How to Style – Anna Blachut

Posted on February 27, 2023February 27, 2023 by Astylishstory — Leave a comment

What to Wear to Fashion Week: Your Ultimate Style Guide

Fashion week is the perfect opportunity to show off your personal style and catch a glimpse of the latest fashion trends. But with so many events and runway shows, it can be overwhelming to decide what to wear. That’s why I have created this ultimate guide to help you stand out and look your best at Fashion Week.

Mix Prints: Gone are the days when matching prints were a fashion faux pas. Mixing prints is one of the hottest fashion trends, and Fashion Week is the perfect time to experiment with this bold style choice. Try pairing a printed top with a patterned skirt or pants. Just make sure the prints have a similar color scheme to avoid a clash of patterns.
Layer like a Pro: Layering and draping are great ways to add depth and versatility to your outfit. Layer a jacket over a dress or drape a sweater over a blouse for a chic, effortless look. These styles are also perfect for adjusting your outfit to different temperatures throughout the day.
Be Bold: Bright colors are a great way to make a statement and stand out in the crowd. Don’t be afraid to wear stand-out shades, like red, yellow, or green. If you’re not ready to commit to a full outfit, try adding a pop of color with your accessories. For example by wearing an all-grey outfit and adding a pop of color with bright-colored shoes.
Prioritize Comfort: Fashion Week events involve a lot of walking and standing, so it’s important to prioritize comfort. Opt for comfortable shoes, like comfortable loafers or cowboy boots, instead of super high heels that can cause discomfort after a few hours. Alternatively, carry your heels in your handbag and wear a pair of flats, so you can swap them when you arrive at the event.
Opt for Statement Accessories: Elevate your outfit and add a personal touch. Consider adding statement jewelry, a dramatic pair of earrings, a chic clutch, or a trendy hat to your outfit. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too many accessories can detract from your overall look.
Play with Proportions and textures: This a great way to create an interesting and unique look. Pair a voluminous skirt with a fitted top or a cropped jacket with high-waisted pants. The key is to balance the proportions to create a cohesive outfit. Mixing and matching different textiles and textures can add depth and dimension to your outfit. Consider pairing a cozy sweater with a leather skirt, or a silk blouse with a denim jacket. These unexpected combinations will make your outfit stand out in a sea of fashionistas.
Coordinate with a Friend: Twinning with friend is a great way to create a cohesive and stylish look. Match your outfits with complementary colors or patterns to create a stylish duo. Why stop at coordinating with one friend when you can coordinate with all of them? Coordinate your outfits with your entire group to create a stylish and cohesive look.
Wear a Co-Ord Power Suit: A power suit is a great way to ensure that you look polished and put together. If you’re feeling stuck and don’t know what to wear, remember that a go-to matching set is always a safe bet. Whether it’s a chic skirt and blazer, or a stylish two-piece suit, these outfits require minimal effort but still look stylish and put together. What is more, if you make your outfit monochrome, that is a great way to create a cohesive and stylish look. Try matching your shoes to your bag or your jewelry to your outfit. Just make sure to keep the color scheme simple and cohesive.
Find Your Statement Piece: Finally, consider finding your own sartorial uniform and sticking with it. This could be a signature style or a go-to outfit formula that works for you. It could be as simple as always wearing a blazer or incorporating a certain color into every outfit. Whatever it is, finding your sartorial uniform can simplify your outfit choices and make getting dressed for Fashion Week a breeze.

As a Swiss fashion blogger and illustrator, I know firsthand the excitement that comes with Fashion Week. Fashion Week can be overwhelming, and sometimes less is more. If you’re feeling unsure about your outfit, scale back and stick to a simple, classic look with a twist. A little black dress or a tailored suit will never go out of style, add a bold red lip and you should be all good.

FAQs

What is the best shoe style to wear to Fashion Week? Opt for stylish sneakers or loafers, or cowboy boots instead of high heels that can cause discomfort after a few hours.

