Easy + Affordable French Skincare Routine
About two months ago I was coming to the bottle of the bottle of number of the products in my skincare routine and I thought it the perfect opportunity to switch things up and try something new. I wanted clean, simple, easy, and mostly affordable which lead me into a deep dive of French Skincare. Much like the effortless and chic fashion the French are known for, their skincare routines (+ beauty for that matter) follow suit. So many of the things I admire about the French lifestyle are reflected in the cultures take on skincare; your average French-girls skincare routine is made up of easily accessible (often found at the local Pharmacy), affordable, clean, tried and true products that have been around for decades and used by several generations. It's no nonsense and simple, not typically exceeding more than 5 steps, unlike the extensive skincare routines we've come to know in the US, and doesn't typically vary much between morning and evening application. All this to say, it was exactly what I was looking for.
After two month of constant use I'm here to tell you that I am a forever convert. My skin dryness has become so much more manageable, I feel great about the products that I'm applying to my skin, and perhaps most of all, I have been able to stay extremely consistent with application morning and night. I genuinely look forward to it and can rest easy (especially as I'm weeks away from entering motherhood) knowing that it doesn't require a lot of my time to do. Below I'm breaking down all of the products but it's a simple as: cleanse --> tone --> serum(s) --> moisturize --> sunscreen
Step 1: Cleanse
I generally only do this step in the evening to remove the dirt, grime, and makeup from the day. If I've put on a full face I will double cleanse with micellar water first and then a gentle cleanser after. Double cleansing allows me to really get everything off for a truly clean face feeling. For days I've worn no or minimal makeup, I use only the micellar water and feel very fresh faced. I've tried other one's in the past and didn't like that they made my skin feel oily. This Bioderma micellar water works extremely well and leaves my skin feeling truly clean.
Step 2: Tone
Toner is another product I had used in the past and moved away from over time. When researching French skincare, I was reminded that toner, amongst other benefits, serves as a great pre step to reap the full benefits of your more expensive serums. I really love the scent of this one and feel it has in fact made a difference in my skins tone and texture. I also really love that it is a multipurpose product. Though I primarily use it as a toner, it can also be used as a setting spray, or a refreshing mist throughout the day to provide hydration to your skin.
Step 3: Serums/Creams
Certainly the most expensive step/product int his otherwise lost cost routine, I was influenced to try this Clarins Double Serum when it was 50% off and can see WHY it has such a cult following. The serum is made up of both oil soluble and water soluble ingredients giving it it's "double" impact. It absorbs beautifully and leaves my skin feeling firmer but also nourished. If needed I will also do an eye cream or eye masks on days it's needed at this stage as well.
**note: I do also use this serum between the face mist and the Clarins serum to add an additional layer of hydration as my skin is very dry year round.
Step 4: Moisturize
This is the only step that varies depending on if I'm applying in the morning or evening, though it doesn't have to. I like to use a lighter gel-like moisturizer for my morning routine and a thicker, oil based moisturizer like this one by Embroylisse in the evening so my skin can absorb all of it's goodness while I sleep. During the winter or when temperatures or travel have really depleted my skin of it's natural oils, I also like to follow my evening moisturizer with this dry oil. Definitely only a step I do on an as needed basis BUT, similar to the face mist, a dry oil has a number of great uses. More frequently I like to mix it with my body lotion after showers to give my legs and arms and added boost of moisture...this might be controversial but I LOVE the smell! It can also be used as a hair oil as well. I'm planning on trying this gold option this summer as a way to give my body a little bit of summer sparkle.
Step 5: Sunscreen
Not listed above as my current and favorite face sunscreen is not French but rather Korean however, I cannot do a post on skincare without stressing the importance of sunscreen. That said, I've read great things about this French sunscreen for those interested. The SPF in your makeup is not enough to protect the delicate skin on your face from harsh UV rays friends. If you do absolutely nothing else, ensure you are applying a face sunscreen that you love every. single. day. even if you never leave your house...your older self with thank you and what's the point on spending the money and time on any other skincare product if you're not going to protect your skin from the elements?
That's it, five simple and easy steps. Nearly all products under $40. Skin that feels clean, nourishes, hydrated, and protected...what more could you want from a skincare routine?
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