Volume 7
The Lovers by René Magritte — Medik8 — The Talented Mr Ripley by Anthony Minghella — The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene — Golden potion — Bonus content
Happy Sunday and welcome to the seventh edition of Giselle daydreams! In this volume I’m featuring another Surrealist artwork, my extended review of the skincare brand Medik8, a film which epitomises what daydreaming means to me, a controversial book, and my immune system booster and youth elixir recipe. Since it’s the last edition of 2023, I’m adding some bonus content at the end for the festive season. Enjoy!
Art
The Lovers by René Magritte (1928)
As you probably started to notice, I am selecting a few artworks which belong to the Surrealist movement. I am deeply fascinated by the breakthrough pieces that the Surrealists have created challenging the mundane and bringing to life the unconscious, the uncanny, the mystery and their distorted perception of reality. René Magritte was a Surrealist artist known for his thought-provoking and often enigmatic works. Magritte's paintings often featured ordinary objects in unusual contexts, challenging viewers to question reality and perception. This painting features his characteristic style, which includes precise, realistic depictions combined with elements of mystery and surprise.
My painting is visible images which conceal nothing, they evoke mystery and, indeed, when one sees one of my pictures, one asks oneself this simple question, ‘What does it mean?’ It does not mean anything, because mystery means nothing either, it is unknowable. — René Magritte
The Lovers is a significant work within the Surrealist movement created by René Magritte in 1928. In this painting, two lovers are depicted kissing, but their faces are covered by white cloth or fabric. The obscured faces add an element of mystery and ambiguity to the scene, as viewers are prevented from seeing the expressions of the lovers.
The Lovers is a significant example of Magritte's exploration of the theme of concealment and the juxtaposition of ordinary objects in unusual contexts. Enshrouded faces are a common feature in Magritte’s art. Magritte’s works often depict frustrated desires, and The Lovers is no exception. The use of a cloth to hide the faces challenges conventional expectations in portraiture, inviting viewers to question the nature of identity and intimacy. The passionate and intimate act of kissing is prevented by the fabric acting as a barrier and conveys a sense of frustration and isolation. This was interpreted by some as the inability to fully unveil one’s true nature.
This unsettling painting features in a series of four variations of The Lovers which Magritte produced in 1928. This work undermines our voyeuristic pleasure by shrouding the faces in cloth or veil to conceal the protagonist’s identity. Such practice was a recurrent feature within the Surrealist movement, and the use of masks and disguises enabled it to convey this disruptive feature.
Magritte's Surrealist approach often sought to disrupt ordinary reality and provoke thought. The Lovers is a prime illustration of his ability to create visual enigmas that engage the viewer's imagination and perception. This painting is part of Magritte's broader body of work, which has had a lasting impact on the surrealist movement and the art world as a whole.
The most striking feature of the painting is the use of a cloth to cover the faces of the lovers. This deliberate concealment introduces an element of mystery and prompts viewers to question the nature of identity and intimacy. Magritte often played with the idea of hiding or veiling in his works, creating a sense of ambiguity.
Magritte was known for challenging conventional expectations, and The Lovers is no exception. By obscuring the faces, he disrupts the traditional portrayal of a kiss or a romantic encounter. This disruption encourages viewers to engage with the painting on a deeper level, contemplating the meaning behind the concealment.
The theme of lovers is a universal one, but Magritte's treatment of it adds a layer of universality. By hiding the individual identities of the lovers, the painting may be seen as more symbolic and representative of love as a broader concept.
Surrealism, as an art movement, sought to go beyond the constraints of reality and tap into the unconscious mind. The Lovers exemplifies this by presenting a scene that is both familiar and strange. Magritte challenges the viewer to reconcile the ordinary act of a kiss with the unconventional act of concealing the faces.
Magritte's work often delved into philosophical inquiries about perception and reality. The Lovers prompts viewers to question how much they rely on facial expressions to understand emotion and connection. The painting can be seen as an exploration of the limitations of visual information in conveying the depth of human relationships.
Magritte's meticulous attention to detail and realistic rendering of the scene contrast with the surreal and fantastical elements. The juxtaposition of the ordinary and the extraordinary is a hallmark of his style.
The Lovers remains an iconic work in Magritte’s oeuvre, and its enigmatic quality has made it a subject of continued analysis and interpretation within the realms of art history and philosophy. The deliberate ambiguity invites viewers to bring their own perspectives and meanings to the painting.
Skincare
Medik8 review
I would like to precise that this is a no way a collaboration, although I wish it was. I’ve been buying their products for a while, and I keep buying some of them on repeat. When I like a product, I try to stay faithful! Of course I don’t use all of these products at the same time, and I alternate between them and other products from other brands I fancy giving a try.