What should I consider when choosing an outfit for Fashion Week? Consider the event dress code, the venue, and your personal style. Always pay close attention to the invitation, as it usually reflects the theme of the event too.
Can I mix and match bold pieces for my Fashion Week outfit? Yes, fashion is about taking risks, and having fun. So be bold, and try out those trends you have been wanting to test out.

In conclusion, Fashion Week is the ultimate opportunity to showcase your style and make a statement. By researching the event dress code, considering the venue, and prioritizing comfort, you can ensure that you look and feel your best. Experimenting with bold colors, prints, and textures, layering for versatility, and accessorizing to elevate your look are great ways to stand out in the crowd. And don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the experience – after all, fashion month only comes around twice a year!

Posted on September 27, 2022 by — Leave a comment

Milan Fashion Week: Fashion Designers to watch & Spring Summer 2023 Trends by A Stylish Story

Milan fashion week is a biannual event that takes place between January-February and then again in September-October each year. MFW occurs in the third week of Fashion Month. The fashion month of madness always opens in New York, heads then to London, next to Milan, and finally wraps up in Paris.

The Milan Fashion Week is organized by the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, Milano Moda Donna, and is one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year.

Industry insiders, VIPs, and the press all flock to the Italian fashion capital to attend exclusive events, runway shows, and fashion presentations. This said, if you happen to be in Milan city at the time of the event, there is a Fashion Hub that is open to the public, which means you can still experience the artistic and fashionable ingenuity of MFW.

Milan Fashion Week

Italians are known for their style, craftsmanship and ability to combine clothes to look impeccably chic. Famous Italian fashion brands include Prada, Loro Piana, Tods, Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, MaxMara, Fendi, Bottega Veneta and Schiaparelli. Prints and textiles are also incredibly important emblems of Italian heritage. Luxury Italian fashion brands known for this include MISSONI, Pucci and Versace.

Milan Fashion Week: ones to watch

Of course, the big names are very exciting and generate a lot of buzz and press coverage. There are also smaller and lesser-known fashion brands that present their collections. With this in mind, here is a quick breakdown of the emerging designers at Milan Fashion Week with innovation and forward-thinking fashion lines to keep an eye on:

DHRUV KAPOOR

DHRUV KAPOOR the dreamer presentation: This Prêt-à-Porter line was founded by the Indian fashion designer Dhruv Kapoor. Think mesh sets, floor skimming flared sheer trousers and graphic, oversized athletic pieces. My favorite aspect of the new Spring Summer 2023 collection were the circular, crystal-embellished top handle mini bags.

YUME YUME

YUME YUME means “dream” in Japanese. Just like its name, the Dutch brand, founded in 2018 by Eva Korsten and Dave Hendriks present at Milan Fashion Week, offers shoes with a style that are at the same time futuristic and inspired by Japanese traditions. What is truly innovative about their footwear, is that they feature insoles and outsoles made entirely of reused materials such as recycled nylon and rubber or samples of unused products. With an environmentally conscious framework, YUME YUME uses its traditional craftsmanship to ensure sustainability in an innovative manner.

SHUTING QIU

SHUTING QIU – AS A BUTTERFLY CHASING THE SUN. Fashion forward and fun: A complex contradiction in each piece with bold prints combined with softer touches of ruffles and tulle. Colour, textures, and print combinations are all combined in a feminine yet sporty manner. Each piece in the collection is worthy of a conversation with dramatic silhouettes that stand out.

Fashion Fun Fact: The designer has collaborated with Uggs changing the soles and adding hand-sewn sequins in her capsule collection. So her work stretches to footwear as well as fashion.

What to Wear in Milan during Fashion Week?

