The beauty files

Just like any other girl, I too love beauty products. I too have the bad habit of throwing away half empty jars of lotions out of boredom and because I want to try new ones. But after a while I’ve realized this behaviour is both a waste of money and it isn’t healthy for my skin: if you find products that work, stick with them. I know it’s really hard to decide when we are spoiled by so many products out there and this is the reason why I thought it would be useful to make it easier for you and show you that in fact, you only have a few choices.

When it comes to your face, there are 3 options: if you can afford it, Creme de la Mer- you simply get what you pay for. Otherwise, any French pharmacy beauty products are perfect: Biotherm, Avene, La Roche Posay or beauty cult ones such as Embryolisse and the famous Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream (buy all these in Paris, from the City Pharma discount drugstore in St. Germain). Your third option is organic and natural face lotions. I can swear by Lush, they use the best ingredients and make the most amazing make-up remover/ cleanser called Ultrabalnd- it has lots of oils in it which makes it perfect for removing all the dirt and nasty stuff from your face. Other tested brands are Niel’s Yard Remedies, Khiel’s and Sprout. When choosing natural products, always read the ingredients. Just because it says ‘grape seed extract’ on the label it doesn’t mean it contains any of it. They’ve just added some perfume that makes your face lotion smell like grapes. What happens with all the other products out there, the super popular ones? Well, they’re not good for you. They’re full of chemicals and while they offer a quick fix for your skin, in the long term you only become addicted to those parabens. Twice a week, deep cleanse your skin and put on a mask for half an hour: it can be home-made, a mud mask or a very expensive, luxurious one. It doesn’t really matter, just do it.

For your body, use only natural soaps (Lush are the best) and stay away from super fragrant shower gels. As a general rule, avoid any scented product- it isn’t healthy for your skin and will alter the smell of your perfume. To moisturize, try oils: there’s nothing better than coconut oil for your skin. Neutrogena does a really good oil as well. Scrubs work best when made from ingredients such as coffee, brown sugar, fruit, seeds and oats- which means you should prepare those in your own kitchen. I also recommend massaging your body every day with a dry brush. It’s the best trick I ever learned- keeps your skin smooth and helps with blood circulation. Also, don’t for one second imagine that anti-cellulite products work. The very expensive ones make, indeed, your skin smoother but they won’t help get rid of cellulite and stretch marks. If you eat healthy (wich doesn’t mean dieting) and move enough (which doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym), you shouldn’t have these problems anyway. Detoxifying baths with sea or Epsom salts and essential oils help you maintain beautiful, glowing skin and calm your nerves. Add plenty of herbal teas and there’s nothing else to worry about. 

If there’s one department where you spend more, that’s your hair. It doesn’t matter you were blessed with shiny locks that look amazing even when washed with Head & Shoulders. None of the popular shampoos are good for your hair. They contain so many chemicals it makes me want to cry. Invest in good quality brands such as Kerastase (which doesn’t do the trick for me but it might for your), Bumble & Bumble (my favourite), Fekkai, or Philip Kingsley. Shampoo, conditioner and mask. Always. If you take my advice and start using these products, you will need less styling ones or maybe you won’t even need a Brazilian blow dry anymore. However, go for a trim once in 2-3 months. There’s nothing more disgusting than too long hair. Some women may think that’s a symbol of femininity but that’s only true for those who don’t have anything feminine about themselves but their hair. And when you find a good sylist, never cheat on him. They get to know your hair and this is exactly what you need. I found mine at this wonderful beauty salon in Covent Garden called Karine Jackson. His name is Arash and he is fabulous.

Finally, the secret to perfect skin is, above good genes, a healthy life with enough good foods, plenty of sleep and a good heart. All the women I ever admired for their amazing looks where gorgeous from the inside. Think Audrey.