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J’adore Dior Garden Party

J’adore by Dior Parfum d’Eau launch party in Traumgarten by Anna Blachut from A Stylish Story

In early September I was invited to attend the new Dior fragrance launch on the Swiss market. The event took place in Traumgarten Thalwil, just a short ride outside of the Zurich city center.

The event was a celebration of the new parfum d’eau.

Traumgarten actually means “dream garden” in German, and this could not be more accurate. The setting was breathtaking, with koi fish curling around the bottom of a pond, Dior goodie bags piled high on lush green bushes, and flowers, and the new Dior parfum d’eau.

Why Parfum d’eau, not eau de parfum? This is indeed the unique selling point of this new Dior fragrance. It is the first-ever water-based fragrance. It is an alcohol-free fragrance. Instead of alcohol, it is an oil-based fragrance that needs to be shaken before being applied. The new Dior fragrance is a concentration of water and flowers.

In terms of advertising and imagery, the Dior J’adore fragrance has become synonymous with the famous actress Charlize Theron. She has been the face of numerous of the J’adore fragrance campaigns (and before her, Carmen Kass in the 90s). Charlize Theron continues to star in the international campaign launch for the new J’adore Parfum d’eau. But did you know that there will be local digital stars for this Dior Parfum launch? Earlier in the day, the Traumgarten served as a backdrop for the upcoming Dior digital campaign for the perfume in the Swiss market. They shot the most stunning images of the beautiful Swiss influencers Anna Maradan, Elvira Legrand, Lisa Starchak, Sindi Arifi, and Svenja Elena Steness.

The evening event started at 6, there was a garden quiz with prizes to win, delicious food and on each table, there was a white bouquet of Dior flowers along with the new J’adore Parfum d’eau for guests to sample. There was also a pop-up booth with makeup where you could try out the latest Dior Makeup collections with the help of professional makeup artists. There were also several backdrops where you could take your picture including a super fun photo booth, which I loved. Later on, there was a full official presentation of the new Dior fragrance along with a speech from the heads of the markets in the evening.

The theme of the evening reflected the new look of the Parfum d’Eau’s opaque white bottle with its elegant gold neck – the Dress Code was white with a touch of gold. For the event, I wore a Miu Miu white dress with a delicate bow detail along with a cream white tweed blazer, threaded with gold and embellished with a pearl trim. In terms of shoes, I wore a pair of white loafers with gold details. This is because we had been asked to wear comfortable shoes, this is because the garden setting meant that heels would be a tad more complex, and I am so happy I had flat shoes as it allowed me to explore the garden fully. For the event, I had done my makeup using only Dior products. In terms of the look, I did a soft glam look inspired by Lily-Rose Depp’s MET Gala makeup from 2019, so iconic and elegant.

The event was a wonderful moment, and I am so thankful to have been invited. Not to mention because when I was an illustration design student at The University of Edinburgh, my dissertation thesis was in fact on Dior and the iconic perfume ads created by the famous Franco-Italian fashion illustrator René Gruau. In this way, Dior will always truly hold a special place in my heart.

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Lierac Premium: Be your own kind of beautiful

I got back from work to find a beautiful surprise waiting for me: the Lierac Premium serum and cream tucked in with a gorgeous flower. In honour of International Woman’s Day, Lierac had sent this wonderful gift to me. It was such a nice attention to detail. The Lierac Premium is the French beauty brand’s luxurious range. The products contain hyaluronic acid and black flower extracts to help combat the visible signs of the passage of time.

The packaging of the Lierac Premium cream was so regal, with black and gold details – I absolutely loved it. The cream was nestled neatly inside a velvet lined box which also contained the smallest little black envelope I had ever seen. Tucked inside this envelope was a small spatula to apply the cream with and a detailed explanation of the cream’s benefits. The formula is inspired by regenerative medicine. The cream treats deep wrinkles, loss of density, dark spots, skin slackening, uneven complexion and pores.

