How To Be Happy By Anna Dawson Of @TheBalloonDiary

Anna Dawson is the social media super star who hosts the wildly popular Instagram account @theballoondiary. You might know her. She’s that gorgeous, leggy brunette who appears in pics from exotic locations across the world always clutching a bright pink balloon.

What you might not know is that this lovely young French-speaking woman is in fact an Aussie. Here, a few more fascinating insights into Anna and her honest-to-goodness inspirational life story.

Firstly, a little history about you Anna …

I grew up in Sydney, Australia. Once I finished college, I started my own event- planning business, which took up of most of my 20’s. I was doing the work that I chose and ticking all the right boxes, but at some point I began to feel restless. I began to question what I was working towards and what I was actually saving for? I’d always dreamed of travelling and living in Paris but for me the idea of actually doing it seemed overwhelming. A few more years went by and when I turned 30 and that’s when I decided enough was enough. It was now or never so with no real plan and an optimistic attitude, I booked a ticket and moved to Paris and haven’t looked back!

Then, a little history about The Balloon Diary – how did it come about and when and why?

Being on the other side of the world, I decided to create The Balloon Diary to share my life in Paris with friends and family back home in Australia. As for the idea of the actual balloon as simple as it sounds when you walk down a busy street in Paris with a pink balloon, people smile. It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak the same language, or if you have nothing in common with them at all – there’s still that moment where you share the joy of this tiny little thing that’s just a bit out of the ordinary. This little pink balloon has allowed me to connect with so many different people who would usually have just passed me by.

What does The Balloon Diary mean to you personally?

I used to be terrified of the unknown and constantly worrying about the future. The Balloon Diary represents the moment in my life that I decided to start trusting the process, accepting life’s ups and downs and finding the joy in the small things!

How do you feel about your current collab with Annick Goutal?

The new fragrance Tenue de Soirée definitely captures Parisian elegance and glamour so as you can imagine I was beyond flattered when asked if I wanted to collaborate. The preparation of getting ready to go to a party or special event is still something that always excites me as I imagine the possibilities of new adventures yet to come. I always try to have a passionate, playful and care-free attitude so “Tenue de Soirée” is the perfect fit!

Tell us your favourite three beauty items please …

1. The Nude by Nature Touch Glow Highlight Stick. It gives you an instant lift and freshen up. I use it on my cheekbones, eyelids and down my nose.

 

2. Organic Coconut oil. I use it as a daily moisturiser, a weekly hair mask and every night to remove my eye make up. It’s amazing.

3. Red lipstick. My favourite is It’s Redding Men N° 18 from Bourjois. It’s a matte liquid and lasts forever and doesn’t end up smudged all over my face.

Your favourite three beauty destinations …

1. The Hammam at The Mosquée de Paris is my monthly ritual. Built in the 1920s not only is it beautiful but just so goddamn relaxing. If I’m not feeling good mentally may it be stress or I haven’t been sleeping well, I feel like it doesn’t matter how many layers I cake on, I still don’t like the way I look. The Hamman helps.

2. Indian sun treatment at Frank Provost. I love the look of having slightly sun kissed hair but living in Paris where the sun is not always shining makes it difficult to naturally create this look. Colour is applied by freehand painting and it works by lightening your natural colour making it very low maintenance.

3. Galeries Lafayette because it has EVERYTHING. I find myself popping in at least once a month. Sometimes I don’t have much time so I know I can get everything and anything I need whether it’s a manicure or beauty products.

Your top three beauty tips …

1. Always keep a red lipstick in your handbag. The perfect red lipstick can completely change your attitude and transform even the most boring outfit into something fun and sexy and prepare you for a last minute date or night out!

2. Chose a fragrance that compliments your personality. “Tenue de Soirée” is filled with the delicious scent of iris and patchouli, It’s fresh and vibrant and never fails to help put me in a party mood!

3. Eyes or lips, but not both. Choose one feature that you want to highlight otherwise it can look too much.