Tuesday, August 31, 2010

French Secrets: Beauty and Style

What makes the French woman tick? It's their attitude to nutrition, beauty and accessories. French women are naturally sophisticated. They are inherently chic and their sense of fashion revolves around personal style. They do not slavishly follow trends if they are inappropriate to their figures or lifestyle.
.
.
Understatement is key, never too much of anything. This also applies to food. The French indulge in a little of everything, satisfying the taste buds and keeping cravings at bay. The key to French women's beauty is the check on their weight. If a French woman happens to see an additional kilogram or two on her bathroom scale, she will do whatever is necessary to force the needle back where it belongs. They tend to keep their weight steady, no ups and downs and eat all kinds of food in small portions.
.
When a French person diets, it is rigorous; green tea and a bowl of berries for breakfast (to up the protective antioxidant levels), lean white protein for lunch and dinner accompanied by leafy green vegetables. Do this every other day, until the desired weight loss has been achieved. Alcohol is avoided, and water with bubbles is reserved for special occasions, as it can be loaded with sodium (which causes fluid retention and high blood pressure) and depletes magnesium (which regulates blood pressure, promotes muscle tone, is needed for protein synthesis and counteracts negative effects of stress hormones in the body). Seasonal dieting is de rigueur, and body prep starts before Easter, so the French are in the best shape possible for the summer season. This totally makes sense.
.
When it comes to beauty, the French take care of their skin – it is the starting point for everything. They chose products that suit them and have both morning and evening routines. Performance and efficiency is paramount – extra radiant skin with the smartest products ever. They say that the French women spend on skincare is total of the women in Germany, Britain and Spain put together. French women start using anti-wrinkle and anti-ageing products at the age of 15-19, and continue to do so.

As for makeup, the starting point is clear radiant skin (achieved naturally or through imperceptible enhancements such as natural concealer), luxuriant glossy lashes and plumped lips – nothing too extravagant, but always shades that are above all flattering to the wearer. A red lipstick is a must-have in every French Women's wardrobe!

For the French, makeup imparts a certain sophistication, provocative yet contained. In the evening, they totally understand the inimitable power of seduction of red lips.

The key to French beauty is to remain true to yourself. The antithesis of the American Barbie doll, but rather a combination of European sophistication and natural allure.

Beauty shines through attitudes, gestures and expressions, it comes out of fashion and a love of luxury.

French style is a long process of learning – the French woman knows how to dress, how to be noticed when she enters a room and leaves just the merest trace of fragrance in her wake. From their teenage years, French women start to develop a certain chic and personal style. It is all about the nuance. Simply emphasizing the best features, and letting imperfections fade into the background. Each woman adapts her look according to her needs, tastes, desires and moods. Fragrance is the final touch, used to enhance and beautify personalities, rather than trying to become someone else.
.
.
What really sets French women a part from the rest is their sense of style, and not necessarily sense of wearing the hottest trends. Style and fashion are two different things. Style is more of how mix clothes to present your personality and not to mention your best features.

So there you have it, no fragrance on this earth will morph you into Audrey Tatou or Vanessa Paradis, however, you can certainly adopt some style references for the upcoming season from Catherine Deneuve and the French makeup.
.

Article Source: Nicky Blog post The French to the Rescue

Related Links and Posts:
Secrets of Style: French Chic
Best Beauty Products
Celebrity Watch - The Chic Looks
Celebrity Watch - February 2010
.

3 comments:

  1. French people often call it the fashion capital of the world.
    I am one who likes fashion. thank you for your reference.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a very inspiring blog. I have been trying to use portion control in my daily food intake. Once in awhile, I slip up, especially when my husband who is naturally skinny brings home his sweets, but I still get myself back on track, like the French women do. I also like to seek out chic clothing styles, even chic casual!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lovely article...a must read for any woman traveling to France

    ReplyDelete

Would love to hear your comments!!!! You can also write to me at beautify.flr@gmail.com