Something else that is brightening my mood every day: scents! I have always been a huge fan of perfumes and scented beauty products, and now more than ever – because dressing up is not really a thing at the moment – I enjoy choosing perfumes depending on my daily mood and using them to escape on a sensual trip. So many scents remind me of trips I have taken in the past, of summer days or specific places.

One perfume that I recently discovered and fell in love with is “Leather” by Malin+Goetz. It is not a typical summer scent, as it has heavier notes of leather, sandal wood and cedar. But paired with flowery notes of orchids, lotus and others, and seasoned with pepper it becomes the ideal scent I want to wear this spring and summer. It’s beautiful and unique! … I have to say, I am a big fan of Malin+Goetz products and scents in general – they make sooo many amazing scents and products!

Three other perfumes I love to wear during summer: “Santal 33″ by Le Labo, “Coccobello” by Heeley, and “Soleil Blanc” by Tom Ford.

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BYREDO “BAUDELAIRE”

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Byredo scents (I have been wearing “Blanche”, “Gypsy Water”, “La Tulipe” and “Velvet Haze” for years) and every time I visit a Byredo store or counter and fall in love with new scents. My recent discovery is “Baudelaire“, which has notes of black pepper, incense, leather, hyacinth and papyrus. I think it’s a wonderful scent for autumn and winter. It’s always surprising – I fall in love with it again and again.

SIGNET RING BY SIF JAKOBS

This golden signet ring by Sif Jakobs Jewellery perfectly matches the scent: it’s a mixture of masculine and feminine, classic yet modern. I find golden and silver signet rings very beautiful because of their old-school heritage feeling and unisex appeal. This one is my new favourite! I got it in a small size so that I can wear it as a pinky ring.

Other favourite things in the photo: diamond “Vita ring” by Nives, vintage rolex.

PAULA’S CHOICE SKINCARE ROUTINE

I had read and heard a lot about Paula’s Choice before and when my skin was thrown off balance when I decided to quit taking the pill this summer, I thought I would finally give these products, that receive so much praise, a try.

I had a skin and product consultation with Paula’s Choice via phone, to make sure I pick the right products for me (great customer service, if you ask me!). These are the products I am using daily: “Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer” with SPF 50 as a day cream, and “Resist Barrier Repair” as a night cream. Both have a moisturizing and anti-aging effect. I use the “Resist Hydrating Cleanser” in the evening. I love these products, because they give my skin, which tends to feel very dry, enough moisture and care without feeling “too much” or greasy on my skin.

Whenever I feel like my skin needs some extra care and moisture, I apply the “Super Hydrate Mask“, which can be used overnight or washed off after 20 minutes.

And now to the magic product: Paula’s “2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant“. I couldn’t live without acid peelings or gels, they are a vital part of my skincare routine, and this one is truly amazing! I don’t use it every day, but around 3 times a week, in the morning – but it really depends on my skin condition. If you’re using this product, please remember to always apply a face cream with SPF during the day (after your skin has completely absorbed the peeling)!

I am definitely a fan of Paula’s Choice now.

Also in the photo: “Mini Sunshine Necklace” by Logan Hollowell jewelry.

SOUVENIRS FROM LA

You could get a glimpse of it in the first photo – here’s a little souvenir I bought myself in Los Angeles: a custom lighter case by Are You Am I. I also bought crystals (obviously!) and sage for smudging. The modern witch/ eso hippie in me is cheering!
The ceramic shell is by Frances Costelloe.

MORE TIE-DYE

… and more souvenirs from Los Angeles: a vintage tie-dye sweatshirt by I Stole My Boyfriend’s Shirt (which I actually found in the hotel gift shop of “Shutter’s on the Beach” in Santa Monica), a vintage tie-dye T-Shirt, which I bought at “Varsity“, and a tie-dye longsleeve shirt by Reformation. Groovy, aren’t they?

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At the end of this blog post you can find my recommendations for Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu – where to stay, to eat & drink, to shop and what to see and do.

