Researching the Paris Salon Scene

Though my title of walking into a salon may sound a bit spontaneous (though it’s true – I walked into it, I didn’t teleport!), the truth is, you actually do have to do some planning ahead of time. Especially if you’re trying to make a hair appointment in a different country.

Before diving into the Paris salon scene, I knew I had to do some research to find the perfect place to get my hair makeover. Hair is such an emotional thing (and a bad haircut can make you cry – been there), so I wanted to ensure that I would have a great experience and be in capable hands. I found this guide about the best hair salons in Paris and started working through the list.

Choosing the Right Salon

I looked at reviews, ratings, tags on social media, pictures, pricing, and most importantly, availability. I ended up booking an appointment at David Mallet. Though I wasn’t David Mallet’s client (though you can pay more and request him), he’s a renowned hairstylist with celebrity clients and salons in Paris and New York. Whether I was seeing him or one of his team members, I felt the most comfortable putting my hair in the hands of a salon with such a good reputation.

Visiting the Salon

The David Mallet salon is in a very posh neighborhood in the 2nd arrondissement and housed in a chic building. Once you ring the buzzer and walk through the salon doors, you are welcomed by soaring ceilings, tall windows, beautiful natural light, and chic furnishings.

Once I checked in, I didn’t have to wait and I was seated right away. The friendly and welcoming team stopped by many times to offer me and my assistant water, coffee, or tea.

Meeting My Colorist

Though I wanted to be open to whatever the team had in mind, in order to make an appointment, you have to let them know ahead of time what you want, so I had originally asked for a color and a cut.

So first, I met with Niko, my very friendly colorist. He asked what I was thinking and I pointed out all the spots where my previous color had grown out and didn’t look good anymore.

Deep down I wanted something natural looking, but I really didn’t want to speak too much and color (ha) anyone’s opinions. I really wanted to hear what they thought the best makeover would be for me!

After Niko assessed my hair, he thought that my faded hair color did in fact need a touch-up. He pointed to the blonde curls around my face and said, “You disappear a bit in these lighter colors. You need something all over, but still a warmer and natural color. Nothing too harsh.”

After coming to an agreement on what he was going to do with my hair color, the hairdresser, Alain, popped over to chat about my haircut. “We all work together to make sure we’re on the same page.”

Echoing my previous thoughts to Niko, the hair colorist, I wanted to know what Alain thought would look best on me.

“You need some shape. Let’s frame your face and give you layers. But long layers. Not too short or it will get frizzy, and your hair is already a little frizzy.”

After agreeing with Alain on his thoughts, he went to consult with another client and Niko got to work mixing up the color that he thought was best.

“I’m going to use something that’s between a toner and a semi-permanent. A toner is too light and will just wash out, but a permanent color gives a harsh line of regrowth. This won’t give you a harsh grow-out line.”

When he combed out my hair, I was pretty shocked by how many different colors it had taken on with my color fading! I wasn’t a fan of the orange, red, and blonde tones, and now know that these colors aren’t flattering on me. Though you can’t tell as much when my hair is curly, I wondered why I waited so long and I was more than ready to get this cleaned up.

After my hair was processed, I was guided to another room where all the hair washing took place. I didn’t have my phone with me to snap a pic, but it was yet another beautiful apartment-style room with big windows and lovely architecture. What happened next was a relaxing hair mask and scrub.

Getting My Hair Cut

With my new fresh color and moistured locks, I was ready to visit Alain to give some shape to my hair.

I was less nervous about my hair at this point. My biggest fear was that something crazy would happen due to the language difference, but we all understood each other and I felt confident that this team knew what they were doing.

Alain moved pretty quickly, but he also took his time scrutinizing the ends making sure things looked even.

The Result

Ta-da!

As you can see, my makeover is not very drastic. And I’m truly happy about this! The French approach to beauty is natural and effortless, and I’m happy that what they thought would look best on me was just a cleaned-up version of who I already am.

