A French Christmas

There’s one handy makeup tool that we use almost every day, but don’t think about much. We’re talking about the eyelash curler! It’s an important tool that deserves all of the love. It gives the lashes the curl and lift that are so important for a fresh, open-eyed look.  But when’s the last time you’ve cleaned your eyelash curler?  We focus so much on cleaning our brushes and sponges, but the poor little eyelash curler is often left forgotten. However, it deserves the same regular scrubbing as the rest of your equipment. Today, we’ll explain why, and also give you a few tips on how to clean your eyelash curler.  Why should you clean your eyelash curler?   It’s important to be extra careful with any makeup item or tool that comes close to your eye. The lash line is prone to styes, and the eyes themselves are vulnerable to all kinds of dangerous infections.  For that reason, it’s imperative to remove makeup at the end of the day, to never use expired eye makeup, and to clean any tools that come close to the lash line—your eyelash curler is chief amongst them.  Most lash curlers are made of metal, an easy-to-clean material that is less likely to harbor bacteria. But the rubber pad at the base of the curler is tougher to clean, and grime and germs can get caught below it.  How to deep clean your eyelash curler Just like your makeup brushes, the best way to clean your eyelash curler is with soap and water. This will remove most pathogens and grime, not to mention the heavy buildup of mascara.   Since the eyelash curler is a metal tool, dish soap usually works best. It breaks down oils in makeup, and it doesn’t leave behind a residue the way shampoo or hand soap might. It can also be helpful to have a few cotton swabs on hand.  First, remove the rubber pad from your eyelash curler.  Place your lash curler under a running tap.  Next, soap it up with dish soap. Use your fingers to rub the soap into every crevice of your lash curler.  Then, with your curler still a little soapy, use a cotton swab to thoroughly dislodge any grime from the indent where the rubber pad normally sits.  Finally, rinse your lash curler of the soap.  Use a dry tissue or paper towel to dry it.  Next, give the rubber pad itself a quick scrub and check for any hairs that may be stuck beneath it. Once cleaned, dry it, and replace it in the indent.  How to disinfect your eyelash curler   Cleaning your eyelash curler is one thing, but you should also disinfect it on a regular basis. To disinfect your eyelash curler, you’ll want to use at least 70% alcohol, and you may also want to have a cotton pad or cotton swab on hand.  When you’re in a rush, just soak a cotton pad with alcohol and use it to wipe down the eyelash curler.  Then, use the cotton swab to clean out the indent where the rubber pad normally sits.  To take it even further, fill a small glass with alcohol. Plop the eyelash curler top down into the glass, as well as the rubber pad.  Leave both in there for 10 minutes.  Then, pull them out, and wipe them down with a dry cotton pad to help them dry.  Take this chance to disinfect other metal beauty tools, like your tweezers, nail clippers, or brow scissors.  How often should you clean your lash curler? You should clean your eyelash curler every time you clean your brushes, which hopefully means about once a week. Cleaning with soap and water is a little more labor-intensive, so you can do that just once every few months, but wiping your lash curler down with a wipe or with alcohol should happen on a weekly basis.  How to clean a heated eyelash curler    If you use a heated eyelash curler, it’s important to clean it carefully and thoroughly, without damaging its electric components. Since heated lash curlers are used after mascara, they tend to collect a lot of residue in the comb and need more frequent cleaning.  To remove the mascara remnants, carefully place the comb part of the curler under running water, to rinse away mascara and trapped lashes.  Be careful not to let any other parts of the tool come in contact with the water.  If the mascara is very persistent, use a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover to loosen it up first.  To actually sanitize your eyelash curler, spray it with alcohol and then let it air dry.  Other healthy lash tips   Aside from cleaning your eyelash curler regularly, we have a few more tips to help you keep your lashes healthy and thriving.  When curling your eyelashes, make sure to fully concentrate on what you’re doing, to avoid pinching yourself or losing lashes.  Avoid sharing your eyelash curler with others. If you do let someone else use it, make sure to sanitize it with alcohol both before and after handing it over.  When using a traditional curler, avoid eyelash curling after you’ve applied mascara, since this will dirty your curler and also increases the chances of damage to the lashes.   Pay close attention to the rubber pad. If it looks indented or starts to lose its shape, make sure to replace it.  With daily use, you will likely need to replace the pad after 3-6 months.  Another important part of keeping the eyes and lashes healthy is to remove your eye makeup thoroughly every night.  To improve the condition of your lashes, use a fortifying eyelash serum every evening as part of your beauty routine.  Never use mascara past its expiry date, and make sure to replace your tube every 3-6 months.  Cleaning your eyelash curler only takes a few moments, but it’s easy to forget. Don’t put off this important little chore. Do your eyes a favor, and go give your lash curler a scrub right now!     

