I have never heard of. I am also elated at the thought of filling up with cheese fondue and Swiss chocolate. And what about seeing the Alps! I will hopefully have the fortune of seeing glacier for the first time in my life. When I am done here, I am crossing over to the French border and who knows what else is in store for me.

Any recommendations for what a newbie should do and see in Geneve?


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)

Beauty Adventure - Madara ecoface

I love to tread in unfamiliar beauty territory. If there is ever the chance to discover something new and beauty-related, I'm there! It wouldn't matter if I had to oar my way across a river just to sample a rare youth serum or bargain with a man in a foreign language (with the common phrases section of the Lonely Planet guide open in my hand).

I was in Latvia and although strolling around in a shopping center is nothing overly adventurous, there were quite some unfamiliar beauty brands that lined the shelves. I felt my pupils dilate as I rubbed my hands together in greed when I entered the main floor of the shopping center which was covered almost entirely by the beauty department.

What I noticed was the sheer volume of 'natural' products on offer. One of the brands that stood out from the rest was a locally produced company called Madara. The company believes that the skin "has the inherent wisdom and ability to use the necessary active substances from each plant. High levels of active ingredients – such as extracts and oils – from plants harvested in the Baltic regionare included in all products.". I was completely drawn by their simple yet hygienic packaging, and the fact that none of their products contain synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances or colors. According to their labels, some of the medicinal plants and herbs are even harvested following the lunar phases (I respect that!).

I eagerly tested all their products and narrowed my purchase down to the Madara ecoface Regenerating Cream, which is a night cream designed for all skin types. Bare with me as I copy information about the cream from their website and paste it below :

"Nourishes the skin and revives its radiance and beauty during sleep.
Natural plant and flower anti-oxidants prevent the aging process and the formation of wrinkles. Created with love using jojoba and avocado base oils, cocoa butter, extracts of barley sprouts, tomatoes, hop, algae, plantain, camomile, calendula and sea buckthorn oil, all harvested in the Baltic region, as well as gentle natural enzymes.

Tomato – contains carotenoids, including the red pigment lycopene - one of the most potent anti-oxidants. Carotenoids protect skin from free radicals, slowing down aging processes. Neutralizes UV ray damage of the previous day. Lycopene also has anti-cancer activity. Decreases allergic reactions.
Barley sprout – One of the richest sources of natural vitamins, minerals and amino acids, all of which exhibit powerful antioxidant properties. Destroys toxins harmful to skin and neutralizes free radicals. Has anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic properties. Stimulates the healing process, softens skin.
Hop – Delays aging processes thanks to a gentle estragenic activity. Softens and strengthens skin, prevents inflammations.
Sea Buckthorn – rich source of vitamins, especially vitamin E anti-oxidant. Palmitic acid is a natural component of skin, thus softening and enriching skin cells with the necessary substances, promoting skin’s regeneration. A natural UV filter.
Seaweed – Creates skin protective complex and improves skin elasticity. Improves cell metabolism and excess water elimination from body tissues, decreasing swelling.
Plantain – stimulates collagen synthesis. Renews damaged skin cells, creates a protective and moisturizing layer on skin. Aids in eliminating excess water from body tissue, decreasing swelling.
Chamomile – stimulates collagen synthesis. Has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, calming and cell regenerating properties.
Marigold – has antiseptic properties, treats various skin problems. Destroys free radicals.
Avocado oil – able to deeply penetrate the skin transporting the necessary anti-oxidants and other active substances. Has moisturizing, healing, anti-bacterial, anti-wrinkle properties. Stimulates collagen synthesis, thus delaying aging signs and visibly softening skin. Creates a velvety feel of the skin.

INCI / ingredients:
Aqua, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil¹, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil¹, Glycerin (Vegetable)², Saccharide Isomerate², Hordeum Vulgare (Barley Germ) Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn Berry) Extract, Lycopersicum Esculentum (Tomato) Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, Algae Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hop) Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Plantago Major (Plantain Leaf) Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula Flower) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Camomile Flower) Extract, Glucose, Cetearyl Glucoside, Allantoin², Glucose Oxidase³, Lactoperoxidase³, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Aroma⁴, Limonene⁴, Linalool^4
1 Certified organic
² Natural moisturising agents
³ Natural enzymes
⁴ Ingredients of natural essential oils "

I mean, have you ever seen such a huge list of natural ingredients combined in such an interesting way? Reading this information was already a skincare lesson in itself. You see why I had to get this!