C-Tetra Luxe I’ve been purchasing this vitamin C serum countless times and this is my favourite one so far. I like the velvety texture which makes the gua sha glide nicely when I do my facial massage in the morning. My skin is brighter and radiant. Don’t forget to wear SPF 30 and above when using vitamin C tough.
Advanced Night Eye I’ve been buying this eye cream on repeat for a few years now, and I don’t think this will change anytime soon, unless my sleep deprivation takes U-turn and I need something stronger. I also like that it comes in a jar rather than a tube. Therefore, you don’t miss out on any product, and you don’t have to cut the tube once you reach the end and squeeze out the product remainders painfully.
Pure C15 this one the first vitamin C serum from Medik8 that I purchased. I was content with the results but I prefer the texture of the C-Tetra Luxe.
Hydra B5 I’ve been using hyaluronic acid as a preventative acid since I turned 20, and this worked for me so far. I also like that it keeps my skin hydrated and moisturised, and the formula also includes vitamin B5.
Press & Glow this toner is a special one, as this is the first product I bought from Medik8 a few years ago. It was love at first sight. I purchased Press & Glow numerous time as I felt this was the best toner I came across, and it excelled in removing dead skin cells and impurities from my skin.
Press & Clear this is the other toner I like to alternate with, especially when I stopped the pill and I developped some unwanted acne as a result of hormonal imbalance. Press & Clear came to the rescue, and as soon as it launched, I placed an order. While Press & Glow puts an emphasis on dewy and moisturised skin, Press & Clear puts the spotlight on clearing and reducing blemishes. My advice? Get both and alternate between them.
Balance Moisturiser & Glycolic Acid Activator I started using this product postpartum as I needed to find a new moisturiser. However, what is particularly appreciate in this product is the glycolic acid activator that I use 2-3 times a week. This product exfoliates my skin and is also one of the products that keeps my skin clear and almost blemish free. I finished the moisturiser a while ago but I kept using the glycolic acid before my night cream.
Clarity Peptides I used this product towards the end of my pregnancy and the first few months postpartum. This product helped with its high concentration of niacinamide with congestion and dullness. Moreover, the presence of hyaluronic acid for moisture enabled me to revitalise my tiredness and make me look alive despite the lack of sleep. I also think it comes with some clarifying benefits as most of my blemishes keep reducing when I was using these peptides.
SOS Blemish this product is perfect to apply locally on breakouts and blemishes as it will accelerate the healing process. I used to apply this product topically on targeted areas, and I was thrilled my blemishes would significantly reduce. Although salicylic acid can be drying, I didn’t have any reaction. This somehow reminds me of Mario Badescu drying lotion, but I wanted anew and try what other brands would offer.
At the moment my skin is clear, therefore, I don’t see the need to repurchase this product.
Advanced Night Restore I’m the type of person who needs a morning and an evening moisturiser. Unless when I’m travelling for the weekend and I try to reduce my liquid intake to please my husband, I would have two different moisturisers. Now with Queen L, I have the luxury of having 3 liquid bags to pass security, therefore, I could definitely bring my full skincare gear even for a 2-day trip! Like the eye cream, it comes in the jar, which is already a bonus point. This rejuvenating multi-ceramide night cream keeps my skin moisturised and plump. So far, I don’t want to change this one for my regimen.
Intelligent Retinol unlike a vast majority of people, I am not the biggest fan of retinol. I may change my mind in the future, but when I purchased the lighter strength (0.3% vitamin A) I didn’t notice wonders. Nonetheless, I was pleased that I didn’t experience a reaction as I have sensitive skin. My skin was brighter, but I felt my skin was too waxy and that my sebum would peel off if I moved to a stronger strength, and I didn’t want this to happen. I used the serum until the end, and then I switched to a plant-based alternative.
Bakuchiol Peptides I wasn’t familiar with Bakuchiol, but I purchased it slightly before getting pregnant as I wanted to try a natural alternative to retinol, and thought I should buy it from my beloved skincare brand. It was perfect timing as I used this product during my first trimester, and my skin was glowy. Nonetheless, I didn’t feel entirely satisfied by the results, and winter was approaching, therefore, I reverted to Hydra B5.
Sleep Glycolic this is the last product I got from the brand as I wanted to include glycolic acid in my beauty regimen. To be fair, I’ve only used it a few times, so I will have to report properly about it when I write my evening skincare routine. Stay tuned!
A film
The Talented Mr Ripley by Anthony Minghella (1999)
This film is iconic for several reasons, from the intrigue to the cast, to the fact that it boasts style and elegance in the wardrobe choice of the protagonists, and that it epitomises the Dolce Vita and the art of daydreaming. I also appreciate suspenseful and psychologically complex narrative and Tom Ripley’s obsession to maintain his place in Dickie’s world, which includes impersonating this latter and resorting to deception, forgery, and even murder.