It contains 8.5% of the Lierac registers patent Premium Cellular Complex as well as 5% hyaluronic acid. The Lierac Premium cream also has a nutritious concentrate that deeply nourishes the skin. It includes shea butter, botanical glycerine, and botanical oils. The texture and smell of the cream are ultra-luxurious as well with a velvety soft finish.

Whilst the Lierac Premium Serum Booster contains patented Black Tulip and Kombucha (which is fermented black tea).

I can’t wait to introduce these two Lierac skincare products into my daily routine. Combining the Booster Serum with the cream together.

Click here for more skincare and beauty articles from Anna, A Stylish Story. Your Swiss Beauty Blogger from Geneva.

Wishing all the ladies a wonderful day filled with self care and love.

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Guerlain: Golden honey nectar – Beauty Talk

If you missed my Instagram Reel, I posted my current favorite G Rouge lipstick from Guerlain. You can use it to create a full-on Hollywood glam look or to add a pop of color to your everyday makeup.

In late December, I came back home and I found waiting on my table a little brown box. I was so excited once I opened it because Guerlain sent me a selection of their new product releases. I am very happy to share all these fabulous new products with you in this special Guerlain beauty post. Are you ready?

BEAUTY POST

I opened the wonderfully wrapped white and gold package with my eyes sparkling with joy and fascination. Guerlain is a French brand that is world-renowned make-up, perfume, and skincare brand. I am and have always been a big beauty nerd and in my opinion, Guerlain is one of the best beauty brands on the market. So I was very excited to discover these new products.

Did you know? Guerlain is the oldest perfume house in France. It is the only perfume house in the world that still retains a full-time “Nez”, the handful of world-class fragrance experts who design our perfumes and colognes. Moreover, practically every fragrance from Guerlain has been created by a small number of Nezs.

So first of all, let’s start with their new sent Nettare Di Sole. This is part of their Aqua Allegoria collection by Guerlain. Bearing in mind Guerlain’s heritage as a fragrance house, I was delighted to discover this new scent which reminds me of thick honey perfectly balanced with fresh floral notes almost as if one were to stroll through honeysuckle on a hot summers day, whilst a cooling breeze tickles your skin. Together, Thierry Wasser and Delphine Jelk created this succulent scent combining fresh bergamot with sweet, white honey.

Did you know? Guerlain’s Nettare Di Sole can even be combined with other Aqua Allegoria scents, so you have a truly unique fragrance blend. To create your own scent signature, you can choose from Guerlain’s suggested duos of Aqua Allegoria fragrances. I personally love this concept, as I truly believe that one should have a signature scent that compliments your mood, the seasonality, and reflects your personality.

Another Guerlain product that is new is their two-step anti-aging skincare ritual. The Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil and Double R Renew & Repair Serum. The collection is the fruit of more than 10 years of research dedicated to honey and its repairing powers. The beauty oil’s formula is enriched with microbeads, which look like tiny flakes of gold suspended in the bottle and add an extra aesthetic appeal to the product. The oil plumps, smoothes and illuminates the skin due to key active ingredients: including Guerlain’s Royal Jelly and Black Bee Honey from the Island of Ouessant. Whilst the Abeille Royal Double R Renew and Repair Serum has a double peeling and lifting effect.

In the pictures, I have a subtle glow on the cheeks, created with the legendary Terracotta powder by Guerlain. A subtle sweep on the cheeks instantly is absolutely essential in the cold winter months for me! Guerlain’s Limited Edition Terracotta in Light Bloom is what I used here has a beautiful combination of gold, delicate pink and warm brown. The colors may be mixed and matched to bring warmth to the complexion and enhance it naturally.

Finally, I received the iconic new LE ROUGE G. During this time of year, I love wearing a bold red lip like this absolutely beautiful one from Guerlain. The new Rouge G is called Luxurious Velvet. The name inspires both the formula and the case which comes with a handy mirror that is perfect for touch-ups on the go.

The lipstick is infused with nourishing mango butter and mattifying silkwood extract. The Guerlain lipstick glides onto lips like velvet and is super long-lasting (it lasts up to 16 hours!). What is more, it is a refillable case. Depending on how many coats you wear, you can make the color more intense. How great is that?

