MENG HAUT ASS DAT WAERT! (The skin you're in ..)

#MUSTHAVE #DONTLEAVEHOMEWITHOUTIT #SPF #GUDDEMOIEN

There are some beauty products I can easily do without (blush f.ex.) BUT I NEVER leave the house sans Sunscreen (and nor should you)

I am a light-skinned Northern European, using SPF is a MUST. Over the years, I tried many products before settling for these two:

1) Face, Neck - CHANEL UV Essentiel Complete Sunscreen SPF50
Chanel describes this as the “skin’s guardian angel”. It is oil-free and lightweight with a pleasant non-obtrusive smell. It is not chalky (although it contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide) and glides on easily. The only drawback is the price tag: $55 1 fl oz

2) Rest of the body - Anthelios by Laroche-Posay. I purchased Anthelios suncare products in France long before the FDA finally approved their sale in the US. High SPF, fragrance/paraben free, water resistant and tolerance tested on sensitive skin. 

Anthelios products are recommended and endorsed by the The Skin Cancer Foundation and by many dermatologists. Reasonable price range.
Only drawback: white residue on my face and my pores tend to get clogged (even with the Fluide and the Mineral) (doesn't happen with the Chanel UV Essentiel)

Both Chanel and La Roche-Posay offer a vast range of sun care products. Check them out.

D’KLEEDER MAACHEN D’LEIT! (Paris – part 2)

I am not a fan of fast fashion chains (I highly recommend reading "Overdressed" by Elizabeth L. Cline) à la H&M, Forever21, Old Navy, Zara, etc. For one, the ethical issues (pollution, toxic chemicals, labor rights and conditions…) are hard to ignore. Moreover, I prefer investing in my wardrobe, making sure my garments have a great fit and stand the test of time. Quality over quantity!

This said, if you are on a budget, shopping at a value retailer is often a solution and truth be told, at some point or another, most of us have bought inexpensive staples. The trick is to find items that hold their shape, don't shrivel or fall apart after the first washing/dry-cleaning and are able to endure a few fashion cycles. Enter Massimo Dutti (owned by Zara's parent company Inditex).

I visited their Champs-Elysées location and was pleasantly surprised:

a) Gorgeous window displays; an inviting, sleek store design

b) Staff was extraordinarily nice and helpful

c) Large selection of clothing, footwear and accessories (men, women, kids)

d) Free tailoring on full priced items

e) The clothing is on trend rather than trendy, very wearable and well-made (high-end fabrics f.ex. cashmere, silk, etc. but not top quality (there is a reason why a Loro Piana sweater retails for $600+) and all within a comfortable price range ($100+ sweater and shirts; $200+ blazers; $300+ coats)

From a stylistic point of view, Massimo Dutti is a cross between Banana Republic (classic cuts) and J.Crew (colors and choice) paired with an European sensibility.

I bought a tweed & leather jacket and a silk tunic and wore them later in the evening to great acclaim. While I might not become a regular Massimo Dutti customer, I will definitely check out their recently opened Midtown NYC store  (their first venture in the US) and the exclusive-to-NYC limited edition collection. 

Massimo Dutti currently has over 270 stores in 23 countries. 
Luxembourg location: 37, Grand Rue, Luxembourg-Ville 

If you don't have a boutique in your area, shop online. 

(article first published on Gudde Moien Facebook page on October 19, 2012)

OP D’REES! (Paris – part 1)

Ah Paris, my home for so many years and the city of my ancestors (my genealogy traces back to three generations of Parisians). To say that I love the City of Lights would be an understatement. 

One of my guilty pleasures is shopping at the Para-pharmacy. These French drugstores are treasure troves stockpiled with top-notch, no nonsense creams, lotions, balms, sunscreen and heavenly perfumed soaps. Next to the now-ubiquitous brands like Caudalie, Nuxe, LaRoche Posay, T. LeClerc, Vichy, Embryolisse (lauded by every blogger worth his/her name in print) etc. you can find lesser known, no frill skin and health care products at very affordable prices. Luckily I visit Paris several times a year for business and pleasure which allows me to stock up regularly on my beauty products and discover new must haves.