Did it deliver? Well, yes and no. It feels nourishing and proofs itself to be a great moisture-izer to the skin. The hygienic pump bottle delivers a dose of its peach-tint cream enough to cover the entire face and neck. However, I have yet to find out its anti-aging properties as I admittedly have yet to used the cream continuously for more than 3 nights in a row. Why? I blame my keen sense of smell. Every time I apply this cream expecting the usual 'herbal' scent of any common natural product, I get instead a whiff of tomato paste. Call me a spoiled sport if you will but I think I am going to have to let this cream do its magic only on my neck!

Any natural products you want to rave about or share your thoughts on? Please leave them in comments!

Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), madara.lt

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

I learn so much when I hear others gush about their beauty favorites. Going on the advice of the fabulous lady at Make Do & Mend, I went for the biggest tube of Embryolisse I could find when I was in Paris. I had a feeling this one would not disappoint seeing that it has achieved cult status amongst makeup artists and been on the must-have list in many beauty magazines.

Embryolisse is a French creation. Ok, the company's name implies and brings to mind something perhaps a little odd. But the brand itself having been around for nearly 60 years, and, has been recommended for use by doctors because of its simple yet effective formulation. After having sold more than 10 000 000 tubes by 2007, the company launched their saught after limited 'vintage edition' of their ever famous Lait-Creme Concentre.

The tube holds a milky cream fluid that has a versatile texture which just sinks and settle into the skin well. It promises 24-hrs of hydration and it has not yet broken that promise (I have been using it for nearly 2 months). Whilst the milky cream has a soft floral scent, even the more sensitive skin types seem to do well with it. I have seen it work well on those with normal, oily, dry, or scaly skin and the creamy fluid makes a fantastic moist prep for makeup, protection against chap, and as a nurturing layer at night to seal moisture in the skin. The product is also capable of aiding in shaving and cleansing facial skin.

Perhaps I would try those other uses for the milky cream if I had more of it. But with only 1 tube at my disposal, I am reserving it for emergency use only.

The Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre is sold in many parts of the world (including US & Canada). I found my giant tube in a pharmacy in Montparnasse in Paris for around 10 euros. Surprised at the humble price tag? That is why I will be hoarding tubes of this my next visit to France and I will be searching high and low for the limited edition vintage tubes.


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)

Love Its Glide

Something I discovered on my last trip to Paris and is arguably my Top Find there (previous post here). Not only is the store a wonderful treasure trove as I mentioned in the post, Paris berlin's own makeup line is well formulated and of professional grade (also obvious by all the pro makeup artists I saw shopping there).

I had to grab myself their Le Teint Hightech as soon as I felt its consistency. To me, this foundation has a unique texture. It is a liquidized cream given great slip that glide over the complexion. With such consistency, one would assume heavy coverage. Nope, not really. To the human eye, the coverage looks naturally flawless and provides medium coverage. On camera, the coverage is extremely skin-like and does not set off unattractive reflective glare.

Did I mention the glide? The glide is incredible.

This is how the company describes the foundation:

"light liquid foundation is an oil free light and moisturising liquid foundation extremely confortable with a greeat sliding power.
Long Lasting, Its long lasting formula daily controls the excess of oil. High fidelity and stability of the colors.
Natual Mat Finish, no powder needed . Absolutely mat.
Effet Soft Focus, The microspheres with soft focus effect diminishes optically the small skin imperfections
UV Filters SPF 12
Antifree Radicals vitamine E"


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use) parisberlin.com
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I don't feel like writing much today. I feel invaded because I came across a website that had posted an article of mine on their site without my permission (including my photos and title from my article). Those of you who maintain a website and are involved in creative writing must know what I mean when I say that the results you see on our websites are a product of a lot of hard work and time spent fine-tuning details. Whether intentional or not, not taking the care to ask for permission before republishing someone else's work is mean spirited and disrespectful.

I have contacted the owner of the site and am hoping that it is a mistake and that it was not their intention to republish or copy my work.

I will leave you with these dreamy images I took when I visited Paris earlier this month. These are images of some of my favorite spots/sights/experiences whilst there. Glancing through these today has worked wonders at making me feel better.

What helps to brighten up your day? Share your thoughts in comments.

The Famous Window Displays of Louis Vuitton on Champs-Elysees

Window Display of Hugo Boss on Champs-Elysees

Irresistible French macaroons from La Duree on Champs-Elysees

The Sephora that is like a night club for makeup lovers - the legendary branch on Champs-Elysees

Display of Givenchy's new Phenomen’eyes mascara that caught everyone's attention

Montparnasse, the neighborhood to visit for the best Crepe Bretonne.

The crepes with crispy edges are made with buckwheat flour and are stuffed with ingredients of your choice. The Tower of Montparnasse (standing at 210-meter) is also in the area and provides a wonderful view of Paris and of course, of the Eiffel Tower.

Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)