The Beauty of Sweet Blood and Why It’s More Than Skin Deep „Ka gjakun e ambël”

That phrase has echoed in my ears since childhood. In Albanian culture, it’s one of the highest compliments — it means someone has a kind, beautiful spirit that seeps into everything they do. Not just a sweet face, but sweet blood. It’s energy. It’s intention. It’s that rare essence that glows from within and softens the world around it.

As a child, that phrase always stayed with me. I remember thinking how much more meaningful it felt to be described that way — to have sweet blood rather than just a sweet face. That kind of beauty, I’ve come to believe, is the one that lasts. It’s the kind that radiates from inside out — from the soul, from the energy, from the way we care for ourselves and others.

This philosophy has shaped the way I approach beauty — not only in how I experience it, but in how I recommend it, write about it, and live it.

True beauty isn’t just about what we see. It’s about what we sense.

In a world that constantly pushes us to chase the next big thing, the next beauty standard, the next “must-have,” it’s easy to feel like we’re always trying to fit ourselves into a mold — one size fits all. But we are not made to fit into boxes.

We are made to bloom. To evolve. To be uniquely, unapologetically ourselves.

And just like I look for products that carry the sweet blood — not just the shiny surface — I believe our rituals should reflect our truth. They should nourish not only our appearance, but our energy, our soul, our rhythm. That’s how I choose what I bring into my beauty space, and that’s what I hope others find for themselves too: a rhythm that feels right.

Now, as the days stretch longer and light wraps itself around us more generously, here are a few of my own spring-to-summer rituals — not rigid rules, just gentle guiding points — that help me stay balanced and radiant, inside and out:

Hydrate everything.

Hydration is everything — and I mean everything. Yes, drink your water. But also hydrate your spirit, your thoughts, your energy. Let lightness flow through all parts of you. Let your rituals feel like water — refreshing, gentle, flowing.

And when it comes to skincare, warmer days call for a shift. If winter was all about rich, thick, cocooning creams, summer asks for something lighter. Our skin naturally produces more oils and moisture in the heat, so we don’t need to overload it. Swap to weightless gel-textures, emulsions, or lighter serums that still deeply nourish but won’t feel heavy. Think fresh, breathable, skin-quenching formulas that let your pores breathe while still doing the work.

My Summer Hydration Picks:

• Balbin, Moravian Spring Water – You can only find Balbin in select locations around Prague Andaz, Four Seasons, NoStress, Zdeněk Oysterbar,..), so for me, it’s become a bit of a ritual. I don’t drink alcohol, so when I want to treat myself, it’s often with a really good coffee—and a bottle of Balbin. It’s pure, light, and somehow feels like the most beautiful, healthy luxury.

• Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Serum – A modern evolution of a classic. When I was starting out as a makeup artist, Bobbi Brown’s original face cream was the product—beloved by so many of us. This serum version brings all of that nostalgia into a fresh, lightweight formula that’s incredibly hydrating and perfect under makeup base. The scent is subtle but beautiful, and the texture glides onto the skin like a dream. It feels like a hug from an old friend—with a new outfit.

Bathe in the sun — responsibly.

Yes, we’re told the sun is dangerous — and yes, UV exposure must be taken seriously. But I deeply believe in balance. The sun is life-giving. It’s warmth, light, clarity. I let it kiss my skin in moderation — early in the morning or late in the afternoon — and I let it lift my spirit. But I also always protect myself with SPF. Because love is also responsibility.

My Sun-Kissed Staples:

• Reclar SPF 50 Face Cream – This one has been my absolute go-to for the past few months. It’s lightweight, melts into the skin, and most importantly—doesn’t leave that greasy film that makes everything slide off your face in the summer heat. It doesn’t clog my pores, sits perfectly under makeup, and truly feels like a second skin. Sun protection that’s effective and elegant.

• La Roche-Posay Body SPF (30–50) – This is my loyal classic. No matter where I am, I know I’ll find it. It’s that reliable, dermatologist-trusted protection that never lets me down. That said, I do love discovering new, local SPFs every summer—especially when traveling. Greek pharmacies, for example, are a treasure chest! But La Roche-Posay is always in my bag. It’s tradition.

Prepare the canvas.

As the seasons shift, so does our skin. Exfoliate gently. Moisturize intentionally. Give extra attention to feet, shoulders, collarbones, body parts that suddenly emerge again. I love products that feel like silk and smell like stories. Let your rituals be sensual. Let them seduce your senses.

Smooth Moves - dry body brushing. It’s an old-school technique, but there’s a reason it’s stood the test of time. A good natural bristle brush (nothing too harsh, nothing too soft—just the right pressure) becomes an extension of your hand. It’s all about sensation. Post-brushing, your whole body feels alive, like it’s buzzing with energy. Whether it’s the increased circulation or just a lovely placebo, it always leaves my skin smoother, more radiant, and maybe… just maybe… it softens the look of cellulite.

When it comes to moisturizing, my only rule is: it must make me feel good. I follow scent, texture, nourishment. Shea butter-based creams are my go-to, especially in summer when I want my skin to glow. Right now, I’m using a rich body butter from Ghana—brought to me by friends. It smells of earth and warmth and joy. I don’t stick to brands here—whatever rocks your boat, truly. Look for what your skin craves and what your senses adore.

Match nature’s glow.

Summer is vibrant. Everything is blooming, glowing, alive. I try to reflect that — with dewy skin, juicy textures, playful colors. Whether it’s through a light-reflecting serum, a tinted balm, or just a bit of bronzer, I want my skin to feel sun-touched, not overworked. Let nature be your guide.

Top pick: Lisa Eldridge Skin Tint — my ultimate skin secret, forever favorite!

Choose ‘The’ summer lipstick.

Summer invites color, shine, and that little something extra. Whether it’s a pop of vibrant pigment or a whisper of glossy glow, lips are the finishing touch that can change everything.

My current Summer Lip Essentials:

• Sisley Paris Phyto-Rouge Shine – A silky, hydrating lipstick that melts onto the lips with the perfect balance of pigment and luminosity.

• YSL Loveshine Lip Gloss – The newest product from YSL that completely knocked me off my feet. A gorgeous hybrid of gloss and lip oil that delivers the most incredible shine and hydration with a smooth applicator.

And of course, even though I’ve mentioned it before (and probably always will), Lisa Eldridge’s Velvet Morning remains an eternal favorite—my summer power red, year after year.

“Beauty with sweet blood.”

I hope these thoughts and little rituals spark something — not as rules, but as inspiration. Take what feels true, leave what doesn’t. If any of it resonates with you, take it, shape it, make it yours. Ask yourself the right questions — What do I want? What do I need? What do I expect? — and follow the answers that feel most like home. In beauty, in life, in everything… start there.

Yours, Vilma Baum