Have you ever wondered if all those French fashion clichés are actually true? Do French women roam Paris's streets in their Breton striped tops, trench coats, silk scarves, berets, and Chanel handbags? Or is this just one of those Paris stereotypes? If you research the term "French-style clothing," you'll often be met with a list of must-have items that the writer swears all French women have in their five-piece French wardrobe.  So, how do you know what French women actually wear, and what's a French fashion cliché?  French women are renowned worldwide for their effortless, chic, and timeless style. And if you want to perfect French chic, you have to know the difference between a French fashion favorite and a cliché.  Here are 11 items we're reviewing to give you the lowdown on what to add to your wardrobe and what you can cross off from your list. The beret The beret is the number one French fashion cliché out there! When you think of what French people wear, you might automatically envision them with a navy or red beret atop of their head.  Sorry to burst this bubble, but the truth is, most French women do not stroll around wearing a beret! You might see a beret on a trend-focused, stylish woman (if berets happen to be in that season) or on the head of an old man playing Pétanque. Apart from that, this is an age-old French stereotype that simply isn't that common anymore. The Breton striped top (marinière) A Breton striped top is a classic white top with horizontal navy stripes, known as the marinière in France. Coco Channel popularized the Breton top when she introduced the design in her nautical collection back in 1917. While it's true that most women will own at least one striped top, they're not as popular as you might think. In fact, tourists tend to wear Breton tops while visiting France more than local French women do! Neutral tees and graphic tees are far more popular today than stripes.  If you're set on rocking a striped top, pair it with a block-colored blazer, a pair of straight-leg jeans, and some white sneakers for a smart-casual daytime look. Ballerina flats The French fashion cliché of ballerina flats was initially started by Brigitte Bardot in the '60s. Most French women will own at least one pair of ballerina flats in a neutral color that works with most other things in their wardrobe. However, they don't wear them all the time! French women also love wearing white sneakers, loafers, slingbacks, and low block heels. It's all about comfort and style.  The silk scarf The silk scarf is such a versatile item and can add a pop of color or pattern to any look. You'll see images of French women wearing them around their necks, tied on their bags, and also in their hair. But is this a fashion staple for French women or just a cliché? French women do wear silk scarves, and a lot of them will own at least one. But they tend to be reserved for special occasions and not worn for a day-to-day look.  Bold red lipstick & voluminous lashes Do you imagine the streets of Paris filled with women with flawless skin, perfectly tousled hair, and rocking a bold red lip?  Some women will wear red lipstick as an everyday look, especially fashion-savvy women. But others will keep their daytime look a little more toned down and opt for a subtler pink lipstick instead. They'll save a bold red lip for special occasions like a girl's night out, a date, or a party. But every woman will own a classic red lipstick in their makeup collection. Day or night, French women will always give their lashes a coat of mascara for more length and volume. Good makeup is key to achieving that timeless, French chic look. The vintage cardigan Do you imagine Parisian women wearing cute vintage cardigans in an array of colors?  While some women do like the look, many prefer to keep their look more classic. This means sticking to neutral colors and tones and more timeless cardigan shapes.  One thing to note with vintage cardigans is they can quickly make you look dowdy if not worn the right way. To avoid this, opt for a finer-knit cardigan for a modern, chic look perfect for fall and winter.  The Birkin basket bag Yes, French women do love a basket bag, but they don't use it the way you might think they do! You'll spot basket bags all around the streets of Paris, but they're usually popular for carrying groceries, running errands, shopping, or packing a picnic during the summer.  