Of course, Italy is slightly warmer and milder than its other two European counterparts where Fashion Week takes place. Paris and London are freezing and rainy by comparison and you really have to plan your outfits in terms of warmth and comfort if you want to survive there. This means that in Milan, during Fashion Week you can get away with fewer layers and really rock out the latest trends you’ve been itching to try on. In terms of Street Style, you do not need to wait for Milan Fashion Week to get inspired in the city. Simply sit outside a coffee shop in a busy street and sip an espresso whilst watching the incredibly stylish Italians trot past each one oozing more class than the last. This said Milan Street Style Trends that will be making some noise this season include:

Noughties nostalgia: 90s Grunge, think Kate Moss meets the Matrix. Everything that made the 90s what they were: Latex leather, cutouts, thin straps, platform sandals, chokers, With this trend, the return of the cool girl is well and truly here.
Gilded glamour: sequins, rhinestones and feathers on everything. Euphoria eye makeup is the easiest way to adopt this trend. I tried and loved it personally but “il faut oser !” You might look like your crying glitter tears but that’s the idea. It is such a fun look for an evening fashion event for example.
Child’s Play & Y2K are here to stay: Barrette clips, baby blue eyeshadow, lipgloss and plastic jewelry are the easiest way to hop on this trend. Think Moschino fruits, low waist jeans and cartoons – this childhood daydream is what makes this playful trend so easy to adopt.
Gucci Grandma: I am not sure how I can name this trend, basically imagine an incredibly stylish grandma who rocks her designer oversized glasses, costume jewelry, and couture on a daily basis. Think lacy frills, chiffon with sequins, prints on prints, ruffles, pearls, and chunky gold with gelato hues.
Fashion Faux Pas Made Mainstream: Lastly (and possibly most questionably) Pants paired with dresses, visible lingerie, socks with sandals – essentially all the fashion rules you can imagine, break them. In my days at art school they actually had a themed party exactly in line with this trend (talk about avant-garde!). This anti-fashion fashion in certain circumstances, can be just the look you need.

Who to follow on Social Media during fashion week

Even if you are not able to attend Fashion Week, in this digital era you can happily hop onto your preferred social media outlet and enjoy the digital version of the show. Both TikTok and Instagram are official Fashion Week partners. Many of the Fashion Houses also host live runway streaming sessions. So you can tune in no matter where you are in the world.

There are also all the behind the scenes and street styles which are fun to look at. Here are the top bloggers and fashion accounts to follow:

Who to follow on Instagram During Fashion Week

Fashion Month

New York Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week

A Stylish Story pro tips for Fashion Week:

Want to know how to survive fashion month? No stranger to fashion shows, I have worked at Paris Fashion Week, and Couture Week, illustrated live at fashion shows, captured runway looks in the fashion pit as a fashion photographer and attended my fair share of fashion shows around the world as a member of the press, as an art director and a fashion influencer. With that in mind, here’s my two cents if you are headed to fashion week and want some prepping tips:

Mini miracles: always have a small mirror compact, a flat comb, your favourite lip product and a hair pin or two handy (easy to add into all your handbags and pretty useful for a quick pic op)
The holy grail: A phone charger, because there is nothing more heartbreaking than being at a show with a dead phone. This has happened to me one too many times!
Stomping ground: if you absolutely want to wear heels then opt for heeled boots with chunky heels, platforms also support well – you’ll thank me later.
Power pack: protein bars, a mini water bottle and chewing gum are going to be your best friends along with a ton of coffee.
Logo mania is dead: You would be very much mistaken if you’re planning to wear head to toe designer logos. Unless you are representing a designer, the majority of fashion week people wear unbranded, edgy looks rather than plastering themselves with visible logos. It’s much more of a “if you know, you know” vibe so definitely look at the design quality of what you choose to wear and avoid looking like a walking billboard for a brand.
Take your pills: Daflon is going to be your lifeline along with magnesium tablets in the evening.

The Future of Fashion & Italian Designers:

Last but not least, I wanted to touch upon what is next for the Fashion Industry, in particular for Italian fashion designers. With the steady shift linked to digital trends as well as interesting advancements have been adopted by some of Italy’s most loved fashion designers, such as augmented reality collections and fashion gamification.

Fashion and Web3: the Metaverse at Fashion Week

In March there was the first ever Metaverse Fashion Week and it featured luxury brands, household names and digital-native designers. The early adopters include the Italian Fashion designer Dolce & Gabbana who launched a bespoke collection of 20 looks of Metaverse wearable pieces. This season Dolce & Gabbana’s muse consisted of the the ultimate internet celebrity, the OG of social media influencers: Kim Kardashian. Other notable designers with a Metaverse presence include Hugo Boss, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Balenciaga. The latest addition to this list includes Vogue Business that launched their Metaverse Atelier on the 22 of September 2022. A members-only event which brings you behind the scenes and up close to view fashion at its finest.

