When it comes to beauty secrets, French women have it down. The look is polished, but not perfect, tousled, but far from messy, and - above all - happy and au natural. So, what is it about a Parisian woman’s certain je ne sais quoi that makes her beauty seem so effortlessly put together?
To get to the bottom of this, we reached out to Clémence von Mueffling, author of Ageless Beauty the French Way, to hear about her approach to everyday beauty. Our findings? It’s all about incorporating mindful moments into your skincare routines and setting aside time for self-love. Read on for Clémence’s featured post highlighting her favorite beauty rituals and tips to support life-long beauty.
In both starting my online magazine Beauty and Well-Being and writing my book, Ageless Beauty the French Way, I really had the opportunity to take a dive in the world of beauty and see differences from one side of the Atlantic to the other.
In France, women don’t fight their age, but rather try to become the best possible version of themselves.
Instead of trying to look younger, they take measures to look their best for where they are in life. French women are not looking for perfect skin—just great skin—so in the morning their routine is simple but efficient. I love to use Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence followed by the Rejuvenating Serum. It is not about hiding lines, but creating an effect of healthy and glowing skin, which I feel I can achieve with Tata’s Crème Riche.
At night, I like to double cleanse and religiously use Tata Harper's Nourishing Oil Cleanser! After cleansing, I do my own face massage twice a week. That is French Women’s best kept secret! People underestimate the power of massage. You will be amazed at how much you can improve the quality of your face by massaging it regularly. It will tone the skin, improve circulation, and minimize lines. And best of all, it’s free! You can also improve your skin’s appearance on other parts of the body, such as your legs, your feet, and your décolleté, by massaging them.
To this day, with my mother and grandmother (both former French Vogue beauty editors), we share the newest beauty tips that we’re trying with each other. My mother and grandmother taught me that there is a certain discipline required for beauty.
Self-care needs to become a ritual and a regular part of your life, and this is not about vanity.
If you look good, you feel good, and you in turn have more self-confidence in your everyday life; in everything from your work to your relationships.
French women just want to enhance their best features, it is about the whole package, about being your best self, and that is what I want to teach everyone to feel in my book. I learned that good skin is the result of good hygiene, whether it is cleansing your face well at night, staying away from heavy foundations that clog pores, sleeping well or eating healthy (and if you can add a smile to it, even better!)."
