Every year I travel to Paris. I am typing this from my friend's apartment in the 18th. I travel to Paris for many reason—some personal, some business, and some for inspiration. Paris never disappoints my creative soul. There is a reason great artists and great writers flock to this city (historically and in modern times).
Parisian women inspire my devotion to simple and easy beauty. In opposition to the stereotype, Parisian women do not have complicated and laborious beauty rituals. My mantra has always been: cosmetics need to fit into your life, not your life into the cosmetics. With the plethora of French beauty products, I can see why so many people think Parisian women spend hours a day taking care of their beauty needs. The truth is that most spend less than a few minutes, and yet the result is a polished and perfected style that is classic and current at the same time.
So, what do Parsisian women consider essential for beauty care? Here is my strictly anecdotal list, garnered from informal conversations with the women with whom I have had the pleasure of taking a meal and drinking some wine:
1. Great Moisturizer
This is universally the must-have product of all the Parisian women with whom I have spoken. While brands and price points varied, the consensus was to buy the very best quality your money could afford, and to use it twice per day, every day. In fact, the Parisian women I know said it was as important as eating three meals a day. In their minds, not moisturizing is like not eating—just not something you can do for a prolonged period of time.
2. Lightweight Foundation
Without fail, a smooth complexion is the most desired of results for Parisian women; however, heavy coverage foundations are not popular here, at all. Instead, a lightweight, natural coverage formula is the preferred foundation. A quick application that has long-wearing capabilities.
3. Mascara
Lashes are always in style, and maximum volume is the preferred look of Parisian women. Not clumpy, not fake looking, but full and luscious.
4. Lipstick
Colour, which is suited best to skin tone and outfit, is critical for the Parisian look. Also, Parisian women are not afraid of red lipstick—even senior women wear red lipstick. I asked why it is so popular—even for daytime wear—and the answer was, "It is feminine, it is sexy, it is brash, and it is classic." Imagine the look against a grey day (it is raining here now and very grey outside)—to see this pop of colour is very cheery.
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