Thu 7 Dec 2006
My name is Linda and I am a face cream addict. I have to stay out of the pharmacies here as they sell all sorts of skin products and I find it hard to pass up on any of them–and they are all expensive to boot. I was the first girl on my block, in 7th grade, to wear make-up, and my mother never went a day without it, so maybe that explains it. It is a constant source of amusement to my husband. He looks at my row of beauty supplies and asks what each one is for. It takes alot of work to get this “natural” look.
Here are a few things in my bathroom, some of them samples. My mother, who has great skin, swears by Olay products, so I bought some on my last trip to the States. If all of this worked, I would have the skin of a 20 year old.
Just a few other products I have for my body and hands.
This is my latest discovery. I use it to clean my face and it makes my skin really soft. I think alot of French women use it here. I get a large bottle for about 9 Euros. I saw it for sale on the Internet in the States for about $20. Ah, the price of beauty, even if it is an illusion. Something that makes me feel good.
December 7th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Oh I love this! I have never had any problems with my skin so I never thought I needed anything…WRONG. I should have started moisturising years ago! Now I love pampering myself and being a real girl…nel
December 7th, 2006 at 6:48 pm
Great topic, Linda. Have you learned the secret to great French skin? Do they all use L\’Occitaine as the commercials would have us believe? I have pondered investing in a line of French products, but only if the testimonials are true?
December 7th, 2006 at 9:06 pm
This makes me smile. With three daughters (and three sons, as well) our bath cabinets are full of every imaginable skin care product from countries that span the globe … my daughter even had me selling some at one point. But they do feel so wonderful and thre aroma is lovely … and one day I will wake up with no wrinkles.
December 8th, 2006 at 5:36 am
Hmmm, I’ve been using Nivea and Olay for ages - no great testimonials here
It’s all in the genes, I believe.
December 8th, 2006 at 6:07 pm
…and to think they started releasing creams for men too ! Your husband should be more careful about all this
Anyway, being an expat myself, I was looking for other expat opinions on living in France.
Nice blog, keep on posting !
Valentin
December 8th, 2006 at 9:06 pm
I am a slave to Oil of Olay products. It doesn’t matter what else I try - from the reasonably priced to the tres expensive - I always go back to Oil of Olay. There’s just something about it. Love your blog - Erin
December 8th, 2006 at 9:08 pm
Hey, I have the exact same Olay products as you! I say there are worse things to be addicted to.
December 9th, 2006 at 12:20 am
See? Even the photographs of beauty aids are beautiful???
It makes me laugh, though. My days-away-from-14-year-old-daughter is experimenting with makeups and creams and unguents. All I use is Mennen Baby Lotion (I’d like to ship it over in gallon barrels if I could) as a moisturizer and lipstick as my festive touch, so I am incredibly ill-equipped to assist with the application of mascara, eye shadows…and I know painfully little about scrubs, masques, creams…
Ah! Even as I write this note I feel inadequate and frustrated…HELP!!
(I do like the pix, though…)
Meilleurs voeux!!
December 10th, 2006 at 6:09 am
My new favourite is Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins\’ Mega-Mushroom Face Cream. It\’s amazing! I also adore Sisley products, although they\’re expensive. And Prescriptives, but can\’t find that in Paris. And the British product line Ren. I think it\’s good to alternate products, as the skin needs different things at different times of the year.
December 10th, 2006 at 6:49 pm
Oh, I’m the same way. My rosacea is getting worse, so I’m always looking for a cure all. (I’m jealous of your sister’s skin!) I recently found La Roche Posay (I think that’s it) Toleraine. It is so nice on the facial skin!
December 11th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
Rosa, you’re jealous of my skin? You’ve got to be kidding!
This must be a family thing because I have drawers full of sample skin creams and under the skin is crammed full of more products. I rarely empty one but find another new product that promises miracles. Women ask me what I use on my face and I can’t give an answer because it changes daily.
What’s a girl to do?