I tried the Benefit Brow bar and VIP bar and became addicted

I'm not a beauty blogger. I would swap crème de la mer for crème brûlée any day of the week.
Of course, as most french women do, I like to use a wee bit of makeup, but that's about it. Never had my eyebrows done before, never had hair extensions. I'm pretty much 100% natural, with no additives. But when I was invited to try the Benefit brow bar and Vip bar in House of Fraser, I thought it would be a nice opportunity to get girlier (spoiler: I had heaps of fun).

I was picturing a dentist chair, a table with different sizes of tweezer lined up, and a back door to quickly escape if left looking like a clown... But the Benefit brow bar was nothing like that.
Located in the back corner of House of Fraser, the stall is airy and offers tons of space. The pink furniture I was sitting at matched the presenting shelves around. Just like a Barbie shop, only for grown ups (ish).
The lovely beautician asked what I wanted (-I want a brow wax but I still want to look exactly how I look now...) then used a plastic thingy, some kind of ruler, to determine where my eyebrow had to start, finish, linger, loop... That sort of thing. I love science. You get to choose between wax or tweezers and I picked the latter.
I was offered a brow tint but I elegantly refused (take it easy sister!) and the whole experience lasted a pain-free couple of minutes.

Final word: I liked the result. I must say I never felt like I needed that kind of service but I am grateful that I got to try it. I can see how some girls would feel much much better with a bit of tweezing as it does broaden your eyes.

Two floors up and you will find another Benefit space, only smaller. This is the VIP bar. This is where your girlfriends and yourself can enjoy a bit of pampering while sipping on prosecco.
As Valentine's day is around the corner, I asked for a rosy, fresh looking makeover.
I was in the expert hands of Claire that day and I must say, she knows what she's doing that girl. In fact, she told me that she used to do bridal makeovers. Say no more!
I will not bore you with the whole process of getting my face done, but the whole make over lasted about 25 minutes and I definitely learnt a few tricks.
Amongst all the Benefit products that were used, two in particular caught my attention...

They're real, the primer: if you already use Benefit, you must have used the "they're real mascara" at some point. I know I have. The primer on the other hand is brand new, and very promising. It didn't only plump up my eyelashes, but it made the whole removing process easier as well. I tried it on my eyebrows too since the color is light brown and it looked pretty good (will be reconsidering that tint).

Benetint: yummy yummy rose tasting lip tint. I'm usually ruling for team lipstick, but that tint convinced me: it was light on the lips, last longing and super tasty. Plus, according to Claire, the product was originally created in 1977 for an exotic dancer who was looking for a nipple stain. So there you go. Happy Valentine's day to you (and your partner!)



Final word: I really enjoyed being pampered and I loved the young looking result (and the prosecco).

If you want to treat yourself to a wee Valentine's Day make up at Benefit this weekend, know that you can get your makeup done, complimentary, when purchasing two Benefit items. The prosecco is usually 5,50 pounds, but if you quote: "TheweeFrenchyValentine" you'll get a free glass on me with your makeup. De rien! (offer valid on 13th and 14th of February 2016 only)

Four beautiful and romantic Glasgow restaurants to try this Valentine's day

Glasgow has its fair share of landmarks; the greenhouse in People's palace for one, Kelvingrove museum, Saint Andrews in the Square.
So this year for Valentine's (or anytime really, you romantic dog, you), why not treat your sweetheart to a trip through time in one of Glasgow's finest buildings.

Here is a wee selection.

Chaopraya

You might not know it yet (where have you been?) but Chaopraya is Europe's largest Thai restaurant, set in the iconic Townhouse building on Buchanan street. As soon as you push the main door, you will be mesmerised not only by the beautiful entrance hall and giant staircase, but most importantly by the delightful smell of coconut.

As I always say, "if you can smell coconut, nothing wrong can happen" (that's not true, I don't say that, but it's a good motto).

The dining room is breathtaking, with the highest of high ceilings. When you're sitting at your table, look up. See that balcony up there? No, it's not where the owner looks upon the room smoking his pipe. No, it's not where star footballers get treated to a special secret menu. This is pretty much where everyone can sit for a romantic, more private meal. So don't be shy to ask for a booking.
(although Valentine's day is obviously already booked. But now you know ;) )

Chaopraya's a la carte menu is a treasure for every thai food addict, so it's an all year treat.

The Corinthian club

Located in buzzing Merchant city, the Corinthian club is set in 18th century Virginia Mansion. It was built in 1752 for prominent City Merchant George Buchanan, and was considered one of Glasgow's finest private residences. And I can see why. As soon as I entered the hall, I felt really tiny. Which I do normally... because I am. But not as much.
The whole atmosphere of the place feels decadent, as if ladies with long gloves and boas were to emerge from the next room any minute.
Definitely worth a visit for a classy, romantic dinner or pre drinks.

