Last time, I talked about Aging Authentically, and I firmly stand by that philosophy. However, that doesn’t mean that I’m taking this aging thing lying down. It seems like I just woke up one morning and my face looked…well…older. And in ways that I wasn’t used to dealing with. When did this happen? My face wasn’t as firm, bright, or smooth. And, don’t get me started on my neck and chin.
While I have always taken care of my skin, I realized that my 50+ face needed products that responded better to the reality of fluctuating hormones and, well, gravity. I’m not into injectables, but I still wanted to improve the appearance of my skin, and I wanted to maintain my minimal makeup routine of enhancements that enliven my face, not to cover it up. (BTW, more makeup ages us up, not down).
So, I’ve spent the past few years reading blogs, sampling numerous brands, and coming up with a routine that works for my needs. The results? Very satisfying.
Since my solo trips to Paris are about spending time on myself, with myself, that now includes spending a fair amount of time seeking out a long list of skincare and beauty products to find, try, and acquire. As much as I appreciate the results of great-looking skin, it’s the experiences that are worth even more. The discoveries, the indulgence, the investments.
Below are the items that came home with me this time. Some you can get in the U.S. (but are sometimes less expensive in Paris), and some you have to buy there. Either way, I love the ritual of my now-annual “stock ups” during my trip and bringing little bits of Paris back home with me that I use regularly.
The Stores, Products, and Experiences
I finally made it into Aroma Zone and don’t know how this wasn’t on my itinerary before. What a fun place to wander and explore! The prices can’t be beat, and the staff is super helpful. An hour (or more?) later, my full basket included Avocado & Succinic Acid Foot Cream, which I am loving, Pomegranate Enzyme & Rice Pearls Face Scrub, and an assortment of masks, reusable eye patches, collagen drops, lip balms, soap, and creams.
Oh My Cream! was another “new to me” store that I checked off my “must see” list. Searching for the Mimétique Skin Restore+ Face Cream, I decided to pop by the flagship store on 78 rue Montmartre in the 2nd and was enchanted the minute I walked in. A very helpful saleswoman explained the Mimétique line and suggested the right formula for my concerns. This is where I also found the Viotette Bisou Balm in Bêtise I had been searching for (highly recommend this barely-there lip balm that offers just a bit of tint), along with a few Manucurist products (my favorite nail brand), two types of eye masks (Verso Retinoate Eye Patches and Patyka Lift Regard 360° eye patches that wrap around the top and bottom lids!), and the Lebon toothpaste I was looking to try. She dropped more than a few samples into my bag from some French brands that haven’t made it into my cabinet yet.
One quirky tradition I have is to pick up toothbrushes (I like the color selection) and toothpaste in Paris. Toothpaste may seem like an odd choice, but it’s a delightful way to start every day with a little bit of Paris. New to my collection is the Lebon from Oh My Cream! mentioned above, along with La Rosée that I grabbed at the Pharmacie. I also love Botot in cinnamon mint (it’s pink!), Marvis, and Email Diamant Original Rouge (it’s red!) for affordable options, and I grab a tube of each when I’m in Paris. These last three are available here in the U.S. but I like picking them up at a Pharmacie or Monoprix.
At Galeries Lafayette, I bought Chanel LE TONIQUE Anti-Pollution Invigorating Toner (slightly less expensive in Paris) and nail polish in Pompier, both of which were on my Wish List to buy in Paris, just because. And I splurged on the Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Repair Eye Cream – I’ve used this now for two months, and I’m obsessed with the results. Worth. Every. Penny.
The fun of the Galeries is walking through the beauty departments on the first floor (zero floor in France), under the stained-glass dome, with very attentive staff at each of the brand’s spaces. They are generous with samples as well! And, then you’ve got seven more floors to explore before you grab a snack on the rooftop terrace…it’s Mecca for a skilled shopper. But it can be overwhelming, so pace yourself, get a snack in between floors, and enjoy the decor, architecture, and selection. I always plan a full day here and take my time.
At Sephora, I finally splurged on Sisley of Paris’s Black Rose Cream Mask, which has been on my list for a while. You can get this in the U.S. (ex: Nordstrom), but it’s somewhat less expensive in Paris, but still an investment.
And, of course, the Pharmacies
Everyone talks about CityPharma in the 6th arrondissement, but know that this location takes a lot of fortitude, and you really need to know what you are doing. I prefer the one in the 9th if I want to explore and discover. However, after a trip to Zara, I spotted the one on rue Rivoli, which was not on my original itinerary, and it’s now one of my new favorites. The staff was extremely helpful, patient, and friendly.
I had my list ready, complete with mini-screen shots of the products to make it easier for me to show the staff what I was looking for. These are skilled professionals, with excellent knowledge, and I heed their recommendations. Here’s the list of items I purchased at the pharmacies above (mostly the rue Rivoli one). And, yes, the pics came in handy!
- A313, the cult classic that you have to ask one of the Pharmacists for due to its strength (it’s behind the counter). She gave me very clear instructions on how to use it, and informed me about the potency. Heed the cautions. And, be careful with some sites – if you need shipping, then check out Ulta, who reportedly has an official contract to carry the legitimate product.
- Stocked up on Homeoplasmine (like Neosporin but way more effective), sunscreen, Doliprane (like Tylenol but better), Herbesan mint stomach smoother (like Tums but better), and toothbrushes.
- Avène. Always. Even though they don’t carry the RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum in France (it was one of the game changers in my skin care routine – it wakes up my face and has blurred some of the darker spots I’ve acquired), I needed two products that are not available in the U.S. anymore, even through shipping! The Soothing Toning Lotion, and a serum for my friend JJ. I got three bottles of each. And, I swear by the Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream (less expensive than in the U.S.), along with their Makeup Removing Micellar Water (amazing, not oily, takes everything off).
- New pharmacie additions for me include SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Refining Night Cream (Pharmacist recommendation); Talika Lipocils Expert eyelash serum; and Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Dry Oil (completely worth the hype).
Again, the experiences are what I truly enjoy. Even writing this post brought back memories of my trip and the feeling I have when I’m in Paris with myself. And in the day-to-day that is regular life, I like to remember, even for a moment.
Au revoir until next time,
~Valerie’s Granddaughter