Friday Favourite - Perfume

A couple of years ago, when I worked as Beauty Editor at Shout magazine, I remember everyone’s favourite day at work. And no, it wasn’t Friday…

It was the day, every month or two, when we held a free-for-all with all the awesome beauty products sent in by various PR companies. It resulted in us walking away from the office with bags of goodies, stuffed full of perfumes, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, skin treats, fake tan, false eyelashes, nail polish and everything else one could possibly need to look hot in time for the weekend.

From Bobbi Brown to Burberry, you name it, they were in there, but no matter how many awesome eye shadows, lipsticks or hair products I might rake through, my favourite part of this cosmetic playground was always the perfumes.

It was the easiest way to form a collection (and an addiction) that cost me absolutely nothing, and not only that, these gratis perfumes provided me with a temporary streak in the popularity contest when friends realised I had more than enough for myself and was handing them out.

But there was always one perfume that had to remain mine. That one perfume I didn’t mind buying so long as I didn’t have to wait for it, and the one perfume that no matter how many others I buy, is always my failsafe reach-for regular on any occasion.

Meet Dolce & Gabbana, The One.

The World On A Wall...

My job has taken me across continents, and to corners of the world that I never thought I would peek around, and I feel so lucky, every time I step off the plane and smell the scent of a new country, a new city and some new adventure.

That’s not to say that I don’t quite often smell the scent of freshly washed hotel linen, and dive under the duvet for the best part of 24 hours (oh yes, it is possible to sleep for 18 hours… in case you too will be stopping off in Lagos, Nigeria!)… but most of the time, on my first visit to any destination, I love to walk. What I love about walking around a city for the first time, is seeing all those sights you’ve seen in books, magazines and brochures, pop up around an unsuspecting turn, and to find quirks and scenes in that city that no amount of pictures can quite capture.

Since I first started flying, I've always been intrigued by the street art that appears so diversely and so frequently, wherever I set foot. And this post is just a glimpse of what I call, ‘the world on a wall…' I hope you like the pictures I've been lucky enough to take on some of my many stopovers.

For me, it’s a gallery of spray paint talent, raw art, and everyday messages. It’s something of an international language as each decorated stone portrays a story, a feeling or just an individual’s love of colour. Interpret as you will…

Bondi Beach, Australia

The Monday Makeover - Happy Hair Day

I don’t know about you, but personally, I don’t care for putting pictures of myself minus makeup on tinternet. It goes against my highly shallow principles.

But for the purposes of The Monday Makeover I shall show you how my hairdresser (and a little makeup) helped me swap a pasty face and bad hair day for a slightly more presentable get-up. And I'll share some of my favourite products along the way…

Friday Favourite – Bourjois Foundation

In the second of my Friday Favourites, the item in question is my foundation, which is, singlehandedly, the most commented-on part of my makeup regime.

I often flick through magazines, marveling at the brilliant Photoshopping job done by all those art directors, wondering if that ‘all-natural’ model really does look that bloody brilliant when she nips out for her aubergines. Well? Does she?!?!

Chances are, like most of us, a bit of prepping when it comes to your skin can make the world of difference and can let you off with skimping on other makeup essentials when you’re feeling lazy… or popping out for those aubergines…

Dining With Dolly - Zucca, London

The nature of my work and the constant travelling it brings, demand that I can’t always eat at home and to be honest, I’m (usually) perfectly happy to eat out, try something new and taste something fabulous. When that happens, I’d like to tell you about it so you too can all stuff your pretty faces.

Along with a short brief on where/what, I’ll end with my review in 5 words.

Yes, really, just 5. So you can skip my self-indulgent wittering, and head straight to the end unless you're interested in my wee visit ;)

The Monday Makeover - Lacy Nails

After coming up with the ever-so-originally-titled ‘Friday Favourites’, I decided to commit to another regular post, focusing on something that I love / am mildly obsessed with.

Makeovers.

And to top it off, I aim to publish these every Monday when we all need a little makeover boost the most!

If you know me well, you’ll know that I do not own a television, nor do I wish to. You might also know that when I do on occasion watch television, I freaking love makeover shows.

Whether it’s Gok and his Fashion Fix, Supersize vs Superskinny, MTV Made, 10 Years Younger, or any of the numerous shows from the make-me-prettier brigade, I won’t be able to tear my eyes from the screen for a moment.

I love seeing how someone can fulfill their potential, whether it’s by changing their clothes, makeup, hair, or even their home interior. Yes, I really am that superficial.

This is my very own makeover ‘show’, starting with today’s racy, lacy nail transformation... I’m currently on leave, and thanks to that lovely break in flying, it means I can depart from the red/French/clear stale-nailmate that I’m permanently stuck with thanks to airline ‘uniform standards’. The following nail art makeover is definitely not allowed onboard!

My Travel Wardrobe – A Trip to Bangkok and Sydney

I have a love/hate relationship with this particular trip. It’s a weeklong adventure which takes me to Bangkok for a day, followed by three days in Sydney and another day in Bangkok on the way back to Dubai.

I love the destinations.

I hate packing for two different continents and trying to leave enough room for potential shopping ;)

So here’s what happens when you try to pack for two different climates, two different continents and two different plans, without overloading my poor, beaten Samsonite. Did someone say capsule wardrobe?

Day 1 – Bangkok

Sightseeing… a trip to the floating market at Damnoensaduak demands flats (Havaianas), easy tee (H&M) + wear-anywhere jeans (H&M). And a camera, duh.

Day 2 – Sydney

For me, a casual maxi dress (Topshop) together with gladiator sandals (Old Navy) is perfect for a wee spot of shopping along George Street in Sydney, working 'laid-back chic' or, in other words, I couldn’t be assed thinking of a whole outfit so I threw a maxi dress in the suitcase :)

Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend... (Jewellery Storage DIY)

…but even more useful, is somewhere nice and pretty to store said diamonds / fake-ass costume jewels.

And that, my friends, is where a simple Martini glass and retro cake-stand come in.

World Catwalk: Destination Manila

Weekend shopping in Robinsons Galleria Mall, Manila, seems to demand a uniform of the giggling Filipinas. The uniform goes a little something like this: colourful t-shirt, shorts/leggings, flat pumps. And so I set about finding those who wore it best...

One of my favourite outfits came from Jean Pedreno, who did biker on the bottom with simple black shorts and boots, then switched it up with girly sunglasses and a blast of pink on top. Filipinas (from my observations in Manila, and in Dubai) tend to dress simply, keeping accessories to a minimum and applying Coco Chanel's tactic of taking one thing off before leaving the house. Jean proves that the latest arm-party craze isn’t a must and opts for sunnies and a watch instead…

Friday Favourite… Neom Candles

If there is one thing my best friend Nicola is good at, it’s present-buying. I’m not talking about special occasions, birthdays, etc… I mean random saw-this-and-thought-of-you moments which result in me now being proud owner of a Neom Home Candle, amongst other thoughtful treats.