Looking Good Parisian Style
Celebrity model Ines de la Fressange shares the well-kept secrets of how Parisian women maintain effortless glamour and a timeless allure in the sequel to her New York Times bestselling Parisian Chic.
Here are some tips from the author for looking good Parisian style…
The Parisienne loves talking about beauty, but you won’t find her spending hours in the bathroom. She isn’t the type to accumulate a multitude of face masks and day creams; instead, she uses common sense—and follows these 12 beauty tips…
1. During the day, the Parisienne might touch up her makeup with a powder compact she keeps in her purse. But then again, she might also forget. At the end of the day, it’s important to realize when your face is showing fatigue. It works like an alarm bell—a sign that it’s time to go to bed.
2. What’s the most important beauty rule? Remove your makeup! Even if you don’t wear makeup, you should cleanse. And no makeup in bed. It’s for-bed-den!
3. Don’t use soap on your face, or a lot of water. A cleansing lotion or milk is better. Women who’ve been following this advice for years will assure you: they are far less likely to suffer from dry skin.
4. There’s nothing worse than over-primping before a night out. That’s so passé! It’s better to look natural and fresh in the evening and save makeup for the morning—you’ll be more radiant.
5. The 20-something Parisienne examines her face in a magnifying mirror; the 50-something Parisienne, never. Over a certain age, you’re better off checking your overall complexion—always be sure your look still rocks.
6. Don’t use pink on your lips. Transparent gloss is always best.
7. Some shampoos are definitely better than others, but how you dry your hair and what you eat is way more important than any… Oops, well, I guess I won’t be signing any beauty product contracts, now!
8. Don’t go bankrupt on expensive beauty creams; the best beauty specialist is your dentist. A pretty smile and beautiful teeth can make up for anything.
9. Avoid spa scrubs and peelings; they’re too aggressive. A better choice is a walk with your fiancé… to Tiffany’s. (Inside it’s not too windy and a perfect environment for glowing skin).
10. Wear light makeup every day, even on the weekend. Just because you’re with family, doesn’t mean you can’t look your best.
11. Some Parisiennes can’t imagine being seen without colored nail polish. But I think there’s nothing chicer than clear varnish.
12. Never forget to moisturize your hands. They’re just as important as your face is. I never used to use hand cream, but I fell in love with the Chanel hand cream bottle. I displayed it on my nightstand, and now I always remember to use it before going to bed. It can’t do any harm, now, can it?
Extract from: Parisian Chic Encore: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange & Sophie Gachet (Flammarion, 2019, £19.95)
Audrey Patterson
Having started my career at My Weekly on Real Life stories, for the past 8 years I have been Beauty and Fashion Editor. I also write Travel and Homes features, plus the odd book review. We’re a flexible team! I also write features for Your Best Ever Christmas covering a variety of topics.
