Beauty Secrets of the French

I have had a love affair with French culture since I opted into my very first French class in the 8th grade while living in Kansas. But honestly, what's not to love? One look at the textbook images of the cities, the countryside, the food, the art, the fashion...it's enough to ignite a desire to see it all in person in just about anyone I'd imagine. And while the fashion is fabulous, it's really the people inside the clothes that seem to have a certain "je ne sais quoi" about them.

Are French people simply born with impeccable taste in stilettos and Chardonnay, or is it something that is passed down from generation to generation?

It actually seems to be a little bit of both: the nature vs. nurture argument continues! While there is much to be learned from the nurturing upbringing of a chic French woman about beauty, skincare, and the perfect LBD, I would also speculate that generations of being chic and fabulous might actually result in an inherent taste for the perfect fromage to pair with your Cabernet Sauvignon.

But, I am not here today to educate you on the appropriate pairing of wine and cheese; I am here to present you with some beauty advice... just in, from Paris!

1) The key to great hair and glowing skin is simply two hydrogen atoms connected to a single oxygen atom. Drink a hot glass with lemon first thing in the morning and then sip and repeat throughout the day.

2) Do at home facial masks more often than you exfoliate. The French believe that exfoliation is actually a bit harsh on the skin and prefer homemade honey or avocado masks.

3) Wash your face once daily at night before bed. More than that and you risk over-drying, which can actually exacerbate oil production.

4) In the mornings, French women love to use thermal spring water to gently rinse, soften, and hydrate their face instead of washing it with harsh municipal water from your faucet. Continue with your toner, serum, moisturizer, etc.

5) While you're applying all your new Kleen skincare products, gently massage the face. French women love daily facial massages to release tension, increase circulation, and tone and tighten the skin.

6) Speaking of circulation (the French are BIG on circulation), try cold showers, dry brushing, and walking vigorously to really get that blood flowing. Good circulation is the key to glowing skin!

7) Make like the French and go easy on the makeup! Rarely will you catch a French woman wearing foundation -- they much prefer powder with a dab of blush, a swipe of mascara, and a fab bold (probably red) lip! I don't think anything says confidence like minimal makeup with a statement lip!

8) Armed with your statement lipstick you're ready for the day, but don't forget to grab your fantastic new hat on the way out to protect your skin and hair from the sun! This is the preferred method for French women because it doesn't involve applying all sorts of mysterious chemical onto your skin, while still allowing you to catch a few rays and achieve that perfect sun-kissed look (and vitamin D to boot!). Remember to navigate the health benefits AND risks of the sun.

9) We're all jealous of the French's unkempt tresses, but what's the secret? Washing only twice a week, max! Just think of all the money you'll save on shampoo and conditioner while looking effortlessly chic?!

10) However, on the rare occasion that you do deem a hair wash necessary, utilize a pre-shampoo hair oil for extra moisture and shine. I have tried jojoba oil with great success, and I have been meaning to try coconut oil. From what I have read, most oils will probably work. Rinsing hair with Apple Cider Vinegar and cold water also locks in dat shine!

11) Make a natural, totally Kleen hair mask about once a month for best results. Recipes coming soon!

12) Maybe one of the French's best beauty weapons is a great haircut and color. Make friends with a great stylist and utilize their knowledge and expertise concerning face shape, skin pigmentation, hair type, maintenance level, etc. Your hair salon is not a place for trends, but for finding what works for you.

13) While the French do love their wine, cheese, baguettes, and cream sauces, they still love their clothes more. Practice this and your body will thank you.

14) Eat lots of soups and salads before meals for extra hydration and satiation, which results in less dense calories being consumed by you!

15) For the French, wine is medicine. However, they are experts in the art of moderation and they realize that red wine offers many more health benefits than its white counterpart. Reservatrol, an antioxidant in red wine has profound anti-aging benefits because of its ability to reduce oxidation in cells, hence the name. In a nutshell, it protects against heart disease, obesity, cancer, vascular dementia, and aging while increasing your insulin sensitivity. Women can imbibe up to two drinks, men up to four.

If you want to look and feel as great as the French, then start implementing a few of these a week into your life and watch the magic happen!

Au revoir!
--Keely