4 Books About French Women’s Beauty Secrets
In honor of Bastille Day, the redaction has curated a list of four books about French women's beauty secrets. Becoming a French woman has never been easier with these 4 steps!
1. Daily beauty rituals: Ageless Beauty the French Way, by Clémence von Mueffling
How many women are truly happy with their daily beauty routine? Anyone could use more advice in this, and for that there’s nothing better than Ageless Beauty the French Way by Clemence Mueffling. This is the beauty bible you should always have with you. The daughter and granddaughter of Vogue editors, Clémence von Mueffling has met many experts and experimented with a wide variety of products over the years. This book is an easy to read and use guide, which brings together the advice of three generations of experts. There are tips for every age range: Jeunesse (20-35), Plénitude (35-55), and Maturité (55+). Here you can learn not only which products to use but also how best to use them. Explaining basic routine essentials such as the importance of facial massages (which people often underestimate the power of) and double cleansing (a true game changer that gives your skin that boost from good to great), Ageless Beauty the French Way is a wealth of information. What about all that stuff that your body does beyond your control? No worries, this book also explains some of the changes our bodies go through due to things like age and pregnancy. In addition, there are practical tips such as how to switch from your day to night makeup. Overall, this book will guide you into a healthy beauty routine, where getting quality sleep and eating healthy are just as important as using products on your face. Ageless Beauty the French Way offers a complete guide that will leave you feeling like your best self.
Ageless Beauty the French Way: Secrets from Three Generations of French Beauty Editors by Clémence von Mueffling, $22.99.
Take a look at Clémence von Mueffling’s magazine BWB (Beauty and Well-Being).
2. What to have in your wardrobe: Parisian Chic Look Book by Ines de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet
“What should I wear today?” It is a question many women have asked themselves, and this book was made to answer it. Written by both the French runway model and entrepreneur, Ines de la Fressange, and the French fashion journalist for ELLE Magazine, Sophie Gachet, Parisian Chic Look Book assembles a variety of looks for any occasion. From girls’ night out, to asking for a raise, meeting your future in-laws, or going to the courthouse for your divorce, this book will help you look great no matter where you are or what you are doing. Wanting to go to a beach party or meeting with your great-aunt, who hasn’t seen a fashion magazine since 1970? This book will point to the perfect outfit for you! With this guide you will learn how to mix the right combinations of ingredients… and even know what to do with the leftovers. Parisian Chic Look Book provides a timeless guide to a French look.
Parisian Chic Look Book by Ines de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet, $21.69.
If you enjoy Parisian Chic Look Book or it just sounds interesting, then check out these two other books by Ines de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet: Parisian Chic and Parisian Chic City Guide.
3. Have the Parisian attitude: How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are by Caroline de Maigret, Sophie Mas, Anne Berest, and Audrey Diwan
International model, Chanel ambassador since 2013, and activist for women’s and children’s rights, Caroline de Maigret became still more famous with her bestselling book How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are, in which she delivers secrets of the Parisian attitude. She paints a precise picture of the thoughts and feelings of Parisian women as the years go by with both a lightness and humor that makes this a joy to read. How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are is a guide to life attitude, filled with both useful tips and funny observations such as “Enjoy the face you have today. It's the one you'll wish you have ten years from now”, “Take the time to take time because nobody else will do it for you.”, “The Parisian woman says hello to everyone but she wants to talk to no one.”, “The Parisian woman is an environmentalist but sometimes takes her scooter to buy a baguette.”, and “The Parisian woman buys very expensive shoes but never polishes them.” Want to know how Paris thinks? Look no further than How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are.
How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are by Caroline de Maigret, Sophie Mas, Anne Berest, and Audrey Diwan, $16.39.
Like the sound of this? Check out this book by the same authors: Older, But Better, But Older.
4. Find your style: Love Style Life by Garance Doré
Garance Dore is a French style blogger, who lives in New York. Born in Corsica, a French Mediterranean island, and raised by Algerian and Italian parents, Garance takes us through her journey to find her style. She then gives us plenty of tips on how to find your own style, which can be a rather daunting task. However, Garance believes that fashion can empower people and make anyone beautiful. Missteps are not the end of the world. She advises you on how to avoid buying clothes you will wear once before abandoning it in the wardrobe for eternity (who hasn't done it?), and the power that comes from saying no. Garance lists the basics every French woman should have in her wardrobe and how to wear them, such as a blazer, jeans, and a shirt, but she also encourages you to never follow trends. “Style goals should always be to make you feel beautiful.” Want to both look great and feel like you? Love Style Life has you covered.
Love Style Life by Garance Doré, $19.86.