Authors: Healthy Living
LESS IS MORE
The French approach hair and beauty much like their approach to
getting dressed: less is more. In European culture, skin care is a
primary task. They keep their skin hydrated, and take the time to shop around
for great skin care products at a number of pharmacies and cosmetic stores at
the local Galleries Lafayette.
Secret #9 Invest
In
Good Skin Care
A Parisian typically does not attempt to cover up their skin to
make for the appearance of perfection. If they have acne, they have acne.
French women are taught from a younger age that taking great care of your skin
which is a crucial component for long term beauty. Every year a dermatologist
visit is vital, and lots of French women use different creams and cleansers for
day vs. night. Ex. Vitamin C creams,
Retin
-A, and
Argan
Oil. It is also not unusual in French culture to make
personal body scrubs with oil and sea salt.
Secret #10 Facial
Masks
Masks are great to balance, brighten, and hydrate the skin. Masks
are usually included in the beauty routine once or twice a week to feed the
skin and hair. Homemade masks are typically made from egg yolks, and are kept
on for 20 minutes and washed with vinegar water.
Secret #11
Intensive Skin Care Creams
The French reach for skin care products, such as skin creams, over
cosmetics. They rather have a healthy and super clear complexion; and they keep
it simple by moisturizing with natural oils to nourish the skin and hair.
Secret #12
Hydration Is Important
Drinking a glass of water is very important, especially before
bed, and the first thing in the morning. Water is the Parisian woman’s special
secret-for health, skin, and beauty. Water flushes toxins and controls weight.
Secret #13 Choose Water Over Snacks
Reaching for the
snack cupboard when feeling a bit puckish, instead of drinking a glass of water
is bad habit that we need to break. When your body needs water, sometimes it
can be mistaken as hunger pains. French women are great a drinking lots of
water. The next time your craving a snack, think twice and give this French
secret a try, and your hunger pains will almost disappear instantly.
Secret #14 Makeup
If you chose to wear makeup: in essence, you'll want to go for
natural look that emphasizes your natural beauty, rather than looking like you
have loads of makeup on. Foundation is key. Choosing the right foundation color
should be an easy task, just match according to the shade of your palm. Take
your foundation, and apply it to your face (One pump on average should cover
your entire face.) Start blending outwards with a beauty sponge or
foundation brush to get an airbrushed natural effect. Opt for a black kohl
liner and smudge outwards for a smoky effect. When focusing on the lips, go for
neutral lip balm. Finish with the look with a mild sweep of mascara- often one
coat for daytime, and two for night time.
Secret #15 Say
Yes to a Red Lip
Red lipstick is style accessory. When you wear it, apply neutral
makeup, because the lipstick makes the declaration. Try a matte scarlet or crimson
lipstick.
Secret #16 Don’t
Wash Your Hair
Okay, wash your hair, but not every day. Too much washing can
strip your hair of its natural oils. For the French lady, it’s all about
texture. They generally tend to pull away from American hair tendencies, such
as blow-outs, and hair straightening. It’s the bed-head, lived in look you’ll
notice around Paris. When caring for your hair, finger-combing is best to
achieve the undone French hair look. Finger-combing creates the perfect amount
of tousle and texture, which can be enhanced with a bit of sea salt spray.
Another hair styling choice is a pixie-cut, it’s low on upkeep is a way to
attain understated sophistication.
Secret
#17
Mix Self Tanner with Daily Moisturizer to Cover
Dark Spots
It can sometimes be a challenge to preserve a clear complexion. If
you have a few dark spots that you want to cover while still being French chic,
mix a pea-sized amount of self-tanner into your daily moisturizer. You may
additionally include a small amount into your body cream.
Secret #18 Your
Nail Polish Should Stay Cold
Maintain your favorite polishes in the refrigerator; by keeping them
chilled it’s going to last a lot longer and go on much more smoothly.
Secret #19 Use an
Eye Mask as an Eye Lash Curler
When I’m on an airplane and ready to sleep, I slide on my eye mask
so that it bends my eyelashes upwards. It works like an eyelash curler, and
when I wake up, my eyes look more awake and open. But, you don’t have to get on
a plane for this trick to work.