I adore the color. Niko did a fantastic job. Some color jobs I’ve gotten in the past made my hair look almost like a wig – they were too dark and my hair lacked dimension, but I didn’t really know what to ask for. With this color, I still have dimension and depth and that’s what makes it look so natural.

I’ve gotten my hair done before in the states, of course, but I’ve struggled to get the right tone. It usually ends up looking more black and it never really sat right with me. I can see now that a little depth and contrast is good, but I don’t want too much contrast. Black hair on me looks a little too stark. A dark yet warm chocolate brown is my favorite look yet!

And as far as the cut, now that my ends are cleaned up and I have some layers, it looks and feels bouncier – and I just feel fresh!

My Thoughts

2 hours and 360 euros later (ouch), I ended up with hair that I love. Though it’s more than what I pay for my hair in the states, it did feel worth it to me.

And no, it wasn’t a drastic change in terms of color choice, but it felt like a drastic difference. I have been told that darker colors suit me and now that I have the confirmation from these Parisian professionals, I have the confidence in knowing what looks best on me!

Though I’m not going to fly back to Paris every time I want my hair done, I feel more confident asking for what I want back home. And at least now I have a reference photo of myself to give!

This was my experience getting my hair done in Paris. Want to read about my experience shopping in Paris? My Experience Shopping With a French Personal Stylist in Paris

The post I Walked Into a Paris Salon and Asked for a Hair Makeover – This Is What Happened appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

1. French Beauty is About Highlighting Existing Features

The French follow a “less is more” approach not only to fashion but to their beauty as well. They often use minimal products to effortlessly enhance their natural features, rather than to completely alter their faces.

They prefer tinted moisturizers or lightweight foundations that give a skin-like finish. As for the lips, French women either use lightly tinted lip balm or a deep berry lipstick that is matte and not overly glossy.

While…American Women Strive for Perfection

In America, makeup is typically used as a tool to achieve a flawless look. It involves creating features people may not have.

Americans use makeup techniques like heavy contouring to make their nose appear smaller or to create the illusion of a sharp jawline.

And don’t forget tattooing eyebrows for a fuller look or using eyeliner to create faux freckles, all techniques that have started to dominate the beauty industry in North America.

In this way, an American beauty routine is for you if you prefer to have a flawless finish instead of a carefree look.

2. The French Tend to Use Non-Polluting Products

The French love to use fresh and organic produce in their meals, so it is not surprising that they favor makeup products that are clean and eco-friendly too!

You can find plenty of green and non-polluting beauty products in French pharmacies or beauty retailers. Makeup and skincare brands like Caudalie, Bioderma, and Avène are just three of the many beauty favorites you can expect to find on a French girl’s beauty counter.

But not only do they opt for cleaner products, but they also choose products specifically targeted to help with keeping their skin clear. Big cities like Paris tend to have a lot of toxins, smoke, and dirt in the air. This can easily clog your pores. Those that find themselves living in a big metropolis favor products designed to keep their pores clear.

While…Americans Focus on Poreless and Flawless Skin

Though the clean beauty movement is taking off and more people are paying attention to what it’s in their products, clean beauty is still not at the forefront of most women’s minds yet.

Americans don’t tend to focus as much on keeping pores clean from toxins as much as Parisians do (unless they live in a big city).

While most French people are trying to protect their skin from environmental damage, Americans tend to focus on acne-free, poreless, and flawless skin.

3. The French are Loyal to Their Favorite Beauty Products

The French stick to their tried-and-true skincare routines. Unlike Americans, they are not as into changing their skincare regimen with the most trendy products.

French women would rather be loyal to the skincare products that have never failed them rather than add anything new.

Additionally, French girls keep their skincare regimen simple. You will probably never find their beauty table scattered with too many products or their vanity stuffed to the brim with overflowing products from numerous brands.

They only have a few essentials that are picked based on quality rather than hype. It is also common to see them use one of their products for other uses as well!

This is shown by the way French girls use their go-to makeup remover: Bioderma micellar water. French girls love this product so much that they not only use it for removing makeup but also as a cleanser.

