French Skin Care

Oh, those lovely French women! How do they look so beautiful yet natural? The secret is their skin. French skin care is legendary. Let’s explore how they keep their skin looking so gorgeous. 

This post may contain affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more here.

French Skin Care

My first introduction to French skin care was in the original “French Chic” group on the now defunct Yahoo Groups. This was where I learned about a French woman named Jane Sebeyran and her skin care line. She was then living in Houston, Texas and had a small company. 

Many in the group had tried her products and raved about them. It wasn’t just the products themselves but her methods that were different. Waterless skin care methods are well-known now but the concept was rather new to most of us here in the U.S. at the time. 

In addition to her products, she had written a book. Fortunately I bought it then because it’s out of print. I especially love that she personally signed it to me. 

Here is a brief overview of her method:

Night – 

• tissue off lipstick
• remove eye shadow with makeup remover on a cotton pad
• remove mascara with swab dipped in eye makeup remover or your cleanser
• using cleansing milk, apply large amount to entire face, throat, décolleté and back of neck using both hands in a circular motion
• tissue off thoroughly and repeat
• massage in treatment cream

Morning – 

• clean skin with toner on facial sponge
• rinse sponge and repeat
• pat dry and apply treatment cream

 

I bought her products and followed her method, despite the fact it seemed counterintuitive to me. And guess what? Within a short period of time my skin cleared up and looked better than it ever had. 

Sadly, Madame Sebeyran’s health began to fail and she eventually passed away. Unfortunately her company ended with her so her products are no longer available. 

I, and others in the group, searched diligently for comparable products. While I never found anything quite the same, I *have* found that by adhering to her basic tenets, my skin looks good most of the time. 

Whether you use a waterless method or not, there are four key steps to a good skin care routine. 

Key tips:

• Always remove makeup

There are many ways to do this but it’s important to thoroughly remove makeup every night. Yes, even if you’re tired.

• Don’t over-cleanse

This is where many go wrong. Over zealous cleansing can be harsh and may cause your skin to over-secrete oils to compensate.

• Toner

A good toner is a vital step and if you are following Madame Sebeyran’s method, it’s all you need in the morning before your moisturizer.

• Moisturize

This step is so important! Moisturize morning and evening without fail. Be sure to do your throat and décolleté as well. Your morning moisturizer may include sunscreen but if not, be sure to add that. It’s also a good idea to use this on the back of your hands each day, along with plenty of moisturizer or a good hand cream.

I’m not a skincare expert but those are the basics. A good aesthetician can help you develop a routine that is well-suited to your own skin needs. 

Links to articles about skin care:

French Model Cindy Bruna Shares Her Skincare Routine

How To Build A French Skincare Routine

 

Videos

French Skincare Routine You’ll Want to Steal

(click photo below to watch video)

 

French Mom and Daughters Skincare Through the Ages

(Click picture below to watch video

Links to products:

Here are some French products for creating your own French skincare routine…

Caudalie Cleansing Oil

Bioderma Micellar Water

Bioderma Face Toner

 

L’Occitane Shea Light Comforting Face Cream

L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Light Creme

Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Night Cream

 

L’Oreal Revitalift Serum

 

L’Oreal Paris Skincare Rosy Tone Face Mask

 

You may also enjoy… 

10 Things We Can Learn From French Women

10 Ways to Add a Little French Chic to Your Everyday Life

How to Indulge Your Inner French Girl