Posted on March 21, 2022February 5, 2025 by — Leave a comment

Sweet satin slip dresses for Spring

Spring Fashion Outfit Ideas with NA-KD.

Firstly, Happy First Day of Spring! So it finally the sun is out and the flowers are beginning to bloom which makes me so happy. I caught the nasty flu after traveling to Paris for Fashion Week and completely lost my voice. So I was extremely happy when I became healthy again to see that the season change was in full swing here in Geneva.

About NA-KD Fashion

With the shift into spring, I usually take time to do my Spring Cleaning and look for fashionable staples that I can wear through spring into late summer. Which is why I want to share with you may latest spring shopping haul from NA-KD. With the temperatures rising it means that it’s time to bring out those traditional transitional pieces such as classic trench coats and lighter layers. So today I wanted to share with you how I combine them with three Spring looks I styled from the Scandinavian brand NA-KD.

NA-KD is one of my favorite fashion brands when it comes to shopping online. They always have super cool collaborations with big Danish and Dutch fashion bloggers and influencers such as Claire Rose Cilteur, Hanna Schönberg, Josefine H. J., and even the ever so stylish former Victoria Secret model, Romee Strijd. What’s more, I have a discount code for -20% off the whole NA-KD website: AnnaSwissMermaid (valid for 48 hours as of today).

Baby Blues: I love the cut of this blue slip dress in satin from NA-KD’s new spring collection. The waterfall neckline is so flattering and easy to wear in the warmer months. What’s more, the back is open with very thin straps that crisscross into a bow and are adjustable. This is a detail I find so pretty and feminine as well as being very practical. I really like the of cornflower blue with the tiny printed white flowers. It reminds me of classic Norwegian textiles in blue and white. I paired it with white boots, my Vivienne Westwood pearl necklace, and an oversized cashmere coat in blue from Maje. Which was an easy, fresh weekend look. Ideal for grabbing a mocha at my favorite local coffee shop and strolling around in the sunshine.
Satin cream: Then there is this luscious lace-up slip dress in off-white with a small blue floral print all over it . It reminded me so much of the English Rose, Cottage Core Aesthetic, and the Netflix series Bridgerton, with the puffy sleeves, romantic empire waist, and soft cream color. I love the slit leg detail as well which is very practical for walking with ease. It feels like the perfect picnic dress for spring. I styled it with a pair of white leather high-top converse shoes and a light cream-colored suede coat.
Pink Paradise: Lastly, I opted for a satin pink printed skirt. This is actually part of a set. I will probably get the matching top as I love Co-ord sets so much. The pink and purple circles are so cute and girly, and I like that there is a bit of white and black in the print so you can combine the skirt with either color. For this final outfit, I went for a simple white top to make sure the satin pink skirt remained the focal point and paired it with my white Chuck Taylor’s and super 90’s square shaped black sunnies.

So there you have it, three easy spring looks for the weekend with NA-KD fashion.

If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, I definitely recommend checking out their website as they have super stylish springtime looks, from uber-trendy styles to timeless wardrobe staples. Also if you do find something you absolutely love from the website don’t forget you an enjoy -20% off the whole NA-KD website with my discount code AnnaSwissMermaid (valid for 48 hours as of today). Wishing you a wonderful start to the new season.

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ABOUT NAKD CIRCLE

Another great thing about NA-KD is that they have free climate-compensated shipping and returns. The fashion brand has a large variety of sustainably sourced clothing. To top it off, customers can sell their old clothes directly on NA-KD.com by clicking the “pre-loved” menu at the top of the website. Integrating the circular fashion economy. This is a marketplace for pre-loved fashion. On part of the NA-KD website you can find all available second hand items. I find this super cool because sometimes there are pieces from older collections that you wish you had gotten and NA-KD circle ensures you don’t get shopping FOMO. Plus the way it is set up, you just shop as usual. Simply put the item in your basket and check out just as easy as buying new products. How cool is that?