Lipstick for French women also has a lot of uses. It’s not only for adding color to the lips; a red rose pink or nude lipstick is used as a blush for the cheeks and eyeshadow too.

While…Americans are Eager to Try Trendy Beauty Products

Americans are more willing to try the latest makeup and skincare products based on influencer hype or viral videos from Instagram and TikTok, while the French tend to choose products based on the advice they get from their mother or grandmother.

Red carpet and celebrity beauty also influence American women’s buying decisions. For instance, many beauty lovers in America have been emulating the statement beauty moments from the MET Gala and sharing their inspired looks on social platforms like Instagram for others to copy too.

If you get bored of using the same products and experimenting sounds fun to you, then you probably lean more towards an American beauty routine.

4. French Women Keep it Simple

Just like in their wardrobe, French women keep things simple. Not much changes when it comes to beauty either. Whether it’s a simple technique, a subtle look, or even the fact that they don’t like to accumulate too many products, it’s all about keeping it uncomplicated.

They don’t mind using their fingers to apply their foundation either. A bonus to keeping it simple is that it doesn’t take as much time doing their makeup because they use a few products for everything.

While…Americans Use a lot of Products at Once

Americans love to mix in a variety of products in their beauty regimen and tend to have a lot of beauty tools. From beauty blenders to different-sized eyeshadow brushes to lip brushes, an American woman’s makeup bag is usually overflowing!

Not only that, but American beauty enthusiasts use many different makeup products on their faces and this can make getting ready a little longer.

Related: My Minimalist Makeup Collection & 5 Minute Simple Yet Polished Makeup Routine!

5. French Women Have a Relaxed Approach to Their Hair

A beautiful French girl’s hairstyle does not take too much time and effort. French women tend to wash their hair less than American women.

When they wash their hair, they tend not to use a hairdryer. Instead, they air-dry it to achieve gorgeous naturally-dried hair. You also won’t find a French woman straightening their hair because they prefer to have a messy yet chic hairstyle. This is why you will see a lot of French girls let their hair fall past their faces effortlessly.

To give their tresses a healthy-looking texture, French women treat their hair once a week with hair masks and oils. French women don’t dye or highlight their hair as much either.

While…Americans Put in a lot of Effort to Have Flawless Hair

American women love investing in several high-end hair styling tools like Dyson to achieve the perfect hair.

Americans are also into switching their hair colors into bold and statement styles.

If you love dreaming up new ways to style your hair or new bold colors to try, then a French beauty routine is probably not for you.

6. French Women Don’t Use Cosmetic Procedures On Their Face (As Much)

Yes, French women do get plastic surgery, but not as much as in America. (The USA is the top country that gets cosmetic procedures done.)

The French do not obsess over getting cosmetic procedures done to their face as much because they prefer to look very natural and age gracefully. (Or if they do, it is not an obvious change and it’s very hush-hush.)

Not only do they use minimal makeup products to maintain themselves, but they also believe in having a healthy diet as a good way of getting a better version of themselves.

While…Americans Are Okay With Doing Cosmetic Procedures

America leads the way in procedures and plastic surgery is normalized here. Transforming your appearance is praised and glamourized. And though I believe in a woman doing what it takes to feel confident in her own skin, American marketing can go too far at times, making women feel bad about themselves and then promoting cosmetic culture at the same time.

Americans don’t mind spending money on getting dramatically different facial features to get the “perfect” beauty look. This may include temporary procedures like lip fillers and botox to even a brow lift, nose job, cheek filler…the list goes on.

7. French Women are Not Vocal About Their Beauty Routines

French women do not admit how much work they put into their beauty routines. They want to give the impression that looking good was an effortless thing they did that day, instead of breaking it down step by step and broadcasting it.

While…Americans are Very Open

Americans are not shy about how long they take to get their hair, makeup, and skincare done. They don’t mind sharing where they got their hair done or showing off how much effort they put into achieving a sophisticated beauty look.

Filming makeup and skincare routines and posting them on the internet is common in America too.