I actually had to sing Lullaby for Cain for a solfeggio exam, and I remember listening countless times to Sinéad O’Connor performing this eerie song, which still resonates in my mind to this day.
The Talented Mr. Ripley is am American psychological thriller directed by Anthony Minghella. The film is based on Patricia Highsmith's 1955 eponymous novel. It has gained acclaim for its exploration of crime, identity, and moral ambiguity.
The film follows the story of Tom Ripley played by Matt Damon, a talented but morally ambiguous young man living in New York City. Tom is struggling to make a living, and his life takes a dramatic turn when he is hired by Herbert Greenleaf, a wealthy shipbuilder, to travel to Italy to persuade his son, Dickie Greenleaf played by Jude Law, to return to the United States. Dickie has been living a luxurious life in Italy, and his father is concerned about his reckless behavior.
Once in Italy, Tom becomes infatuated with Dickie's lavish lifestyle and charming personality. He ingratiates himself into Dickie's world and the lives of Dickie and his girlfriend, Marge Sherwood played by Gwyneth Paltrow, that he befriends. As Tom's obsession with Dickie deepens, he becomes willing to take increasingly drastic and morally reprehensible actions to maintain his place in Dickie's life.
The Talented Mr. Ripley explores themes of identity, deception, obsession, and moral ambiguity. It delves into the psychological complexities of Tom Ripley as he navigates a web of lies and manipulations, all while trying to secure his place in the world he so desperately covets.
The novel (and the film) delves into themes of identity, deception, and the blurring of moral boundaries. It explores the psychological complexities of Tom Ripley as he navigates a web of lies and manipulations, all while trying to maintain his façade and secure his place in the privileged world he so desperately covets. The character is known for his complex and morally ambiguous nature, making him both a compelling and unsettling protagonist. The film explores themes of identity, deception, obsession, and the moral boundaries that Tom is willing to cross to maintain his façade.
Tom's ability to adopt different identities and manipulate those around him is a central theme. The film raises questions about the authenticity of self and the lengths one is willing to go to maintain a false identity. The Talented Mr. Ripley delves into the moral ambiguity of its characters. Tom Ripley is a complex antihero who commits morally reprehensible acts, yet the audience is drawn into his perspective. The film examines the themes of desire and obsession, particularly through Tom's infatuation with Dickie Greenleaf and the drastic measures he takes to possess his friend's life. The film contrasts Tom's humble background with the privilege and wealth of the characters he encounters in Italy. It explores the dynamics of social class and the desire for upward mobility.
This film is considered one of the standout adaptations of Patricia Highsmith's novel and is known for its suspenseful and psychologically intense storytelling. The Talented Mr. Ripley is often praised for its psychological depth, exploration of identity, and its examination of the darker aspects of human nature. Patricia Highsmith's novel and this cinematic adaptation remain a classic in the realm of psychological thrillers.
A book
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene (1998)
This book is controversial, like many of the books and films discussed here, but this one is also worth reading for some aspects I will discuss in the following paragraphs.
The 48 Laws of Power is a bestselling book by Robert Greene. It was first published in 1998 and has since become a popular and influential work, especially in the realm of personal development, leadership, and strategy. The book is known for its exploration of power dynamics and its presentation of practical principles for acquiring and maintaining power in various contexts.
The book is divided into 48 chapters, each of which outlines a law of power. These laws are drawn from historical examples, literature, and the actions of powerful individuals throughout history.
Law 1 - Never Outshine the Master: Avoid drawing attention to yourself that might make your superiors feel insecure or threatened.
Law 3 - Conceal Your Intentions: Keep your plans and goals hidden from others to maintain an element of surprise and control.
Law 6 - Court Attention at All Costs: Ensure that you are noticed and recognised for your talents and achievements.
Law 15 - Crush Your Enemy Totally: When facing opposition or competition, it is often better to eliminate it completely rather than leave the possibility of retaliation.
Law 33 - Discover Each Man's Thumbscrew: Find the key to motivating and manipulating individuals by understanding their weaknesses and desires.
Law 46 - Never Appear Too Perfect: Displaying flaws and vulnerabilities can make you more relatable and less threatening.
The 48 Laws of Power has been both praised and criticised. I believe some of the laws I described above sparks debate regarding ethical behaviour and manipulation, while some laws presents constructive advice. Indeed, some laws provide valuable insights into the dynamics of power and can be used as a guide to navigate complex social and professional situations.
It is important to note that the book is often viewed as a work of practical philosophy rather than a moral or ethical guide. Readers are encouraged to approach the content critically and consider the ethical implications of the laws presented.
I particularly liked that n every law, Greene utilises examples referring to history, culture, art, business, and religion. He uses facts of knowledge about different cultures and religious approaches to illustrate how to transgress, reverse and how to make the law work in your favour. Nonetheless, I do not condone some laws which advocate unethical and manipulative behaviour.
