Why French Women Age Better Than the Rest of Us
We, like most people, looooove French women. They’re polished but slightly undone, sexy but sophisticated, they like to eat cheese and drink wine, and they don’t use soap. Needless to say we were excited to read this link-baity New York Times piece about French women’s secrets to aging well. From the Times:
Even the average Frenchwoman … seems to defy the notion that, as one grows older, you either have to disguise that process with Botox, eye-lifts, [and] lip plumpers … or else just give up altogether and let the ravages of time take their toll.
The article has some “secrets” I wholeheartedly endorse. In addition to said soap abstention, I also like the idea of less-is-more makeup, ritualizing self-care, and not underestimating the mood-boosting power of a really hot bra. Which is kind of an awesome message, because it’s something most of us can do without shooting stuff into our foreheads.
I love massaging with lotions and oils, dabbing on special eye creams, doing weekly green tea face masks, preparing home-made scrubs that smell like cookies (mmmm vanilla) and then using them to diligently soften skin in the shower. I doubt I’ll age better than anyone else, but I’ll feel better doing it that way—and I think that’s the point.
What are your rituals?
Friday Ritual: Hot Herbal baths w/ almond clay facial masks & Terressentials clay hair masks followed by all-over Shea Butter. Evening Ritual: Tea with Honey and Whole Milk for a restful night of sleep
I need to get me some of these rituals. I know from reading “Not Just A Pretty Face” that Europe has much stricter regulation on their health and beauty products and I wouldn’t be suprised if that has a lot to do with it as well.
Such a great NYT article. I’m not sure that it only applies to French women though. I’ve known a number of European countries to be focused on the concept of self-care. If you aren’t happy & healthy, then there is no way that you can help anyone be happy or healthy. In other words, love yourself before you love others. In America, we consistently put others first, but if we just took 10 minutes to ourselves each day, more and more people would realize just how strong of an impact self-care can have. Also, I think that Europeans (in this case, the French), seem to have their priorities straight: good food, good friends, good life. Yes, they have jobs just like everyone else, but they don’t spend 60+ hours a week there! Life is a balance & they highly respect that … even the companies, too!
I wish I could say that I have my own strong personal rituals, but I don’t. Instead, I make sure to use all-natural & organic products – and as few of them as possible. I am sure to brush my teeth & wash my face each day, showering every other day. I NEVER rush through my showers, giving my scalp a mini-massage each time. I’d like to develop a ritual to dry-brush my skin each time before I shower – that seems to elegant!
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article
it was very interesting to read nomoredirtylooks.com
I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?
Yes quote away! Our handle on twitter is nodirtylooks
Having lived in Geneva (surrounded by the French) for most of my life, I can agree. But someone already posted a note with their secrets on the age-well.org website, so the secret’s already out. :-)