If you marvel at both American and French beauty but are unsure which one to follow, this list of the key differences between American and French beauty will help you!

Do you prefer the no-makeup-makeup look and a simple approach to beauty? Then French beauty may be a good fit for you.

If your makeup is filled with bold beauty products and you love experimenting and shaking things up, then perhaps American beauty is calling your name!

If you lean towards a French beauty routine, then find out all you need to know in The French Girl Beauty Guide for Effortlessly Beautiful Skin!

The post 7 Key Differences Between American and French Beauty appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

French Girl Beauty Guide for Effortlessly Beautiful Skin

Skincare

Before you even start thinking about going on a makeup shopping spree, you’ve got to start with beautiful, healthy skin. Since most French women often wear little makeup, preferring to instead enhance their natural beauty, this is by far the most important step to mastering French beauty. They realize that taking good care of their skin is not only good for looking your best, but for feeling your best. In this case, beauty is skin deep!

Related: 13 Tips to a Healthy Lifestyle

Above all else, Parisian women value their beauty products and take their skincare routines very seriously. You won’t find any harsh cleansers or heavy scrubbing here! French women have a simple approach when it comes to skincare, preferring a no-frills routine with products that really work. The French girl learns at a young age that moisturizer is the key to great skin, so finding one that works for you is a must. You’ll also want to find a great lightweight sunscreen – sun exposure and harmful UV rays are no friend to the skin and will speed up aging and hyperpigmentation.

Favorite Skincare Products:

Bioderma Micellar Water
A top-rated product for gentle cleansing and/or removing your makeup. It provides instant freshness and captures impurities, but doesn’t strip your skin!

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
A night cream that is widely used to help with aging skin. It repairs and renews cells and helps you wake up with younger, smoother skin.

Pâte Grise Creme Purifiante
A 70-year-old classic product for those pesky zits. This product unclogs your pores, reduces visible blemishes, and lets you wake up to clearer skin!

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Balm
A multipurpose heal all that you’ll definitely get your money’s worth out of. This is not only a fab lip balm – it can be used on your face, body, hands, and lips to soothe your skin and help with any dryness. It’s rich, but not greasy, and can even be used on babies!

Homeoplasmine Cream
Banish dry skin and chapped lips with this cream! Not only does it moisturize, but it soothes and protects as well. A little goes a long way and you can even use it to heal a popped zit!

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Luxe moisturizer with a huge cult celeb following…perfect for dry skin and giving you that coveted glow. It’s full of good-for-you, natural ingredients too!

Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water
This gentle spring water is perfect for a light refresher. Calm, soothe, and soften your skin, all the while providing it with antioxidant protection too!

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil
This multi-purpose oil will earn a place in your beauty cabinet. With a blend of plant oils and vitamins, it adds a healthy shine to your body and hair..all the while adding much-needed moisture!

Darphin Intral Facial Toner
This gentle toner helps with irritated skin and redness. With chamomile being an ingredient, it soothes and calms the skin!

Once your skin is cleansed and moisturized, then you move on to makeup!

Makeup

Parisians typically view makeup as an option. It’s not something they *have* to wear every day, and when they do wear it, it’s usually very light and natural. This doesn’t mean they don’t like to have fun with makeup though! They just don’t have a 30-minute makeup routine starting with primer and finishing off with a setting spray as most Americans do. It would also be pretty rare to see a French woman contour and wear bold brows and/or fake eyelashes.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

And last but not least, never forget about your signature fragrance. Nothing trendy…just classic!

Iconic French Perfumes

Chanel No. 5
Chloe Eau de Parfum
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
Miss Dior Eau de Parfum
Guerlain Shalimar

Favorite French Girl Brands:

Bioderma
Caudalie
L’Occitane
La Roche-Posay
Klorane
Avène
Chanel
Guerlain
Dior
Nuxe
Payot Paris

To learn even more about French style, check out the ultimate guide to French fashion! Au revoir!

The post The French Girl Beauty Guide for Effortlessly Beautiful Skin appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.