Before moving to France, I assumed “French Girl Skincare” involved dozens of expensive, complicated products, ten-step routines, and secrets guarded by Parisian dermatologists. It sounded exhausting and utterly inaccessible.
The reality, much like the reality of their closets, is that it’s gloriously simple, non-fussy, and maintenance-focused.
The biggest shift is this: The French focus on maintenance and prevention, not fixing the problem after it happens. They believe in high-quality basics and consistency, which aligns perfectly with slow living—do the good thing once, and repeat it effortlessly.
Here are the three non-negotiable, surprisingly simple things I learned about French skincare here in Normandy:
1. The Power of Eau Micellaire (Micellar Water)
Forget complicated double-cleansing oils and harsh scrubs. The French have used micellar water for decades as the simplest, fastest, and most effective cleanser.
- Why It Works: It’s gentle, it removes dirt and light makeup without stripping your skin’s natural barrier, and it often requires no rinsing. For a quick evening routine, a few swipes of this on a cotton pad is the entire process.
- The Intentional Lesson: Skincare is maintenance, not a spa treatment. Focus on gentle consistency.
2. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration (No, Not 10 Serums)
The French approach is less about adding active ingredients and more about maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. After cleansing, the focus is immediately on a simple, effective moisturizer.
- The Product Focus: They prioritize thick, simple, often pharmacy-based creams (like La Roche-Posay or Avene) that focus on restoring and protecting. They skip the trendy ten-step routine in favor of a quality, protective day cream and a richer night cream.
- The Intentional Lesson: You don’t need a different product for every single concern. Find a few products that do their job well, and be religious about applying them.
3. Protection is the Only Non-Negotiable
This is the key to prevention. The French are dedicated to protecting their skin from the sun every single day, regardless of the season or the Norman gloom.
- The Daily Ritual: A high-quality broad-spectrum SPF is applied every morning, year-round. They accept this as an effortless, non-optional step.
- The Intentional Lesson: Slow living is about investing in the future. Protecting your skin now saves you complicated, expensive treatments later. Prevention is the ultimate form of low-effort, high-impact self-care.
Ultimately, “French Girl Skincare” is not about looking flawless; it’s about looking like you took good care of yourself. It’s affordable, achievable, and perfectly aligned with a life well-lived.
If you could only use three skincare products for the next year, what would they be?
Until Next time
Christina
