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For as long as I can remember, Ive been saying “je taime” to all things French.
Courtesy of Chrissy Callahan
Two trips to the City of Light later, Ive fallen pretty hard for Paris.
Ive also developed a grand appreciation for the French’s effortless elegance and laissez-faire approach to beauty.
When it comes to makeup in France, minimal is the normnot just a trend.
Courtesy of Chrissy Callahan
Parisians avoid heavy foundations and emphasize skin care over makeup.
Of course, women also love their signaturerougelips.
My experience:In general, I consider my look pretty Parisian already.
Courtesy of Chrissy Callahan
So this week, it was easy to keep my makeup simple.
I only applied concealer around my eyes, mascara, and CC cream where I needed it.
But the real challenge was thered lipstick.
Courtesy of Chrissy Callahan
I have been intimidated by the shade for years.
I was surprised to see how quickly I fell for reds.
The color made me feel polished.
Courtesy of Chrissy Callahan
And I really didnt need much other makeup.
Our French hands-off approach comes also from our general taste for a natural look, Jackel says.
But I was actually surprised by the results.
I was impressed with how my hair withstood several 90+ degree days without turning excessively greasy.
And I think Ill keep up this routinewith the exception of unbearably hot days.
Washing my hair twice a week equals more free time, which suits my laid-back approach to hair care.
I have combination skin and a bit of rosacea, so Im always focusing on fighting redness and blemishes.
I replaced my typical cleanser with Caudalies Micellar Cleansing Water ($28,us.caudalie.com).
Micellar water is super popular in French pharmacies because it is one product that acts as a cleanserandmakeup remover.
And you don’t need to use any water.
Typically, I like a squeaky-clean cleanse, so I thought Id feel grosssanswater and lather.
But I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh feeling micellar water left behind.
It took much less time than cleansing, and it made my skin glow without leaving it tight.
Next, I toned with Yes To Tomatoes Acne Clearing Facial Toner ($10,yestocarrots.com).
I ended my routine by moisturizing.
It was the perfect end to a simple and effective routine!
French beauties rely ongommageexfoliants to make their face and body glow.
Gommage means “to erase” in French.
My experience:Abrasive scrubs are typically my kryptonite since my skin is so sensitive.
French ladies also love to exfoliate their bodies to helpminimize cellulite.
I stopped worrying about this badge of honor a long time ago (weve all got it!
), but I was ready to see what the body gommage was all about.
The exfoliating/slimming scrub targets cellulite.
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