I hope you guys will enjoy those couple of pictures featuring the new Guerlain products!

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Coeur De Megève: A magnificent mountain destination for Chalet-chic seekers

Just before Christmas, I had the pleasure of discovering the Hotel Coeur de Megève with Bella Zofia. Megève shines at the top of the list of the most beautiful ski resorts in France. We went up to is the famous ski resort village, which I was very excited about, as it was the first time I was venturing to this Jet Set ski location. We arrived at midday at the charming boutique hotel located in the center of the village and headed inside to discover the Cœur de Megève.

ABOUT THE HOTEL

Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, in the jet-set winter destination, the Coeur de Megève is a boutique hotel located in the center of the village of a Megève. Right next to the Ladurée tea shop. The hotel had a beautiful wooden exterior. The interior was decorated with warm oak brown tones and oranges, punctuated with soft alpine accents like soft white throws.

The festive spirit was in full swing in the mountain village, decked with Christmas lights and trees. The snowy roofed scenery, horse-drawn carriages, and blazing log fires definitely added to the ambiance. Situated on Rue Charles Feige, near the emblematic church of the ski resort, and was rebranded as a brand new boutique hotel, decorated in understated luxury, and it continues to be the rendezvous of regulars and welcomes new clients from all over.

Owned by the same family for three generations, the iconic hotel in the center of Megève has been taken over by Martine Kampf and her sons Jean Bastien and Maxence Dussart. While keeping the family and friendly character of the old house and preserving its poetic name “Coeur de Megève”, it has undergone a complete renovation led by the interior designer Sybille de Margerie. She is a prestigious interior designer who has created, among others, the Mandarin Oriental in Paris and Geneva, the Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, and the brand new Barthélémy in Saint Barth.

The hotel has 39 rooms, which are each styled with warm fabrics and walnut wood, and vintage chalet touches. There are 8 room categories available, ranging from Cosy, Comfort, Superior, Superior with Terrace, Duplex Junior Suite, Junior Suite, Family Suite, and Suite. All the rooms have a safe, a tea and coffee machine, bathrobes and towels, Grown Alchemist bath amenities (which smell amazing!).

The hotel also has a restaurant, Tata Harper SPA, a cocktail bar, a cozy lounge, and a super mulled wine and hot chocolate station just outside the hotel.

We received a warm welcome from Nicholas Granger, the General Manager of the Hotel Cœur de Megève. Who ensured we were well taken care of during our stay.

THE ROOM

We headed up to our room which I discovered had a glorious, sunlit terrace that looked over the bell tower and the river. It was absolutely beautiful.

Inside the room, we discovered a beautiful handwritten welcome note and gifts to welcome us from the hotel. The room itself was decorated with paneled wood with soft sage green and deep red notes, offset with copper accents. Matching the style we had seen throughout the hotel, the interior decoration truly added to the concept of a warm heart beating in the center of the village. A cocoon of welcoming warmth sharply contrasting with the bitter cold outside.

The room also had an en-suite bathroom that was very spacious with a double washbasin, an enormous bath(!) and was fully equipped with Grown Alchemist beauty products. This is part of their eco-responsible hotel initiative. These products are free from parabens and artificial colorings. The organic cosmetics brand Grown Alchemist in the bathrooms, can be found throughout the hotel and even the Spa partner, Tata Harper reflects this conscious decision for eco-responsibility.

After unpacking, we enjoyed a light lunch in the restaurant Le Cœur. What was great about the restaurant is that the hotel chooses only seasonal products, and also favors local producers. I opted for their Pumpkin soup with chestnut cream and parmesan crumble. After lunch, we headed out to explore the snowy town.

TATA HARPER SPA

At 4 pm I had a SPA treatment booked back at the hotel. I was very much looking forward to it as the Cœur de Megève Hotel Spa was by the famous American beauty brand Tata Harper. Pioneers in luxury skincare and known for their unique high-quality products made of condensed, pure active ingredients, free from any synthetic components. I chose one of the cocooning rituals for the body, which was very relaxing. The Spa also included a Finnish sauna and a sensory shower.

