Look Well: French beauty secrets

The hottest beauty trend in 2021 is the no make-up, I just woke up like this” look, with glowing skin and healthy, natural hair and nails.

I love it, not because it reduces my maintenance routine but because it celebrates the natural beauty in everyone and encourages us to just take good care of ourselves.

Apparently, this is the way the French have been doing it for decades. I discovered this as I read through “Ageless Beauty the French Way” by three generations of French beauty editors. These three women, Grandmother, Mother and Daughter, have an envious set of genes, however the book is an easy read with loads of practical tips that won’t break the bank.

So, what’s their secret?

The secret is actually quite boring and practical: take good care of yourself inside and out, and the goal is to show up as the best version of yourself, not the most perfect version of yourself (or anyone else!).

Here are my top take-outs, based on the book and my own experience:

1. Routines get results – take your makeup off every night before bed and follow a cleansing and moisturising routine that works for your skin. The products you use will change as you age and your skin changes, but the importance of a routine remains. Find what works and stick to it!
2. Sleep and hydration will slow the ageing process like no other product.
3. What goes in your body is as important as what goes on it. A balanced diet with plenty of nutrients from fresh vegetables, seeds and nuts and fish is a great start. Supplements such as fish oil, collagen and magnesium will also support healthy skin, hair and nails.
4. Wear sunscreen. Every day, no matter the weather or where you’re going. Even if you think you’re too old, starting today will protect you from sun damage and risk of dangerous skin cancers.
5. Facial massaging is dollar for dollar a better investment than botox. Whether you do it yourself a few times per week or treat yourself to regular facials, massage has so many health and beauty benefits, including promoting collagen production.

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself

Coco Chanel

I love that quote so much! There are so many gimmicks, there is so much advertising telling us who we should be like, what look we should be striving for, what product will deliver us the health or beauty benefit we didn’t know we needed but can’t live without!

This is the base premise of the “Ageless Beauty” book and the secret of French women: they invest time, energy and a little money into being the best version of themselves. They do this for themselves first and foremost. They get to know what works for them, and then they go out there and own it.

And that, my friends, sounds like a pretty cool idea to me!