Click here to read more about how to style loungewear with NA-KD.

Posted on February 3, 2022February 5, 2025 by — 1 Comment

10 luxury fashion essentials

We all know that fashion is an expression of who we are and what we want to project to the world, and we all know that it can be expensive. But we also know that it’s not always possible to hop on to all the hottest fashion trends each season and nab the latest Prada bag. If you’re like me, and love the quality of hardworking fashion staples, you might want to invest in these ten luxury fashion essentials that will make you look like a million bucks without the hefty price tag.

10 luxury fashion essentials

10 fashion essentials that will make this season your best one yet.

A timeless, leather bag
A pair of hardworking shoes
A well-cut dress for all occasions
Jewelry that you never have to take off
A designer scarf
A statement hat
A leather belt
A structured jacket
A Swiss made watch
Designer sunglasses

Presentation is everything and in this day and age we are all constantly striving to look our best, it’s no surprise that fashion is a booming industry. There are a number of items that are a must have for a fashionable wardrobe, and they can be found in any price range. In the world of fashion, luxury is all about quality and exclusivity. Whether it’s a high-end designer, a vintage find, or a rare designer piece, these pieces are the perfect luxury fashion essentials.

Here are 10 luxury fashion essentials that are sure to have you looking your best.

1. A timeless bag

A designer handbag: A woman can never have too many designer handbags. They’re a great way to accessorize any outfit and my personal favourites are structured classic ones such as the iconic Hermès Kelly Bag, Hermès Birkin Bag, the Classic Flap bag and the Louis Vuitton monogramed bag.

2. A pair of chic shoes

You can’t have a closet full of clothes without the perfect shoes to go with them. From the perfect pair of heels for a fancy event to the perfect sandal for a day at the beach; there’s no such thing as too many shoes. I personally love wearing Chelsea boots and in winter and opt for white sneakers, loafers and ballet flats in Spring.

3. A perfect fitting dress

The perfect fitting dress is a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. You can never go wrong with a little black dress. You can wear it to work, for a date, to a party, or to an interview. Personally, I love my Ganni dress which is the perfect choice for any occasion. The fit is impeccable and the fabric is luxurious and has been with me for almost 15 years. I actually loved the fit and cut so much I bought it in two colours (classic black and a bold blue).

4. Jewelry

It’s not just about the clothes you wear, but the jewelry you wear to complement the clothes. The right necklace can make or break an outfit. A bracelet can be the perfect accent to a dress, or the perfect accessory to a suit. Earrings are the finishing touch to a perfect look. From diamonds to gold, you can find jewelry items in every style and price point. Luxury fashion essentials like jewelry that I love the most are ones that become part of you. You never remove them, like my diamond necklace and Cartier bracelet.

5. A scarf

Cashmere, silk, and alpaca wool are my go-to. A high-end designer scarf can instantly elevate your outfit. My personal favourites are the classic Hermès silk scarfs and the classic House-Check cashmere scarf from Burberry.

6. A structured hat

This is a simple way to add a little edge to your daily looks. You can completely transform your outfit by topping it off with a trendy Prada bucket hat, a casual cashmere baseball cap, or a wide-brimmed Maison Michel felt hat which each all have a completely different aesthetic.

7. A leather belt

A Hermès Belt is one of the most versatile fashion accessories you can own. It can be worn with almost any outfit, from casual wear to evening wear. It can be worn with a dress, jeans, or a skirt. It can be worn with a dress shirt or a t-shirt to add dimension to your silhouette.

8. A Chanel Jacket

They are expensive, but worth the investment. Chanel is one of the most well-known fashion houses in the world. The company has been around for over 100 years and has always been on the forefront of the fashion industry. They are known for their designs and high-quality products. One of their most popular products is their classic Chanel jacket. There are many different styles to choose from, but the classic Chanel jacket in tweed is the most popular. It is the ultimate in luxury fashion, and is a must-have for any woman.