DINNER & DRINKS

Then we got ready for our aperitif at 6 pm, for this, I wore a soft velvet jumpsuit and a silver Maje jacket with black velvet trim and my Le Chiquito black Jacquemus bag. Decked out in French fashion brands I was Chalet chic and ready for an après-ski evening. We headed down the brushed walnut wood floors and over to the Terrace – a heated and covered bar area outside where we sank down into thick leather armchairs and ordered some light snacks and a cocktail. The ambiance was cozy and chic, with a dusky red light that added warmth to the terrace.

After dinner, we sat by the fire in the Lounge areas to round up the evening with some festive songs like Santa Baby before bundling ourselves up and getting ready for a brisk evening walk. This was a great decision as we got to see the mountain village by night. And as it was a couple of days before Christmas everything was lit up and we even came across “The Love Keepers” – a triptych of monumental sculptures sunken into the snow in downtown Megève, created by the artist Chinikov. After our walk, I ran myself a big bubble bath before sliding into my super soft velvet and satin night set from Etam and tucking in for the night.

BREAKFAST IN BED

In the morning we had the most splendid weather. Sunshine was blazing across the terrace and we took the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed. That included fresh juices, French croissants, eggs Benedict, fruits and lots of coffee.

FINAL THOUGHTS & THANKS

A huge thank you to all the staff at the Cœur de Megève, especially Mr. Granger, for a truly warm welcome and wonderful stay. As well as PR & Co, and Virginie, for making this possible.

Then we headed up the mountain for a quick tour before making our way back to Geneva.

I truly loved everything about my first stay in Megève at the hotel cœur de Megève and highly recommend it if you plan a trip to the alps.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Hôtel le Coeur de Megève
44 rue Charles Feige
74120 Megève
+33 (0)4 50 21 25 30
hello@coeurdemegeve.com

For more hotel and travel content click here.

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The May Beauty Edit

Getting summer ready was my main focus for this month. This meant that I was particularly interested in getting a clear complexion and toning up my body in time for the sunshine.

Here are some of my top fave face, body and hair product discoveries of the month…

The best beauty buys to get ready for summer 2021:

FOR THE FACE:

First up is the SkinCeuticals’s C E Ferulic Serum. It is their award-winning Vitamin C Serum that provides advanced environmental protection for brighter, more radiant skin. I love it because in addition to antioxidant protective benefits, this formula improves signs of aging and photodamage to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and brightening your complexion. What is more, this powerful formula helps neutralize free radicals induced by UVA/UVB, infrared radiation (IRA) and ozone pollution (O3).

FOR THE BODY:

Then we have Eveline Cosmetics which was established in 1983 and is one of the major cosmetic producers in Poland. I was recommended by my fabulous friend and fellow blogger Bella Zofia.

I ordered them from Notio.ch, an online beauty website in Switzerland. I tested out the bestseller called the Eveline Slim Exteme 4D serum and the Eveline Slim Extreme 4D Clinic Super Concentrate Anti Cellulite Cooling Formula.

The super concentrate contains Glycolic acid evens and smoothes the structure of the epidermis, and ConturShock Treatment supports the process of burning subcutaneous fat, giving an effect similar to lymphatic drainage. It also contains a combination of guarana and caffeine. Whilst the Slim Extreme 4D Serum promises to eliminate the local excess of fatty tissue. It has a heating effect which is slightly unpleasant but makes me aware of my problem areas and in turn I am making more of a conscious effort to train and tone up those areas. In terms of application it’s fairly straightforward: Once a day in the morning massage with circular movements into the problematic areas of the body.