WHERE TO STAY

The Rose Hotel: Located between Venice and Santa Monica, just a few steps away from the beach and in walking distance of everything you want to see and do in the area. Simple yet cool rooms (with shared bathrooms or ensuite baths).

Santa Monica Proper Hotel: Stylish new luxury hotel with a rooftop pool, restaurant and bar.

The Surfrider Malibu: Beautiful rooms and a roof deck (with a bar and restaurant) overlooking the ocean.

WHERE TO SHOP

LCD: Great little shop with a cool selection of hip brands on Abbot Kinney Blvd – generally, this is the best and most well-known shopping street in Venice, where you can easily spend a few hours. (There’s also an Erewhon market nearby!)

Logan Hollowell: If you’re into fine jewellery with an esoteric touch, this is your brand! They have a small studio and store hidden in a backyard on Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Med Men: Cannabis and CBD store on Abbot Kinney. You can buy cannabis everything (gum, chocolate, cookies, pre-rolled cigarettes, …) – or just observe this gigantic trend and industry of California.

Artists and Fleas market: A great place to shop vintage fashion and products by local designers, held every Saturday.

General Store: Beautiful concept store for fans of natural design!

Reformation: In case you missed Reformation in Hollywood, there is another store on Main Street in Santa Monica.

Mohawk: Super cool fashion store (women’s and men’s) with a beautiful cactus garden.

Love Adorned: Another cool store (mainly jewellery and fashion) on Santa Monica’s Main Street (right next to Mohawk).

Santa Monica Farmer’s Market: A must for foodies and anyone who is interested in local produce.

Malibu Country Mart: A shopping area in Malibu, where you can find stores such as Madison, Maxfield, Sephora and many more.

WHERE TO EAT

The Rose Venice: A hip restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Café Gratitude: All vegan. Amazing breakfast – basically anything you wish for. I came here several times.

Gjusta: A bakery and deli, which is famous for its sandwiches.

Plant Food + Wine: The place to go for a special vegan dinner.

The Butcher’s Daughter: My favourite place for vegan and vegetarian food in Venice. I came here several times because I loved the breakfast so much!

Cha Cha Matcha: The best (iced) matcha latte (or any other matcha drink) you’ll ever have.

Gjelina: Cool place on Abbot Kinney Blvd. I came here for Pizza and an aperitif one night and it was super delicious!

Great White: Pretty place for a healthy lunch or coffee near the Venice Sign. (Weirdly they don’t have a bathroom, like most restaurants around the Venice Sign).

Shutters on the Beach: If you like oldschool luxury hotels (I do), this is a nice place for dinner or a sunset drink by the beach.

Malibu Farm: Organic restaurant and café on Malibu Pier – touristy and popular, but for a reason.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Shopping on Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Venice’s main shopping street, where you can find all kinds of hip stores, cafés and restaurants (see above).

Walking along the Venice Canals: a must when visiting Venice!

Biking, running, walking or rollerblading along Venice Beach (best time: in the early morning)

A trip to Malibu: drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoy the sunshine, visit Malibu Pier and Malibu Lagoon, enjoy the beach (if you’re a surfer, you’ll want to spend the day here) and stroll around Malibu Country Mart for some shopping (see above).

Eames House: If you want to visit Ray and Charles Eames’ house in Pacific Palisades, you can sign up for a visit online (you need to book in advance!).

The Getty Center (and Getty Villa): No, the Getty Center is not located in this area, but further in the north. However, the Getty Villa is – and you can see both museums in one day (and save parking costs, because you only have to pay for parking once). I absolutely love the Getty Center, its architecture, its art and its amazing view of LA.

Find more travel guides here

I also decided I wanted a convertible as my rental car, so I could make the most of the LA sunshine – even when driving (and you drive a lot in LA). And furthermore I signed up for a tour at the Stahl House in advance (scroll down for more info). Especially when travelling on my own I like to keep busy and to see and do as much as possible (I’m pretty bad at doing nothing, anyway). So for instance I’d drive to Griffith Park in the morning, in order to start my day with a hike up to Griffith Observatory, then I’d have breakfast at “Sqirl”, a café I really wanted to try. Later I’d go vintage-hunting, and in the evening I’d take a class at “Barry’s Bootcamp”, near my hotel.

