You might have noticed our little French flag atop our logo, with reference to Bastille Day coming up on Sunday 14th July. This week on PRIMPED we are celebrating all things Parisian, from the It girls you need to know to our favourite French products. Enjoy. Bisous x Hayley
When you think of chic women, natives of no other city come close to the French. Universally revered for their ease of style, timeless natural beauty and visceral confidence, French women of all ages continue to inspire.
Let’s take a peek at the Über-Chic, and take a stab at some of the things that may have got them there, shall we?
20s
Clémence Poésy has popped up everywhere from alongside Harry at Hogwarts to Chuck Bass’s boudoir in Gossip Girl. Although she may get around on the telly, her effortless and free beauty remains anything but gauche. Clemence’s considered stature and sure stare make her a model and actress with a considerably polished and urbane aesthetic for her age.
30s
Starring in predominately French productions, actress and producer Aissa Maiga is off-the-scale-stunning. That smile! That skin! That aura…. So obviously French. Outspoken and unable to ignore, look out for her in a standout moment in the film Bamako, where inner strength and outer beauty combine to almost become blinding!
40s
As delicious in Cosmopolis as she was in Chocolat, Juliette Binoche has been quoted as saying she rarely looks back on the past but chooses to live in the present, so that she keeps moving and remains free. This Joie de vivre is evident in her youthful looks and effervescent aura.
Image: The Voice Magazine
And then there is also Julie Delpy, who shone in Before Sunrise which almost eclipsed her stellar singing, song writing, acting and directing credits up to that date. Ah, cinematic brilliance within a Viennese love story that – along with Julie’s beauty – has stood the test of time. Don’t believe me? Check out this year’s Before Midnight. J’adore!
50s
At nearly 60 years of age, Isabelle Adjani is another recognisable french femme who has stood the test of time, appearing in no less than 30 films since the early 1970s. Although slightly aided in her ageing process (puffy face anyone?) Adjani’s poise remains. Trying to put your finger on that certain French je ne sais these women possess? Well, Adjani is it in the 1994 film Queen Margot. Must see!
Inspired? Here are some fast French beauty facts!
- This French affiliation with Joie de vivre is mental and physical it seems, with French women choosing the sidewalk over the step machine. Walking is a part of the Parisian lifestyle, and gyms are not popular with Parisians. Ironically, they are one of the slimmer set as they age. Fancy a stroll?
- There is elusiveness to the French beauty. Their confidence is founded unconsciously, with little nuances – a tilt to the chin, a confident stare, an outspoken energy – that makes them unforgettable, rather than ‘in your face’ attention-grabbing moments like a gaudy nail colour or a too-brassy hair colour.
- French women are not known for their ageing intervention. Although some may have a little tweak here and there, they don’t panic early on and certainly don’t overdo the Botox, facelifts and plumpers. Most cleverly avoid the surgeon and instead, invest in the dermatologist – which is paid for by their national health insurance, no less!
- Parisians traditionally prioritise pampering. It is not something to make time for, it is something to work ones schedule around. Regular facials at an earlier age lead to fewer lines and dehydration later on, and the French are obviously believers with a recent report showing they spend $2.2 billion a year on skincare – as much as Spanish, German and British women combined!
So Primpettes, are you inspired by French women?
Who is your favourite?
Ecb x