FOR THE HAIR

I have been getting lots of nice compliments on my hair recently and wanted to share my haircare update. I have been using the Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo. It smells great and is infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil, keratin proteins, and fatty acids. It is a super moisturizing shampoo helps strengthen broken strands and dead ends. I also recently started using Garnier’s BANANA AND SHEA INTENSIVE HAIR TREATMENT Ultimate Blends Hair Food. It smells so delicious that it even has a label warning you not to eat it! If you are a fan of tropical fruits and pina colada’s this is a must. It deeply hydrates and repairs, leaving dry hair soft and healthy hair. Enriched with banana, shea butter and coconut oil, the 98% natural origin formula is free of parabens, silicones and artificial colourants. They also have a Papaya range which I really like as well. Definitely recommend trying them. I’ve been using the mask twice a week and sometimes I combine it with pure coconut oil to really hydrate my hair. Another trick I’ve been testing out since I saw the huge viral trend on TikTok is applying castor oil to the roots and leaving it over night. It’s a bit of pain to get out but I definitely see an improvement in the texture of my tresses.

SHOP THE POST:

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The March Beauty Edit

Spring Beauty 2021

Geneva Based Swiss Blogger fresh beauty

As spring is sweeping and the seasons change, I wanted to share with you my favorite beauty products from this month.

These are a few of my spring beauty must-haves…

First and foremost, as the sun comes out and the weather warms up, one thing that inevitably needs to be updated is ones skincare. For me, I have been particularly vigilant when it comes to cleansing recently. Especially as fresh, healthy skin is the ultimate foundation and having a great beauty base to build on makes other makeup steps so much easier. With quarantine and the global pandemic, skincare routines have seen a renewed level of enthusiasm and have truly taken on an extra level of importance.

How to get flawless skin fast?

Geneva Based Swiss Blogger makeup

The Double Cleanse

Good skin is the foundation for feeling confident and beautiful. So I wanted to share with you my current skincare cleansers that ensure I remove every spec of makeup from my face before I go to bed each night.

The importance of cleansing is something which came to my attention when I was in my mid 20s and did a skin analysis which showed that I was not cleansing my skin thoroughly enough and therefore there was a build up of makeup still on my skin. I was so shocked by this revelation that I immediately looked at how to remove my makeup correctly. I had always prided myself on the fact that without fault,

I always removed my makeup before bed, having heard that not doing so caused premature aging. So I made sure to double down on my cleansing efforts from that moment forth, which is when I started double cleansing.

On a daily basis I do a double cleanse, which is as simple as it sounds: cleansing the face twice. Usually the first cleanser is an oil-based cleanser. Then this is followed up by a water-based one. However, it’s possible to double cleanse with two regular cleansers if oils aren’t right for you. The important thing is to find the right products that suit your skin.

My current double cleanse partners in crime are both from Clarins.

  1. First I use the Clarins Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Alpine herbs and aloe vera extracts. It is a great product for dry to normal to dry skin and also this cleanser smells really good. It is enriched with the gentle complex from Domaine Clarins (organic yellow gentian and organic lemon balm), as well as an organic aloe vera extract. It cleanses, gently removes make-up, and softens the skin.
  2. Then I use the Clarins Gentle Renewing Cleansing Mousse as the second part of my double cleanse routine. This is really great cleanser for all skin types, it is enriched with the gentle complex from Domaine Clarins (organic yellow gentian and organic lemon balm), as well as tamarind pulp acids, which contain AHA. It gently cleanses and brightens the skin. It revives dull complexions for an instant renewed effect.

Another cleanser which I opt for when I have worn more makeup than usual is the Soy Face Cleanser by Fresh Beauty. It smells divine with delicate notes of refreshing cucumber. The formula gently and effectively lifts away all my make up leaving my super sensitive skin soothed and toned.

For days when I really need some TLC, I’ll follow up my double cleanse with a face mask. At the moment I have been using the Rose Face Mask by Fresh Beauty. A true hydration boost, this gel-textured Rose Face Mask instantly cools, soothes and hydrates parched pores. What is more, the strawberry-hued gel is actually jam-packed with real rose petals and pure rose water to soothe and tone while cucumber extract and aloe vera gel provides an immediate cooling and calming effect that also aids soothing. I absolutely love it for my special “SPA” at home nights.