Secret #20 Make
Your Purse Smell Good
Sprits a cotton handkerchief with your favorite fragrance and keep
it in your purse. The contents will smell amazing, on every occasion that you
decide to open your bag.
Secret #21 Get
the Glow
French women aren’t afraid to turn on the cold water near the end
of a shower to get one’s circulation going. Using warm water to open the pores
and then cold water to close them is a part of their beauty routine. The sudden
change in temperature boosts blood circulation to the skin, and makes the skin
glow.
Secret #22
Workout Outdoors
The French don’t prefer to workout indoors. You won’t see many
Parisians indoors, working out at a gym. They choose to exercise via water
cardio instructions, aqua gymnasium, and a different variety of fun activities.
They also practice ‘invisible workouts.’ Which is adding a bits of exercising
to your daily routine, some examples are deciding to park the car farther from
the grocery store entrance or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Secret #23 Facial
Massages
Facial Massages are the norm, and help even out skin tone. Getting
a good massage can help you feel refreshed. You can choose to have very own
facial massage by simply winking the eyes, doing various facial exercises, and
massaging your cheeks.
Secret #24 Home Remedies Are
The
Best
The market for
beauty products is over abundant with options; sometimes it can be difficult to
find exactly what’s best for your skin. Clean your face every night before
going to bed, and apply the following strawberry-honey mix mask recipe for the
face. Rinse your hair with cold water and an added tablespoon of vinegar or lemon
juice for added shine before moisturizing.
Strawberry-Honey
Mask Ingredients:
6 fresh Destemmed
Strawberries
2 Tablespoons of
Organic Honey
2/4 Fresh Lemon
Juice
From
Wedge
Secret #25
Anti-aging
Anti-aging is seen from within. Parisians don’t stress, and aren’t
afraid of aging. They believe in looking natural, with the help of oils, honey,
shea
butter, and extracts. Aging is an attitude, you
can look great at any age! Homemade juices are amazing for anti-aging.
Secret #26 Avoid
Too Much Exfoliation
Try to avoid too much exfoliation on the skin. Exfoliating once or
twice a week with a natural face scrub can be beneficial, and will help soothe,
replenish, and soften the skin. Remember to always exfoliate with care.
Secret #27 Wine
Wine is a top French beauty secret. It is packed with
antioxidants, and is great for your skin and body. (Moderation is key.)
Secret #28 Never
Go
To
Bed With Makeup Still On
The French rarely wear makeup, but when they do, they don’t ever
go to bed with their makeup left on. Going to bed with makeup on can age skin.
So, remember to wash your face with a good makeup remover or cleanser before
going to sleep.
Secret #29 Never
Eat Processed Foods
Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Try to eat ‘whole
foods’ that don’t come from a box, can, or fast food restaurant. An occasional
treat is fine. Quality, not quantity.
FIND A BALANCE
Secret #30 Balance
When the
summertime comes along, all the color is on my toes! So, when my pedicures get
colorful, my manicure stays neutral. Find a balance.
Secret #31 Use
Thermal Water Spray
French ladies swear by thermal water
spray,
it gets rid of harmful chemicals on your face & neck areas from use of tap
water. By using thermal water spray you’ll soften and refresh your skin. It
also allows for better penetration of your favorite toners, creams etc. Wake up
your skin with this great French beauty secret.
Secret #32 No
Staring at the sun
Another great
French beauty secret is to avoid direct sun exposure. Vitamin D is good for the
skin, but the direct exposure from the sun is not.
Secret #33 Wear Perfume
Each morning,
choose your perfume for the day, depending on how you feel, the weather, or
what you decide to wear. Before getting dressed, spritz on your chosen perfume
for a soft lingering fragrance that makes a subtle statement.
Secret #34 Don’t Touch Your Face
Try not to touch
your face, and make sure to wash your hands every chance you get! When
traveling around Paris, your hands accumulate dirt and bacteria quickly.
Touchng
your face, can cause breakouts. In, Paris this is a
big no-no!