9. A Swiss Made Watch

A luxury fashion essential, a Swiss Made Watch is a must have. The Swiss Made Watch is a timeless symbol of status and timeless class for both men and women. It is the perfect accessory for any occasion as well as being the perfect gift for any occasion. They have a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. A Swiss Made Watch is a great investment as it will last for many years to come. For example, A Patek Philippe watch is a luxury fashion accessory that is timeless, elegant, and versatile. The Swiss-made watches are known for their accuracy, precision, and their ability to last for generations.

10. Sunglasses

It is always important to have a luxury fashion item that will never go out of style. A pair of designer sunglasses is the perfect choice to keep you looking chic and stylish. My personal favourites are black or brown frames and in terms of designer shades, I adore Celine, Christian Dior and Chanel. In terms of style, as I have soft features I prefer square and sharp rectangle frames – although cat-eye suits almost all face shapes and is a go-to.

So there you have it, 10 luxury essentials to stay stylish and fashionable.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful! If you want to learn more about luxury fashion styling, why not take a look at my guide to creating a capsule wardrobe.

Posted on August 31, 2021August 31, 2021 by — Leave a comment

What to buy for Autumn before it sells out

The first of September brings back memories of back-to-school apprehension. The change in season means the introduction of light knits into one’s wardrobe. Autumn makes way for deep earthy tones of chocolate and olive green with pops of orange and pink. The perfect bases for buildable layers of leather & cashmere.

When it comes to new seasons it’s best to think ahead. Primarily because all the good stuff goes out of stock early. So to avoid any fashion FOMO I put together my autumnal essential shopping list to ensure no one misses out!

So are you ready to plan for your autumn wardrobe?

My autumn wardrobe essentials 2021:

No. 1 PLEATED TENNIS SKIRTS

The collegiate preppy look is in, as is the subdued “old money” aesthetic. If you want to test drive this style, a staple piece to add to your wardrobe is a classic tennis skirt. A chalk-white one paired with a cream cashmere or tucked into an elegant silk blouse. You can also add an equestrian edge by adding a pair of knee-high leather boots. I recommend opting for a tennis skirt in neutral shades such as soft cream, stone, black, sky blue or navy so you can use it as a building block for your fall wardrobe.

Shop the best skirts

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No. 2 MICRO BAGS They have been the must-have accessory for the last 4 years. Since 2017 and Jacquemus’ Le Chiquito bag took the fashion world by storm, the trend has been the smaller the bag the better. The trend actually goes back further, these itty-bitty purses were especially popular in the early 1900s and were often carried by wealthy women because they were small, elegant, and held very little. They are the perfect “it-girl” accessory. Handbags remain at the forefront of fashion’s status symbol. However, there has been a definite shift towards less in-your-face logo blazing bags this season with more timeless silhouettes.

Shop the latest micro bag styles

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No. 3 KNITWEAR SETS I’m personally obsessed with cashmere and matching sets. So this trend is one I am super excited about. Twinsets also go hand in hand with the “old money” aesthetic that is becoming an increasingly prevalent trend, especially when worn in light tones and punctuated with a gold or pearl necklace.

No. 4 KNEE HIGH BOOTS My footwear of choice, year on year is a good quality pair of leather boots. They are my most versatile autumnal shoe, going from high-waisted denim jeans to flirty dresses. This is an item that really does sell out fast so I recommend stocking up on the shades you know you will wear time and time again. Be it dark grey, black, and an array of chocolate browns, knee-high boots are a must-have.

No. 5 THE PERFECT FALL FRAGRANCE Nothing tops off an outfit quite like the perfect perfume. I am always on the hunt for a scent that will compliment my outfit and I really like to switch it up with the temperature drops. Gravitating towards scents that have deeper notes such as sandalwood, musk, and oud. This said, I always have a couple of perfumes on rotation. I’m always on the look for new, slightly niche brands and fragrances so that I’m always wearing something just a little bit different, sometimes I even layer fragrances.

What’s on your Fall shopping list now?

So there you have it, those are the 5 AW21 trends that I can’t wait to wear.

Posted on March 10, 2021February 5, 2025 by — Leave a comment

The March Beauty Edit

Spring Beauty 2021

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?

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.