Geneva Based Swiss Blogger Fresh Beauty
Geneva Based Swiss Blogger Clarins Cleansers
Geneva Based Swiss Blogger LA MER

All About that Base

Other skin-perfecting products that I have discovered this month include M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse and NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation.

The M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse is crazy cool as it is literally an all in 1. Super easy to use and the texture is really quite weightless. The magical aspect of it is that it actually adapts to any skin tone. Instantly concealing any redness, pigmentation and smoothing The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can also wave bye-bye to your dear dark circles as it doubles up as a concealer too. It really is a magical 4-in-1 product that can be uses as a: primer, make-up, powder & concealer. Indeed, the M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse is the No. 1 make-up in Germany at the moment and it’s hard not to see why.

This said, I was delighted to discover the NARS foundation this month too. A makeup brand that needs no introduction, NARS is an absolute beauty cult classic. Makeup junkies who love NARS are even referred to as NARSissists (brilliant marketing). This foundation give me a full yet natural-looking coverage with unexpectedly weightless, 16-hour wear. I get so many compliments about my skin every time I wear it. I do think it helps that this particular foundation has a perfect 4-to-1 ratio, when it comes to gold and green pigments that negate redness and combat dullness. This really helps to create a bright, even finish. Indeed the compliments I got often when wearing this foundation where about how luminous my complexion was.

Geneva Based Swiss Blogger NARS Foundation

Cheek to Cheek

I tend to enhance my foundation with a touch of cream highlighter. I am loving the MAGIC FINISH Diamond Glow Serum from M. Asam. It smells super rich and yummy and the texture is perfectly buildable. The iridescent pearl finish is universally flattering as well. It is another magical product that also acts as a 4-in-1 Highlighter Serum with diamond peptide complex, radiance boost technology, silky care formula and offers extra moisture to your skin. This particular formula is enriched with retinol & vitamin E, almond and apricot oil as well as soothing aloe vera and magnolia extract.

In springtime especially you want to get your glow on. I tend to gravitate toward stronger pinks in springtime. My favorite at the moment is the Clarins Glow-the-Go stick in 01 Glowy Pink. It’s a multi-task stick that functions both as a highlighter and a blush.

PRO TIP:

When it comes to enhancing your skin with highlighter you should apply it anywhere that naturally catches the light: cheekbones, bridge of nose, inner eyes, Cupid’s bow and brow bone. This will bring forth your best features and compliment you bone structure naturally.
Geneva Based Swiss Blogger MAGIC FINISH

A Modern Love Affair

Quite possibly the most-coveted eyeshadow palette yet, Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance features 14, highly-pigmented powders in a rainbow of pinks, taupes and berries. Indeed it was the most sold beauty palette in the world in 2019.

I have been eyeing it up for months now and I discovered it at the Anastasia Beverly Hills beauty Pop Up corner at The Ritz in Geneva when I went for their ABH Signature Brows experience this month. The Renaissance Palette is just perfect for travelling. I brought it with me to Zermatt where I played with the different effects you can create using the different matte and shimmery shades. I’m a total fan and find myself reaching for this palette every time I want to get that soft glam makeup look.

Geneva Based Swiss Blogger ABH modern renaissance
Geneva Based Swiss Blogger Anastasia Beverly Hills Makeup

Lash but not Least

I had a wonderful experience in early March when I tuned in to the global launch of Benefit Cosmetic’s They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara launch. Their global launch of the product was super cool and had a whole program including an interactive website, a live show as well as key speakers including the internationally renowned beauty bloggers. The product itself is great and I really see a difference when it comes to building up my lashes. This is because of the innovative Extender Brush that actually has a magnetically charged core which pulls the Magnetic Mineral Enriched Formula up to the tips of lashes when you apply it. Indeed the l Benefit brush is custom-designed in a way that ZigZags the bristles which are strategically positioned to fan out, separate & define lashes. And what better way to look wide awake and ready for the season change than with brilliantly long lashes?

So there you have it, top beauty picks for this month. I hope you enjoyed it and if you want to read more about beauty click here.

Geneva Based Swiss Blogger mascara