Hello there, gorgeous! Welcome to Clean Beauty Conversations, a series of informative pieces about everything we love, and those which need rethinking, about the world of beauty.
Paris is always an exciting destination, offering something for everyone, but over the past three months, it became the ultimate global hotspot. With Paris Fashion Week in June and the Olympics in July and August, the city's allure soared to new heights. During my summer there, I took the opportunity to delve into how the French, particularly Parisians, approach skincare and beauty.
I already knew that the French were renowned for their effortless elegance and commitment to quality in skincare. Beyond my familiarity with a few French pharmacy brands, however, I realized my understanding of French beauty philosophy was very limited. What I discovered was how profound this philosophy truly is, and how much it resonated with my own passions and beliefs about skincare, beauty, and beyond.
Skincare As A Way of Life
Unraveling the French je ne sais quoi about skincare requires more than just a few rendezvous in cafés and brasseries, and certainly more than a handful of visits to the many les pharmacie, Le Bon Marché, or Oh My Cream! stores. The mindset behind French skincare transcends mere vanity; it’s an integral part of their way of life—one that must be lived to be fully understood.
So, where do I start? I consider the quintessential French Girl aesthetic. The first thought that bubbles into my mind is—who is this elusive figure? I watch the women around me, walking down Le Marais, and I realize, I am surrounded by her. Her hair is casually styled, sometimes even tousled, exuding an air of effortlessness. Her makeup is either subtle, with soft, natural tones, or she goes bare-faced with a bold red lip. Her skin is bright, but not overly polished like the Korean glass skin trend.
What I've come to understand is that one of the core beliefs in French skincare is something that isn't immediately apparent, even though it's right in front of us. It's easy to overlook, perhaps because it's subtly masked by the elegance that defines so much of French culture. The essence of this philosophy is simple yet profound: French skincare is rooted in the belief that less is more.
Another core belief that is easier for a tourist to notice, most especially as I study shelf upon shelf of skincare products in scores of boutiques and pharmacies, is that the French tend to place a high value on natural-origin ingredients, more so than many other cultures. Do a quick browse of the French skincare brands in any pharmacy and you’ll see that the French believe in the power of nature. It is reflected in their love for ingredients like thermal spring water, essential oils, and plant-based actives. It was so fun to geek out over all this with the shopkeepers and sellers because they were all very knowledgeable about the products and their ingredients.
The most powerful thing that I finally understood about the French is that while their approach is minimalistic, they are 100% long-sighted when it comes to skincare. French women often start their skincare routine early, with mothers passing down the importance of good skincare habits to their daughters. French women, and men alike, prioritize a holistic approach that focuses on prevention rather than correction. This means protecting the skin from the sun, maintaining a healthy diet, and using products that enhance the skin's natural functions rather than stripping it down. Aging is embraced rather than feared in France. The goal is to age gracefully, not to fight time with invasive procedures. French women are known for their reliance on facials, massages, and non-invasive treatments to keep their skin looking its best. As French skincare guru Joëlle Ciocco says, “Age is just a number. What matters is how you treat your skin.”
A Typical French Skincare Routine
Unlike many American or Asian brands that promote a multitude of products for specific issues, French brands tend to offer multi-functional products designed to improve overall skin health. Texture, fragrance, and the ritual of applying skincare are all crucial elements. French brands like Avène, La Roche-Posay, and Bioderma prioritize products that are pleasant to use and soothe the skin. This approach is exemplified by the words of Mathilde Thomas, founder of Caudalie: “We believe in feeling good as you care for your skin. If you enjoy it, you’ll keep doing it.”
The French skincare routine is all about simplicity and consistency. Here’s what a typical day might look like:
1. Morning Routine:
- Cleansing: The day starts with a gentle cleanse, often with a micellar water to remove impurities without stripping the skin.
- Toning: French women often skip harsh toners in favor of a hydrating mist to soothe and prep the skin.
- Moisturizing: A lightweight moisturizer to hydrate and protect the skin barrier.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen is non-negotiable
2. Evening Routine:
- Makeup Removal: French women are diligent about removing makeup. Double cleansing, starting with an oil cleanser, is common.
- Cleansing: Following makeup removal, a gentle foaming cleanser or a repeat of the morning’s micellar water is used.
- Treatment: A serum is often applied next. French women favor serums with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, which deliver hydration and brightness.
- Moisturizing: The evening moisturizer is often richer, providing the skin with what it needs to repair overnight.
As I left Paris, I felt a connection that I definitely didn’t have before this trip. Yes, I have visited the city a number of times in the past, but that was before I found my passion for biocompatible formulations, sustainable creation, and natural beauty. I didn’t realize that there was a French girl inside this Filipina, just waiting to come out.
About the author
Alex Gentry is Cofounder and Chief Innovator at Pure Culture, the Philippines’ first certified toxin-free high-performance skincare line. Learn more here.
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