Americans have been seen wearing smaller basket styles as handbags, which you'll rarely find French women doing.  The trench coat The trench coat truly is a French woman's fashion staple. Most women will own a good quality classic style in a neutral color.  Why? Because the trench coat is the perfect piece of outerwear for that unpredictable French weather!  Plus, it's a great lightweight transition to take you from late summer into fall when it's too warm for a pepper winter coat. Traditional French clothing is all about being practical and chic at the same time. Look for a trench coat in a neutral color like beige, light grey, or navy. And invest in a coat that is made well and will last you for many years—this is what French fashion is built on.  The floral wrap dress Floral wrap dresses have become increasingly popular over the past few years and are often associated with French women. But are they a true fashion staple or a cliché? During the spring/summer season, you will find many French women wearing wrap dresses. They're flattering for all figures, comfortable to wear, and can work well for holidays and weekends. However, this is a very feminine look, and French women are notorious for mixing and matching feminine and masculine silhouettes. You might want to add a blazer or a pair of sneakers to keep this look fresh and modern.  The white button-down shirt You'll always find the white button-down shirt making its way onto French fashion must-have lists!  But you won't find many French women wearing white shirts around the city. It tends to be kept for work and in business settings rather than day-to-day social life.  Although it might be a French fashion cliché, it's an incredibly versatile piece that can be dressed up or down and will never go out of style. The Chanel bag One of the biggest Paris stereotypes is that all French women own a black Chanel handbag which they never leave the house without.  While this might be all French women's dream handbag, not everyone can afford such a luxurious brand. If it's within your budget, it's a great, timeless piece to invest in that will make any outfit chic.  But there are so many great high street versions of the classic black leather handbag that will suit all budgets. Invest in a piece that is well made and looks expensive, but don't worry about the label.     And that's the truth about French fashion clichés! The number one rule with French style is to keep things classic, timeless, and effortless. Stick to this, and you'll perfect that French girl style in no time.    

If you haven’t yet caught a glimpse of Netflix’s hit show, Emily In Paris, where have you been?! We are obsessed with the French-girl beauty that storms our screens as Emily (British-American actress Lily Collins) settles into Parisian living.  Actress Lily Collins steals the show with her low-key, simple yet chic beauty and fashion looks. There isn’t a scene where we’re not taking notes. Think fresh, clear skin, bold brows, voluminous lashes, and understated lips.  Less is definitely more In France, and we’re loving it!  But there’s one thing we want to know more about, and that’s Lily’s real-life beauty routine.  How does she keep her skin looking so immaculate? What are her makeup must-haves? And how does she keep her beautiful brows in check? Don’t worry, we’re bringing you Lily Collins’ beauty routine in full detail here, no filter.  This is what Lily Collins’ everyday beauty routine looks like.  Morning skincare What does Lily’s AM skincare routine look like? Well, you’ll be surprised how low-key it is. She begins with a splash of cold water on her face to wake herself up.  To kick-start her skincare routine, she uses a facial wash, toner gel, and moisturizing cream.  Next up? Lily always applies a layer of sunscreen (her go-to is Kiehl’s), whether it’s summer or winter. We recommend at least an SPF 20 if possible. Look for a light-weight, non-greasy sunscreen that feels like a second skin.  Lily has spoken out about embracing her natural, ivory skin, so you won’t find any tanning products in her house!  She also loves rubbing some mint or spearmint oil on her temples and the back of her neck to wake herself up and feel invigorated inside and out. One of her favorites is Peppermint Halo by Saje, which comes in a handy roller ball. And, did you know Lily is obsessed with hand cream? Yes! You’ll find her re-applying it throughout the day to keep her skin feeling soft and silky, just the way her Grandma used to do.  