But let the photos do the talking. Scroll down for where to stay, eat, shop and what to do and see in West Hollywood. Part 2 of my travel guide will follow soon, with lots of recommendations for Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel 850 SVB: An absolute gem in West Hollywood. Beautiful rooms, the comfiest beds and pillows, rooftop terrace, perfect location and a super friendly staff!

Petit Hermitage: Neighbour of Hotel 850 SVB with a rooftop swimming pool and vintage-style rooms.

1 Hotel: Modern luxury on Sunset Boulevard, but a lot bigger than the previously named hotels.

Chateau Marmont: A legend. You don’t come here for the rooms, you come for the history and image of the hotel. Or just come for lunch or dinner in the restaurant.

WHERE TO SHOP

Erewhon Market: Organic supermarket de luxe! You’ll find everything and anything healthy, supplements, CBD and beauty products, snacks, a coffee and juice bar as well as cold and hot food to takeaway (many vegan options as well). I came here numerous times.

Isabel Marant: The store on Melrose Place has one of the coolest store designs ever. Generally, Melrose Place is a very nice, albeit expensive street for shopping.

Rebag: Vintage designer bag heaven on Melrose Place. You will find everything – Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Fendi, … you name it.

Glossier: Close nearby you’ll find Glossier. A must for beauty lovers!

Reformation: The coolest sustainable brand around! Reformation also offers an amazing shopping experience in store, as you can digitally order any products or sizes into your dressing room.

Fred Segal: A classic. You can find this small department store in two locations in West Hollywood. They have fine jewellery by several of my favourite LA designers.

Maxfield: A great selection of luxury fashion as well as luxury vintage.

Opening Ceremony: A fun mix of contemporary and luxury fashion.

Madison: A great place to shop brands such as Re/Done, Golden Goose, Mother Denim and fine jewellery.

Wasteland: A big vintage and second-hand shop where you can find anything from vintage denim and T-shirts to bags, accessories, shoes, dresses, …

Varsity: This shop is located in East Hollywood, but I have to inlude it. It is famous for its vintage T-Shirts. You can find real treasures, but expect to pay between 50-200 $ per shirt.

Filthmart: Another amazing vintage shop (especially T-Shirts!). Sadly it was closed when I  wanted to visit.

House of Intuition: If you’re into crystals, this is your place.

WHERE TO EAT

Body Energy Club: A juice and smoothie bar where you can also get delicious Acai bowls – more of a takeaway than to sit place.

Whole Foods & Erewhon Market: Speaking of takeaway food or an easy meal: I love both Whole Foods and Erewhon Market for healthy, delicious, vegan food. They aren’t cheap either, but less expensive than restaurants.

Sunset Tower Hotel Terrace Bar: A classic. Come here for dinner or drinks in the terrace bar to enjoy an old Hollywood vibe and amazing views.

Zinqué: Trendy restaurant and a nice place to sit (and to watch people). I saw Miles McMillan here while I was having lunch, so I will always love Zinqué from now on. Haha

Joan’s on Third: Deli, food shop and café. Breakfast, cakes, sandwiches, salads and more.

Sqirl: This place is worth the trip to East Hollywood. The breakfast is amazing!

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Hollywood Bowl: Check if there are any interesting concerts on when you’re in LA – or plan your trip around a concert you really want to see (like I did). This venue is so special! You can bring your own food and have a picnic or even full dinner before the gig.

Griffith Park & Observatory: A must-do in LA: a “hike” to Griffith Observatory, to enjoy an incredible view of the city (and of the Hollywood sign). I started on the Ferndell Trail, where you can stop at the Trails Café after your walk.

Runyon Canyon: Another classic LA “hike”. Usually very busy, but that’s kind of the fun of it, too.

Stahl House: This breath-taking private house is open for visits, but you have to book a tour well in advance, as they are very popular and the groups are very small.

