One of my weird splurges this year was a makeup consult with a verifiable Parisian makeup artist. It was a strange experience — I don’t wear a lot of makeup, and I walked out of there wearing a lot more than I’m used to. I don’t know how much time I need to spend looking at my face, you know what I mean? But I loved her skincare recs, which definitely lean toward the vegan, the pricey, the Euro (especially Austrian!), and the exclusive. I think Gwyneth Paltrow might own everything on this list? It’s very Goop-y.
She divided my suggested routine into three steps: makeup removal/cleansing, more cleansing, and then a soothing eau de rose. They’re all listed below. Wherever possible, I found US-based retailers for her suggestions — where I couldn’t, I included the French retailers. (This will be clear from whether the price is listed in dollars or euros.) Remember that though the prices are obviously correct, the French purchases will mean high shipping charges, so it might be worth considering another product or putting it on your list for the next time you’re in France.
Also, I’ll note that the Paris shop she recommended most was Mon Corner B, which is French but has a built-0ut website for English speakers and is well worth a look.
Final note: She was OK with me sharing this list, but not putting her identité online (so French) — that said, I’m happy to connect you if you’re looking for a makeup artist in Paris.
Cleansing Step 1: Makeup removing and first-level cleaning:
– Eye makeup remover: Respectissime from La Roche Posay.
– Purity & Grace from Max and Me. I found this to be like a high-end version of Shu Uemura’s cleansing oil.
– Suzanne Kaufmann cleansing milk. I found this very heavy!
– Gressa Skin Balancing cleanser ($42)
– Lodesse makeup remover (mais “plus qu’un simple démaquillant, c’est un véritable soin qui combine démaquillage en douceur et en profondeur avec soin et nutrition”) (30€)
• Mawena rose moringa cleanser and makeup remover ($49) I loved this.
• De Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm ($80) — this is literally sold at Goop
– She rec’d a product from Cha Ling, which is Parisian and developed by LVMH and I just can’t — I can do hard to find, and super expensive, but not both at the same time.
Cleansing Step 2! More cleansing!
– Nominoé Gentle Foam Face Cleanser (26.50€)
– Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Face Cleanser ($38)
– Suzanne Kaufmann Cleansing Gel ($85)
– De Mamiel powder exfoliant and cleanser ($24 — for some reason this is only available in a travel size)
And then an “eau florale ou tonique ou eau thermale”
Cleansing Step 3 — this is basically several suggestions for an eau de rose:
– Nicole Atelier eau de rose (She also recommended “chez Aromazone,” which is one of my favorite shops in Paris but definitely not fancy)
– Lodesse anti-fatigue lotion (25€)
– Hevea’s hydrolat de rose de Damas (11.70€)
– Eau florale de rose from Ma Thérapie ($16.50 — currently unavailable)