Her favorite scent? Rose wins out every time—Crabtree & Evelyn have a rosewater one she is crushing on.  The perfect base Lily Collins is famous for channeling that French-girl beauty by keeping her makeup minimal and natural all the time, apart from on special occasions.  When she’s at home, she wears very little; her motto being “the less there is on you, the less there is to go wrong!” But what about when she is wearing makeup? Lily loves to go for a foundation that is light enough to allow her natural freckles to shine through but just enough to give a nice base.  She steers clear of heavy, coated products to avoid her pores getting clogged.  For days when she wants something a little different, she mixes a small drop of light foundation with her favorite serum, then dabs it into her forehead, chin, and cheeks. To blend, she uses a sponge, then tops with a powder to set it, and a bit of blush for contouring.  It’s all about the brows The next step on Lily Collins’ beauty routine is tending to her bold and beautiful brows. The question on all of our minds while watching Emily In Paris has been, what’s the secret to her brow game?  Tell us all Lily! When asked what her favorite part of her beauty regimen is, she aptly said “It’s all about the brows.” She swipes a highlighter over her eyelid and under the brow to make her brows pop even more. She brushes her eyebrows up and over to slightly tame them.  And that is IT. Seriously. On the odd occasion when they need a little more taming, she uses some mascara to lend a helping hand. To draw extra attention to her eyes, she applies a few flicks of liquid liner at the outer edges. She then adds a coat of volumizing mascara to bring fullness and life to her lush lashes. Nothing says French beauty quite like fluttery lashes does. If there’s one thing every French woman includes in her beauty routine, it’s a swoosh of black mascara.   Lush lips When it comes to her lips, Lily begins by gently exfoliating them with a delicious, tropical coconut scrub. Once her lips are prepped, she coats them with lip balm–and you’ll find her reapplying it throughout the day to keep those lips looking lush. For an everyday look, Lily tops her lip salve with a swipe of nude lipstick and her favorite gloss.  But what about those red-carpet occasions? Lily has perfected the shades that compliment her pale skin and dark hair and opts for softened red lipstick shades and deep plums.  If you’re looking for some lipstick inspo, check out our long-lasting matte lipstick, which is available in four fabulous color combos. There’s guaranteed to be a shade that was made for you.  Fabulous fragrance When it comes to fragrance, there are a few favorites that Lily loves.  Rose makes the cut once again, then bergamot and oud. She’s usually drawn to deeper scents rather than feminine ones.  But if she had to pick a scent of choice?  La Vie Est Belle. That means “life is beautiful” in French. The scent swoops her back to her Paris-days and has her longing to be reunited with the most romantic city in the world. We can’t wait for that either, Lily! Messy hair, don’t care French women are loved (and envied) worldwide for perfecting that I-just-woke-up-like-this hair. It’s chic, but it’s not perfect. Think wind-swept runway romance.  How do they do it?!  Well, Lily seems to have perfected that Paris-hair, and guess what her secret is? She lets her hair do whatever it wants. Really. Her hair goes through a lot as an actress, constantly being colored and curled while on set. So when she’s off-duty, she keeps things super simple.  She loves Kérastase for repairing her hair, and often goes for a volumizing hair gel when she desires some extra volume.  She’s also a big fan of dry shampoo (could this woman be any cooler?). Oribe hair sprays are her favorite when she hasn’t washed her hair in a few days and needs a quick pick-me-up.  Evening rituals Lily’s evening beauty routine echoes her morning ritual. She’ll shower, get cozy on the sofa, and remove all her makeup using face wipes. Later, she rinses her face with the same gel she used in the morning and applies some face cream. When her skin feels extra dry, she opts for a quick face mask and rubs natural coconut oil into her body. Then it’s off to bed for some much-needed beauty sleep.