I must admit I have not tried the food yet, but I had champagne there a few weeks ago with a friend and she made me swear we would return for dinner. So we shall.
This week, the Corinthian Club offers a special Valentine's menu, along with some love-themed events such as movie screenings. Perfect for a night out with the gals too.

Cup tea/ Gin 71, Renfield street

Well, I must admit I was rather impressed when returning to Glasgow after a few years and finding out about Gin 71's cocktail menu. I treated myself to a quiet afternoon tea in Cup years ago, but the place gets a very different feel when the sun goes down.
It may surprise you to know that this now trendy Gin afficionado venue used to be a bank.
Make sure you stare at the stunning ceiling for a good minute, looking like an idiot, and you'll know what I'm talking about: beautiful interior, chandelier and fireplaces. A little glamour to start off your night in style.

No special Valentine's menu for this venue (the Virginia bar in Merchant city does) but how about sharing a spicy gingery "Down the Rabbit hole" (no pun intended) teapot cocktail with your S/O before going out for some food.

Hutchesons Bar and Brasserie

From bank to hospital. That's right you heard me. The Hutchesons hospital was originally erected on 1660 in Trongate. But it got demolished. So they built a new one in Ingram street.
The new building was completed in 1805. Since then, Hutchesons hall has hosted a library, a bank, an exhibition center and now, a fine dining restaurant with lavish interiors. The stained glass windows alone, are worth a trip to the three floor dining venue.
This Valentine's Hutchesons is offering a sharing menu, which in my case would be a really bad idea: I can easily picture my sweetheart and myself fork battling over their chocolate and salted caramel fondant. If you have more self control, this might just be the perfect place for you and your Valentine.

Best Chinese New Year ever in Glasgow

Always talk to people on the subway. Or in parks. You'll never know how amazing they are if you don't, and in my case I would not have ended up spending Chinese New Year with three adorable students from Beijing if I hadn't. Nor would I have tasted those delicious homemade dumplings. Here's the story.

Yeah in case you're living in a cave, you must have noticed that this weekend was all about Chinese new year. Supermarkets like lidl have special Asian products in store, and Marks and spencer is doing  its 10 pounds Chinese take out deal. But on Saturday I was in the search for something more authentic.

I studied a year in Shanghai, and a little bit in Beijing so I had all the time in the world to eat some unbelievable food in China. One of which was hotpot. So that was the plan; making a Chinese hotpot for my "all I ever had is spring rolls" boyfriend. I was trying to remember the ingredients, typing away on my phone, when I overheard a conversation next to me. Three Chinese students looking for their stop. One of them was reading the next stop "sainteuh Gorgeous cross". I smiled. You adorable person you. I explained in Chinese that it was pronounced George, and that gorgeous meant something else. Which got us talking.
It is very common for Chinese people to give themselves some western name so that we can remember it easier. So the older student introduced himself as William.
-after prince William?
-no, after William Wallace.
-(duh!)
His girlfriend's name was Candy, and his little cousin had not picked a name yet. I suggested Harry (Harry potter fan's immediate reaction) which he liked. So there you go, I baptized a Chinese boy that day.

They wanted to visit Glasgow uni, I directed them. Then I asked about the recipe for hotpot, as you do... or I do (DO IT!!!). Turns out William was a chef in China (see where I'm getting at? Luck is everywhere, you just need to grab it). He explained that the traditional delicacy for new year in Beijing is dumplings. Drool. Next thing I know, I deleted my hotpot food list and was invited to spend new year in their flat.

The next day, boyfriend was still confused:
-so you met these people on the subway?
-yep.
-and they invited you for their new year celebration. Just like that?
-yep.
-how do you know it's safe?
-babe, when I do die, I would rather it be while eating dumplings.

We weren't killed no, although the amount of dumplings was pretty deadly. We were greeted by three happy faces, delighted that we could make it, and we had a fabulous wee time.

I must say, there is nothing cuter than a Chinese and a Scot trying to communicate.
It felt just like a family holiday; we (mostly they) made dumplings, we talked about different new year traditions, I explained how in France we are supposed to eat 12 grapes when midnight strikes, which no one does, because you would choke. Derek explained how in Scotland for Hogmanay, you open the front door to let the new year in, and open the back door to farewell the old year.
We watched some chinese Tv, some kind of crazy surreal Xfactor.
And finally we had dessert; I made some french madeleine which were flavoured with matcha, rose petals and earlgrey.

To think that on an usual sunday night, we would probably have been sitting in, watching some boring Tv instead, that was a very, very pleasant surprise. And we made three new friends. Talk to people!

Xin nian kuai le everyone!