Barry’s Bootcamp: If you’re in the mood for a proper workout (not just an outdoor-walk in the parks), book a spot in one of the classes. A great way to start or end the day, if you ask me.

Stay tuned for part 2 of my travel diary in which I will cover Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu!

]]> https://rosycheeks-blog.com/2019/10/travel-guide-los-angeles-west-hollywood.html/feed 3 https://rosycheeks-blog.com/2019/07/the-magic-face-care-products.html https://rosycheeks-blog.com/2019/07/the-magic-face-care-products.html#comments Sun, 21 Jul 2019 12:10:01 +0000 http://rosycheeks-blog.com/?p=7805 Read More]]> I have been struggling with my skin for years. My face is dry, but it also tends to get inflammations – and it isn’t easy to find the right products for dry skin which, at the same time, effectively fight impurities and also have an anti-aging effect. I usually try a lot of different products – on the one hand, because I’m a beauty fanatic and I always want to try out new products that I read about; on the other hand, because many products are fine but not amazing. So when I find truly amazing products, of course, I need to share them here with you.

I had heard so many great things about the face creams by Augustinus Bader – from women who had been using the creams for a while, and also from the man behind the brand himself: the stem-cell scientist who has developed a technology which improves the skin’s healing process. It was originally developed to heal burned or injured skin – and was then included in a face cream, because the technology also heals scars, spots, acne and softens wrinkles.

I was actually a little worried to start using it, because I was afraid I would be disappointed after everything I had heard. But what can I say? After around four weeks my skin looked better! It had visibly less impurities or red spots, and dry, flaky areas looked softer. Overall, my skin looked more even and clearer.

The only downside is that Augustinus Bader’s face creams do not contain SPF. So I like to combine it with a few serums (which I currently try not to change, so my skin can get used to this routine and does not have to deal with different products every few weeks).

In the morning, after washing and cleaning my face, I apply eye cream and a few drops of Dr. Barbara Sturm’s “Hyaluronic Serum” *. I let my skin soak up the serum, then apply Augustinus Bader’s “The Rich Cream”. I use my rose quartz roller (straight from my fridge) to massage my face and to work the cream into the skin. Then, after a few minutes, when my skin has absorbed the cream, I apply Dr. Barbara Sturm’s “Sun Drops” with SPF 50. Sun protection is so important – whether it’s sunny or not.

In the evening, I thoroughly wash and clean my face, apply an eye cream and a serum – currently I am using a Retinol serum by Jungglück – before applying “The Rich Cream” by Augustinus Bader again.

(* Okay, I know I just said that I am trying not to change this routine, but sometimes I like to use a Vitamin C serum in the morning, for instance by SkinCeuticals. In that case, I will use the “Hyaluronic Serum” in the evening.)

I am aware that these products come with a hefty price tag, but I would definitely buy all of them again.

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My all-time favourite looks for summer holidays in Europe are linen dresses, straw baskets and hats, and leather sandals. Sorry to be so basic, but there’s just nothing like a simple summer look to make you truly feel that you’re on holiday. And what I lack in make-up during these holidays, I make up with beads and shells jewellery as well as hair accessories. This summer, I made some amazing discoveries, where to find the perfect accessories online – see below for the details.

Linen Dress by Vero Moda (via Peek & Cloppenburg)
Straw hat from Spain (but you can find it here)
Straw basket from Spain (but you can find it here)
Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals (more affordable alternative here)
Sunglasses by Arket x Ace & Tate
Hair clip by Hello Love
Necklace by Tela Wave
Ring by Ciao Amore

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Es gibt zwei unabhängige Unternehmen Peek & Cloppenburg mit ihren Hauptsitzen in Düsseldorf und Hamburg. Dieser Artikel beruht auf einer Kooperation mit der Peek & Cloppenburg KG, Düsseldorf, deren Häuserstandorte ihr unter www.peek-cloppenburg.de findet.

