Name: Claire
Hometown: Ħ’Attard, Malta (tiny Mediterranean island country in Europe)
Age: 24
Occupation: law student + trainee notary + proofreader
My alarm is set for
Any time between 6.30AM and 9.30AM. Depends on whether I have early lectures (6.30AM), work (7.45AM), or nothing planned for the morning (as late as 9.30AM if I had been up late working the previous night).
My Maltese breakfast
I usually eat very Mediterranean food. Fresh orange juice, a piece of toast with Parma ham, and (sometimes) an espresso made with an Italian brand of coffee (like Lavazza). My lovely Mum squeezes some large oranges for me as soon as I wake up, and this burst of fresh Mediterranean citrus and Vitamin C is always a great way to start the day.
I usually buy the coffee for around €1 from a little café (there are tonnes of them dotted around Valletta – the capital city).
On special occasions (or when waking up with a hangover), a lot of Maltese people opt for a full English breakfast (Malta was a British colony until 1964, and there’s still a strong link with the UK, even breakfast-wise) or else the classic Maltese junk food treat: pastizzi (flaky pastry pockets full of a ricotta cheese or pea mixture) and either a Kinnie (the national soft drink) or tea with milk served in a clear glass. Absolutely heavenly.
My Maltese beauty routine
It starts with applying moisturiser on my face (usually by a British or French brand – currently the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè), then applying an oil or serum to my hair to calm frizz (a must due to the extreme humidity).
Last, I apply some make-up (my favourite product right now is the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – cheap and highly effective).
Then, I head to work by
I commute by car. Even though Malta is a tiny country, the public transport system can be a bit of a headache sometimes, so for sure-fire independence, a car is necessary. It’s usually wise to leave time to find a parking space; if I’m going into Valletta, I usually park in a parking complex for €2.50 every day. My commute usually lasts around 15-25 minutes, but can stretch to 45 minutes during rush hour.
Thanks so much for sharing, Claire! Maltese readers, what does your beauty + breakfast routine look like?
P.S. My 3 product makeup bag!
I have tea with (tinned) milk for breakfast, some leftover sweets if there are any, then drive off to work, where I make my first espresso for the day. As for my beauty routine, I brush my teeth, and put some clothes on.
Malta sounds lovely – I think I definitely need to visit 🙂
You must! And I'm aching to come to your beautiful end of the world too… South Africa looks like a DREAM 🙂
Claire
http://www.clairebonello.com
Oh I really want to visit Malta! And now I want to make pastizzi… I love trying recipes from different countries especially fellow Mediterranean countries!
You really should visit – it's a great holiday destination, whether you like history/culture/partying or just lounging about in the sun by the sea 🙂 And pastizzi are SO.GOOD. Perfect carby treat.
Claire
http://www.clairebonello.com
I love Malta! Since returning from my short trip I rave about it to everyone. Love the pastizzi and Kinnie! Aside from the food my favourite experience was St Peter's Pool (google it!). Heaven on earth.
OH MY, the area of St Peter's Pool is absolutely GORGEOUS. So pleased you love Malta 🙂 Come back ASAP 🙂
Claire
http://www.clairebonello.com
Malta sounds sounds so wonderful! I didn't know it was a British colony, either. And isn't Embryolisse fantastic?!
Yep, Malta was a British colony throughout the 1800s and until 1964! Now it's a kick-ass republic with the most beautiful weather, beaches, food and people 😉 And yes – Embryolisse is crazy-fantastic stuff.
Love your morning routine 🙂 From where did you get the Collection concealer? I've been wanting it for ages but it seems they only sell it in the UK :/
Elaine xo
http://blabberbeauty.wordpress.com