This month, I am traveling around Europe discovering the skin care trends and secrets that keep European women looking fresh and ageless. After spending some time in Paris speaking with estheticians and friends that live here, here is what i’ve learned:
– French women place a high priority on looking good and tending to their appearance as they age. If a French women let’s herself go physically, it is considered a reflection that she does not have things together mentally.
– French women prefer a naturally sexy look. They place a much higher emphasis on having good skin care then covering up with make up. This is known as the “enhance but don’t camouflage” philosophy.
– For French women, prevention is key. A preventative, proactive skin care approach is typically adopted from a young age. French women generally begin using anti-aging products from a younger age and make sure to wear sunscreen before going outside.
– French women LOVE their facials. We heard from several estheticians here that many French women get weekly facials. This is seen as necessary maintenance rather than a luxury.
– In addition to facials, lymphatic massage treatments are very popular – this is an intensive massage that helps prevent and reduce cellulite.
– French women compliment their skin care regime by eating a light, healthy diet. Many shop for and prepare fresh vegetables several times a week and drink copius amounts of water.
– French women use humidifiers to retain moisture in their skin, some even have humidifiers at their desks at work!
– To kick start circulation in the morning, a common trick that French women use is giving themselves a cold blast in the shower.
– French women love to take luxurious baths – many take baths several times a week and have a variety of enhancements: oils, salts, bubbles and aromatherapy mixes.
– In terms of make up, French women abide by the less is more philosophy. Many just wear lip gloss, mascara and concealer if necessary.
–French women love their perfume and see it as a critical part of their daily beauty routine.
What are your thoughts and reactions? Is there anything that French women do that you’d like to try?
Ms. Melanie (and crew),
I don’t see anything about acne / acne treatments in your post – does this mean that French women are blessed with naturally acne-free skin?
Safe Travels!
XOXO
I really love this blog. The humidifier trick sounds awesome and im glad im not alone in my perfume addiction
I did learn from one of your previous blogs, however, that my perfume could be the cause of some of my break outs so I now spay once on the outer side of my cloths. before I put them on.
