Adriane Garcia is a Brazilian actress, TV host and model, who has called Lisbon home for the last 10 years. When not at work, she is the go-to person for all her friends and family for beauty and fashion tips - the reason why she launched her own personal blog, O Meu Vício. She is also in love with Lisbon and all it has to offer, as she tells us in the interview below:
- Secret location
Lisbon is renowned for its astonishing river views. I would suggest running or walking between Doca de Santos and the Champalimaud Foundation, enjoying the outdoors in an extraordinary location.
- Best view?
Lisbon has some of the most amazing city views I know, due to its famous seven hills, light and colours. One that I particularly love to go as often as I can, is the belvedere from the São Jorge Castle. Breathtaking…
- A guilty pleasure?
I would have to say desserts, in several shapes and forms, from all over the world.
- Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon?
When I’m not working, which is rare these days, I love to wake up late, go to Chiado or Bairro Alto, buy some magazines, enjoy some of my favourite brunches with some friends, talk about our week then stroll around those streets window-shopping and relaxing.
- A perfect day with the family?
As a “half-foreigner” myself, I love being a sort of travel guide in Lisbon. When my family comes to visit from Brazil, I usually take them sightseeing, preferably long walks when the weather invites us to, and show them some new places I discovered since they last came. I usually take them to lunch or dinner with a fantastic view of the river Tejo.
- A trend for Lisbon’s future?
I believe that Lisbon is already one of the trendiest cities in the world, due to its originality, unique characteristics, warm people, rich culture, amazing views, fantastic weather, gastronomy, diversity of offers, etc. But in my opinion it has to explore its authenticity, its richness, focusing on a sort of a tailor-made approach. Instead of trying to relate to other well known cities, explore what our DNA gave us as unique in the world. All-round, Lisbon is a unique city, full of history and experiences to explore, with amazing offers from dusk till dawn, and we should promote globally what we excel in locally.
- Favourite drink in the city? Coolest place to have a drink?
It depends on the mood I am in and the occasion… I love after-work drinks at Park if I want to be amazed by a fantastic sunset at my feet, the bar at Bistro 100 Maneiras if I am starting a girls night out with friends, MAIN and LUX if I am in a party mode, and the Ritz Spa to have a moment for myself to recover from it all enjoying some herbal infusions ;)
- What can you do here & nowhere else?
Eat a “Pastel de Nata”! l have an addiction to the famous original-fantastic-one-of-a-kind custard tarts, and I have to say it is one of the things I eager for each time I travel, therefore it is definitely something I can do in Lisbon and nowhere else.
- Cristo Rei – Lisbon or Rio?
Even though I love the Cristo Rei, as a good “Carioca” I have to say the Cristo Redentor and it’s location is simply mind-blowing! Beautiful.
- Why did you decide to create a blog?
Everyone that knows me will tell you that make up, cosmetics, and beauty related products, have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. It’s a healthy addiction.
For quite some time I advised my friends, gave tips to magazines, and it was becoming obvious that I should take it and share some of my passion with others. That is why I called it “O meu vicio”, “my addiction”.
- The blog is about beauty. Who do you admire most, beauty-wise?
It’s difficult to give one example…I have been following this market for quite some time and admire some bloggers and celebrities that always go the extra mile to have an healthy and beautiful look, not only on the red carpet events but in a day-to-day basis. Blake Lively, Freida Pinto, Olivia Palermo, Jennifer Lopez, Gisele Bundchen are some of the examples I would standout.
- The best beauty tip?
To cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin everyday!
- The most important beauty addresses in Lisbon?
I would have to recommend “Le Salon” hairdresser at Avenida da Liberdade, Dr Humberto Barbosa’s “Clinica do Tempo” for nutritionist advice and specific treatments, Biothekare for body treatments, Perfumes & Cia, and the Ritz Spa as the best Spa in town.
- Something you cannot resist?
Make up…and food!
- Someone to take out for dinner?
That is always hard to answer…Someone that inspires me. I would say Jo Soares, who is a reference for me since I was very young.
- Someone NOT to be stuck on an elevator with?
Someone with claustrophobia!
See more pictures of the "Putt'in on the Ritz!" photoshoot on Adriane's blog here.