Secret #35 Don’t Be Afraid
To
Go To Extremes
Always moisturize
skin properly, and avoid sun exposure. Try using
a higher SPF
protectors
, such as SPF 50+ and wear a hat, or carry an umbrella. It
might be extreme, but it’s the best way to care for the skin, and keeping a
healthier youthful appearance.
Secret #36 Find Your Beauty Staples-And
Stick
With
Them
When you find a
favorite beauty product or staple, be sure to stick with it. Finding something
that works for you or your skin is great!
PLUS SECRETS DE BEAUTE
Secret #37 Spend Time Away
From
Your Hairbrush
The French don’t
use hair brushes often. So ditch the hairbrush and try using your fingers to
‘finger comb’ instead.
Secret #38 Living
By
The Pleasure Principle
The pleasure principle is simple. Your beauty routine should make
you feel good and make you look good. Enjoy life, smile, and be happy.
Secret #39 Makeup
Remover
Harsh facial
cleansers are not a big no, no! Instead, use sweet almond oil as a gentle
cleanser and moisturizer to remove any makeup residue
Secret #40 Find Multiple Ways
To
Use Your Favorite Product
My favorite
beauty product at the moment is
Argan
oil. I apply it
to ends of my hair to the root, before I decide to shampoo. During winter
months, my skin tends to be a little drier, so I like to incorporate it into my
facial cream. It works so well, as a moisturizer!
Secret #41 Heritage
French women
learn most of their beauty secrets from relatives starting at a young age.
Mothers, and grandmothers pass down their beauty secrets to their children for
great looking skin and faces.
Secret #42 Tanning Is
A
No
French women know
the dangers of sun bathing too long. They rather use bottled tan rather than
actually getting a tan itself. Make sure to wear SPF whenever you go out, or
try to include it in your daily moisturizer. Protect your skin as much as
possible.
Secret #43 Walk
For
20-Minutes After Every Meal
Walking for
20-minutes after every meal can be beneficial because it decreases your sugar
spike in your system. Doing so can also improve your mood, burn calories, and
clear your mind. It’s one of the ways the French stay slim, and is also why
they have better overall health and skin.
Secret #44 Stick
To
A Mediterranean Diet
A Mediterranean
consists of lots of vegetables, fresh fruit, wholegrain cereal, olive oil,
nuts, poultry and fish. Try to eliminate red meat, butter, and animal fat. It
helps the skin appear flawless, and has great health benefits.
Secret #45 Choose A Non-Impact Workout
You can cut
running out of you exercising routine, and not feel bad about it. Running
against the concrete can have a shocking effect on your body. The constant up
and down motion can cause loosing of facial ligaments and cause sagging of the
cheeks and jaw. Instead, try lower-impact exercises, which are popular in
France, such as yoga or
pilates
.
Secret #46 Facials Are Not
A
Luxury, But An Essential
Beauty facials
aren’t viewed as a luxury, but for French women it is considered a necessity in
their skin car routine. Facials increase blood flow circulation, and allows for
the skin to renew itself from dead skin cells. Facials also promote radiant
skin.
Secret #47 Make Sleep Your Priority
The benefits of
getting eight hours of sleep are endless. The French pay a lot of attention to
the boudoir. They make sleep a priority and like to invest in the most
luxurious bedding and pillows. Silk sheets will cause less friction on your
face, and will decrease your chances of developing wrinkles over time.
Secret #48 Try Highlighting Instead
Of
Contouring
The beauty
philosophy in France is to accept who you are. They keep it simple, so
contouring is not much of a norm. Try ‘Strobing’ or highlighting instead.
Secret #49 Go
For
A Bun-And Make It Messy
The Messy-Bun is
a French must-have. Start with tousled wavy hair and finger comb up, then tie
with a band. There you go, a messy-bun.
Secret #50 Accept Physical Imperfections
And
Embrace Them
The strength in
French women lies in their uniqueness. Embrace your imperfections, we are all
meant to standout. Individuality is beautiful.
Thanks for
reading this book, I hope you found these style and beauty secrets helpful.
Feel free to adopt them into your daily routine.