We stayed in a “Courtyard Large Terrace” room, which includes – the name says it all – a private terrace with sunloungers and an outdoor shower (now, if I ever have my own garden, I will definitely install an outdoor shower in it!), a little living room area, and a yoga kit. It was so nice to stretch on a yoga mat on the terrace in the evening, after a long day of exploring Barcelona! I loved the attention to detail at “Casa Bonay”: the personal welcome card, the bathroom products by “Malin+Goetz”, the fans as well as AC in the rooms, the super friendly staff members who were happy to share recommendations … All these things made our stay even more enjoyable.

We spent Saturday strolling around the Eixample area, ate ice cream at “El Nacional“, went shopping, had an aperitif at the “Mandarin Oriental“‘s rooftop bar and dinner at “Parking Pizza“. On Sunday we took a taxi to “Park Güell”, did our best to stroll around despite of the heat and the masses of tourists, before heading to the “El Born” area, where you can find a lot of small, individual shops, bars and restaurants. In the afternoon we relaxed on our hotel’s rooftop terrace, where you can order up food and cocktails from the restaurant by phone, before going out for tapas.

Two – or rather one and a half days, because we only arrived Saturday afternoon – definitely weren’t enough time to explore Barcelona. I think we’ll be back!

All photos: my own

The hotel is located right next to the ancient Ruins of Empuries in a pretty little Costa Brava bay. You can easily walk along the coast to other bays and beaches – perfect when you’re in need of some barefoot-days!

All photos: my own

The starting point for our trip was the tiny village of Villadamat, around 35 km from the city of Girona, to which we flew from Germany. The farming village of Villadamat consists of a few sand-coloured houses, a church, one grocery store, one bar – and the beautiful B&B “Les Hamaques“, which was created by an interior designer and his wife, a journalist and stylist. … and their small hotel has turned out even more magical than you can imagine. A wild garden with a salt water pool, the sounds of the birds, a greenhouse, which is attached to a community kitchen, where breakfast is served in the morning, and wonderful, friendly hosts made our stay one we will never forget.

From this perfect base we drove our little rental car to medieval villages, small bays, beaches, along winding roads and along golden fields. My must-sees near Villadamat: the villages of Sant Marti d’Empuries, Peratallada, Pals, Ullastret and Begúr. The countryside in between. The bays and beaches of Aiguablava, Sa Riera and Sa Tuna. The Dalí house and museum, if you’re interested in his Art.

I’ll tell you more about our Spanish holiday – and about our second beautiful hotel (this one directly on the beach) in my next post.

All photos: my own

A friend gave me Mario Badescu’s “Henna & Seamollient Shampoo” as a Secret Santa gift last year. I had already been a fan of the brand due to its amazing face sprays and iconic “Drying Lotion“. The shampoo is super efficient – you really only need a few drops and it’s lasted for months – and it’s said to increase your highlights.

Another favourite: When I came across Playa it was love at first sight – or rather smell! The scent is exactly what I want my shampoo to smell like, it’s actually additive. And not just that – my hair looks amazing when I use it. I can highly recommend the “Everyday Shampoo“. Lately, I have been using Playa’s “Supernatural Conditioner” and it’s truly incredible! It actually feels so rich and soothing, more like a hair mask than a conditioner.

But speaking of hair masks: I try to use the “Coco & Eve” hairmask at least once a week. It really helps my hair when it’s dry from too much washing (I often wash my hair twice daily because of my workouts).

(The leopard scrunchie in the photo is by Ganni.)

After washing my hair I like to use a hair oil. As I have said before, I simply LOVE Ouai’s hair oil, but Playa makes an amazing hair oil as well, which even protects your hair from UV damage. I’ll make sure to bring it on my next beach holiday in June.

After applying hair oil on my wet hair (just the ends), I dry my hair, then twist it into two buns in order to create some waves, and when it’s totally dry I apply some wave spray to the lengths. My favourite one is Ouai’s “Wave Spray” (I love that it comes in a travel size, too!)

Also in the photo: my favourite brush by Michael Van Clarke and silk scrunchies which look beautiful and are super gentle to your hair.

I have written about haircare favourites before – and I still love the products that I shared in my previous post, so make sure to check it out for my recommendations.

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