In France, it's all about food - and that, Phyl Clarkediscovers, extends to beauty regimes, starting with some serious skin nourishment
Ahh Paris. City of lights and romance. "I could definitely live here," I enthused to my other half as we lunched in a typical Parisienne café last weekend. "You say that about every city we visit," he reminded me - London, Rome, New York, Venice (we get around) and I had to admit he was right - just this once, mind. "But I really mean it this time," I insisted. The fact that my guidebook was open on the "shopping" page and his on "museums and galleries" was no coincidence.
We parted for the afternoon to do our own thing, me hightailing it to Printemps, home to the biggest beauty department in the world. Mon Dieu! Four hours flew by as I did my research among the mesmerising array of creams and colours. I could actually live right here in this department, I thought to myself. But before I knew it, a polite but firm doorman assured Madame that indeed it was closing time and I must leave. He probably saved me from myself.
You will never see French women overloaded with make-up - they are far too chic and savvy for that. Instead they are raised to look after their skin to such an extent that subtle use of colour does exactly what it should - enhance natural beauty.
Skincare is in the spotlight this week - it's the time of year to treat your skin to some extra nourishment as the weather turns, and some of the big players have new lotions and potions on offer.
Paris is home to the house of Chanel, reason alone to base yourself there, and they have added to their fabulous Sublimage range with a serum (serums are a big story this year). This is a skin booster with regenerating powers to complement the original cream, but there is a sting in the tail as you will have to part with €260 for the privilege.
Skincare experts Clarinshave updated their Double Serum in the form of Gereration 6, € 79, which works as an energising supplement under your moisturiser. Smells lovely, too. If enlarged pores are your bête noir Estée Lauder's Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher, € 50, combines the latest technology to refine the skin and also includes their famous light diffusers to bounce light away from shadows. The plumping effects of the Elizabeth ArdenCeramide range have won it legions of fans who will probably be queuing up to get the latest Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules Intensive Treatment, €77, which supports natural collagen to leave skin smoother and firmer. I'm a big fan of facial oils and Darphinhave combined eight essential oils in 8 Flower Nectar, €118, a divine-smelling revitalising oil to nourish the skin.
As we age, skin loses its bounce and the shape of your face can become less defined. If this sounds depressingly familiar, Lancôme's new Rénergie Morpholift, €77, may be the one for you - an all-round anti-ageing cream that's easily absorbed, plus SPF 15. Finally, if money's no object, treat yourself to the 14-day treatment that is Shiseido's Bio Performance Intensive Corrective Programme.
This is like recharging your skin's batteries or putting your skin into intensive care, cheaper than checking into a clinic at € 300, but I'll leave it to you to explain to your family why they are eating beans on toast for a month.
A tout a l'heure!