Beauty lessons I’ve learned from my French girlfriends

Moving to the city of love to study seemed like a daunting task, but for a beauty lover and self-proclaimed skincare junkie like me, it seemed truly magical. Meeting women from all around the world has its own benefits. The learnings and memories stay with you and shape you as you move through life. Apart from stellar fashion sense and brunch recommendations, the beauty lessons I’ve learned from my French friends stick with me through every single skincare purchase. French pharmacy skincare products are in a league of their own. Each product is crafted with so much precision, you will be sure to notice that a little goes a long way when it comes to these hacks. Scroll through to read my top four French beauty secrets that every Indian girl would be delighted to know. 

Ace your skincare game

With a plethora of skincare products available at every pharmacy on nearly every street corner in France, it’s clear how seriously French women take their skincare routine—and that’s a lesson in itself. However, another key takeway here is investing in quality skincare, even if it is from the pharmacy. The effectiveness of products lies in their formulation, with the right amount of active ingredients in each tube. Such products become a lifesaver for concerns like acne, dryness, dark spots, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. When you prioritise a clean, well-maintained base with staple products, your skin will naturally glow, no matter how much makeup you use.

Less is more

Most French women choose to invest in a few products that they know will work well for them as opposed to buying every new launch. They argue that their three-step skincare routine that they were introduced to by their grandmothers when they were 14 has worked for them ever since. Any deviation from their routines, like experimenting with a new product they saw on the market, would lead to irritation in most cases. Minimalistic routines also help cope with a busy life and are sustainable.

A healthy diet

Whilst this goes without saying, a healthy diet is one of the most important factors that make or break your skin health. Most French women eat fresh, healthy foods coupled with staple fats like olive oil and butter. This reflects in their strong nails and shiny hair. Balance is key when it comes to the French diet, and none of them would ever shy away from carbs. Incorporating fresh produce, especially fruits and vegetables, helps keep your skin healthy.

The iconic red lip

Red lips are difficult to pull off for some people; it's an element that can either make or break the entire look. One of the biggest kept secrets is this iconic red lip, simply because of how well it ties the entire look together. Most French women wear just the red lip on days they are running late. It’s sort of like colour theory, with a good quality red lipstick adding balance and drawing attention to one distinct feature on the face. The key is to find a red lipstick that complements your skin tone, and there is no stopping you.

But like most cases, beauty lessons are truly those that you learn from experiences and truly reflect on the inside; focusing on a skincare-centric approach also allows for an understanding of embracing your most natural self. French beauty is a lifestyle that prioritises skincare over heavy makeup, effortless elegance over rigid routines, and self-care as a form of self-respect.

Lead image: Netflix

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