Finally, after reading this book, I feel more knowledgable and think some anecdoctes would make great use to start off conversation over dinner or on a social occasion with like minded people.
A recipe
The Golden Potion
You might think that the title will make you concoct some sort of witchcraft but sorry to disappoint you this is just the name of my morning hot drink elixir to youth.
For many years, like almost a decade - that makes me feel so old - I used to have hot water with lemon, sometimes with ginger but mostly hot water with lemon in a straw to prevent the acidity from the lemon from damaging my precious enamel. While you might think we are so over hot water with lemon, you are not telling me something new; it has been a couple of months that I decided to mix things up and make this potion alongside my matcha latte.
Not to brag but this has also really helped me with immunity towards my pregnancy third trimester as I had low energy and my immune system was at its lowest it’s ever been.
To make one drink you will need:
hot boiled water
½ lemon squeezed
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar with the mother
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp honey
sprinkle of smoked paprika
Instructions:
Squeeze the lemon juice in your mug of choice, add the turmeric, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar and honey.
Fill with hot boiled water.
Let it cool or drink with a straw (optional).
Now, I will tell you why I chose this assortment of ingredients which all have many health benefits.
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and soluble fibre, on top they are supposed to reduce the risk of heart disease, anemia, digestive issues and kidney stones.
Apple cider vinegar with the mother helps lowering blood sugar levels. It also improves your digestion, heart health, skin and nail health, and supports your immune system.
Turmeric is a native Asian plant which presents both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been used in cooking for centuries. Curcumin has been in traditional Ayurvedic, Indian and Chinese medicine.
Smoked paprika contains high levels of vitamins C and E on top of also being a good source of antioxidants.
Honey is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Disclaimer: I am no way a health professional, just deeply interested in eating mindfully while still making delicious meals.
Bonus content!
How to choose the perfect wedding shoes
As this is the last edition of 2023, I’m adding an extra category for today’s content. Boxing day and January sales are approaching fast. In case you’re getting married soon or next year, or you simply have a passion for beautiful high heels, I’ll give you my tips to choose the wedding shoes that will make your day memorable and (almost) pain free!
Something you may or not know is that I’m all about extremes. I either choose to wear white minimalist trainers or high heels. There’s no in between. Coming from Monaco, I had the best training learning to walk in 15cm high heels when I was 15-16 years old. I may be petite and no supermodel, people are always impressed seeing how I walk with heels and even drive with platform sandals!
Tip #1 You must try the shoes before buying them, especially if you’re unsure about sizing, and from a platform sandal to a simple heeled sandal, you may not wear the same size. You can of course purchase online, but I would advise to be extremely careful not to damage the soles when walking in your flat/house. Otherwise, you won’t be refunded if you realise you no longer want them. Trust me, I’ve done that and ended up with a voucher on Net-a-Porter.
Tip #2 Choose a model you can wear again. I’m extremely happy with the Aquazzura platform sandals I chose, as I ended up wearing them several times. I’m aware that the shoes on the moodboard aren’t cheap, this is why you should think carefully if you want to buy white, silver, gold, metallic colour, depending on your preference.
PS: remember that if you wear a long dress, your shoes won’t be seen by people, but it’s the feeling of wearing your dream shoes that matters.
Tip #3 Make sure you are comfortable wearing your wedding shoes. I was fortunate to allocate a budget to buy two pair of shoes, one for my civil wedding and one for my religious wedding and henna party. My civil wedding shoes are much more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but painful (at least for me). Therefore, I can only wear them for short amounts of time, whereas the wedding shoes are much easier on my feet. However, I don’t regret this choice, as I wore a short dress for my civil wedding and the shoes are perfect! But my choice for my wedding was on point, as I managed to spend the entire evening with my shoes, probably 7-8 hours, and no blisters!
I apologise in advance if some of the shoes linked below are sold out. You can do your magic and track them on other websites, hunt them in stores, or find similar models.
Gianvito Rossi Bijoux 105mm leather sandals ; Miu Miu 115mm crystal-embellished sandals ; Jimmy Choo Azia 95mm metallic leather sandals ; Manolo Blahnik Lurum 70mm embellished mules ; Manolo Blahnik Hangisi satin pumps ; Prada Silver Tone Plateau Platform Sandals ; Saint Laurent Tribute high-heeled sandals ; René Caovilla Cleo 45mm rhinestone-embellished sandals ; Casadei open-toe heeled leather sandals ; Aquazzura Sundance 140mm platform sandals ; René Caovilla Cleo 110mm rhinestone-embellished sandals ; Sophia Webster Chiaray strappy-sandals
I hope you enjoyed the seventh edition of Giselle daydreams and see you in 2024!
Giselle xx
I skipped the bonus content!