Back in March, I traveled to Paris to attend the Chanel show, which is something that has been on my bucket list for years. Just imagining where I started to now being invited to attend - it's unbelievable. Paris tends to make me emotional in general, but that just added to everything tenfold. That plus the jet lag. I had to vlog the journey because in the spirit of going back to my roots and thinking about where I started out, it just seemed fitting to document everything via video camera for my YouTube channel! You can watch both parts in this article.
It's obvious to say that the beauty and fashion world associate the descriptor "chic" with Paris. The city is steeped in the history of two of my passions: Beauty and Fashion (which maybe explains my deep emotional response to visiting). This city's pairing with this adjective and this sleek, sophisticated feeling just makes sense to me. Whenever I want to channel this feeling into my everyday look, I use specific products that I've tested out that make me feel like I'm encompassing that Parisian vibe. I've put together a little look into my Paris travel bag, which you can use regardless of the city you're in, regardless of season! (I always go for timeless and long-lasting when I'm shopping for beauty products!)
1. LumiPeel Glow Peeling Lotion, Valmont
I started using Valmont a few months ago and met up with them to shoot a campaign in Paris while I was there. See Part Two of the blog below for the one thousand pound (seemingly) gown I wore for the afternoon!
If you know me, you know I love a morning and evening beauty routine. It's just my excuse to unwind, check in, and give my skin the attention it deserves to stay healthy. This specific peeling lotion has active exfoliants and gives me a really clear, fresh complexion. The french always look so bright and ready-to-go, so this really checks out!
A habit I recommend you adopt is looking at specific ingredients in your products. For example, this peel lotion has papaya and prickly pear enzymes (and enzymes are a must for skincare) which helps refine my skin's texture. There's also a bunch of other cool things going on in the chemistry of this that I won't get into, but I've linked it above if you want a background on the product!
If you have mixed or oily skin, you could start using this in your morning and evening routine to even out your complexion and get rid of any unwanted residue on your skin.
2. The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops, Tan Luxe
I know it's almost summer, but some of us don't immediately get that flawless tan we may desire, and as I've mentioned before, UV rays are harmful, and sitting outside all day without sunscreen to get a tan is not worth it.
I recently came across these self-tanning drops that are built to work with my existing skin regime; I like a really simple step to add to my routine without adding a ton of time to my morning. The tan is actually natural-looking and there are no synthetic dyes or harsh chemicals so it's much preferred to exposing my skin to the sun. It also leaves my skin soft because of the vitamin E and aloe vera. Maybe it's because I was in sunny springtime Paris, maybe it's because I'm dreaming of the south of France - who knows, but just adding that bit of sun-kissed color really elevates my summer look instantly.
3. Dior Forever Skin Glow Hydrating Foundation, Dior
Everyone needs an ol' reliable in their beauty routine. I've used the Forever Skin Glow Foundation for years because it's hydrating, it's not super heavy because it's medium coverage, and it lasts all day and night - which is perfect if you're running around Paris in a ten thousand pound dress.
4. Rouge Coco Flash, #90 Jour, Chanel
When I think of Parisian beauty, I think of flawless, timeless classics like a red or pink lip, high heels, and evening plans. This has been my go-to shade for a really long time. Even if I'm not feeling super chic on any particular day, I can throw on #90 and I'm feeling done-up. Sometimes that's all we have time (and energy) for - so I carry it everywhere with me.
5. N°1 De Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm, in Berry Balm, CHANEL
If you're needing something a little more classically Parisian, Chanel's 2-in-1 Lip and Cheek Balm has more of a plumping power behind it and the berry color is once again, timeless. It has a buttery texture which I find really nourishing to my lips and face, and it's packaging is compact and small which makes it fit for travel!
6. Skinceuticals UV Defense Sunscreen, SPF 50
You knew I was getting to this. I'm a champion for sunscreen because it's a must in your beauty routine, and if you find the right brand and product that can apply easily and won't mess up the rest of your makeup routine - there's no real reason not to have UV defence on your face and body every day of the year. You'll want an SPF of at least 50, and try to find a product like this one that is paraben-free and also hydrating, since it will be on your skin daily. This one applies on clearly and adapts to all skin tones, and has transparent zinc oxide which is the only UV filter which spans the full UVA/uvb spectrum. So you can rest assured your skin is protected.
7. N°1 De Chanel L'Eau Rouge, CHANEL
And last, but not least, perfume. I don't know if there's anything more "Parisian beauty" than a spritz of Chanel. I've tried many different fragrances over the years, and if you're the same as me, you know how amazing it is to find the scent you love and wear it for years to come. A friend told me a long time ago that you should dedicate a certain perfume on your vanity shelf to a certain city or particular vacation, and only wear that perfume on that trip. Since our sense of smell is directly related to our memories, any time you smell that perfume you'll think of that place. The Chanel N°1, for me, is Paris. What is it about putting on perfume that makes me think I can conquer anything? Perhaps that's the point.