First up, AMILAB:

I purchased the Baume a Levres (Lip Balm) and the Lait Corporel Peaux Normales et Seches (Body Lotion for Normal and Dry Skin). Both are terrific and at 3 resp. 9 € a bargain!!

- The lip balm has quickly become one of my favorites. It is very hydrating (I use it at night) with a light orange scent. A runner-up but not a substitute for my all time favorite Brew lip balm (read my review) from Skincando. 

- The body lotion for dry skin is non-greasy, absorbs quickly and leaves my skin soft to the touch. This is an effective moisturizer and a  great everyday lotion.

Amilab products can be found in most para-pharmacies f.ex. www.matroussapara.com  or www.amazon.com (US customers)  

Next, ROGE CAVAILLES:

I have rarely used traditional bar soap as I suffer from dry and hyper-sensitive skin prone to dehydration and irritation until I discovered Rogé Cavaillès Savon Surgras Extra Doux Amande Verte (Extra mild Green Almond Surgras Soap by Rogé-Cavaillès for sensitive skin)

“Specially formulated for washing sensitive and delicate skin while respecting the cutaneous integrity. Rogé Cavaillès is the historical brand for body hygiene. Acknowledged leader for more than 80 years, the brand has dedicated its expertise and seriousness to the quality of its products, for the care of sensitive skin.”

The scent is pleasant and not overpowering, my skin felt surprisingly soft and moist without the usual tightness. Well worth 4 € (very inexpensive compared to Kiehl's (a skincare company I am very fond of) and much more luxurious than US drugstore brands Eucerin or Aveeno.

Available at most para-pharmacies throughout France f.ex. www.lecomptoirsante.com

US customers: a limited range of Cavaillès products can be found on Amazon

Last but certainly not least, URIAGE:

I am a regular thermal water user regardless of the weather (within reason of course, I don't spray my face with water in sub-zero temperatures but limit the use to the indoors).

Having hypersensitive, Rosacea-prone skin means anything and everything can irritate my epidermis (too hot, too cold, too dry, etc.). Thermal water, in most cases, has a calming effect.

I have used for years La Roche-Posay, Avene and Vichy sprays to mixed results (some leave a film on my skin, others might dry it out) but when the cute French pharmacist recommended Uriage Eau Thermale pour Peaux Sensibles especially formulated for someone like me who also suffers from various allergies I immediately put it to the test. To my surprise, Uriage water calmed my Rosacea-induced flare-ups within minutes without leaving a sticky residue. It also helped me avoid major embarrassment when I suffered from a sudden sneezing attack in the middle of the cosmetics floor at Les Galeries Lafayette. Call me a convert, from now on only Uriage thermal spray will do.

From the Uriage website:

"For 20 years, Uriage Thermal Water has been packaged at the source to offer you its many benefits, every day!

Properties

Uriage Thermal Water is packaged at the source, in a clean room environment; with no added preservatives or fragrance, it fully retains its natural wealth and original purity.

Assets

Uriage Thermal Water is a skincare water for daily use, a powerful cure treatment of trace elements and minerals, a source of radiance for your skin.

A treatment water to moisturize

This is the only thermal spa water with moisturizing benefits, thanks to its high concentration in minerals similar to the skin’s NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factors).

A treatment water to relieve

Redness, irritation, diaper rash, minor surgical procedures, itching, sunburn, razor burn for men.

A treatment water to protect

With its anti-free radical power.

A treatment water to soften

Its filmogenic property leaves the skin soft and velvety-smooth.

A treatment water to improve makeup wear

In the morning and at any time of the day!"

6,20 € for 300 ml at www.monguidesante.com

US Customers can buy it at www.omorfiashop.com 

Model: Hannah S.; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

ECH SINN ZERECK! (Did you miss me?)

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I finally returned from my various trips (Istanbul, Paris, Mexico and a hectic 24-hour-stay in Luxembourg). My team and I have posted regularly on the Gudde Moien Facebook page and kept you apprised of my/our latest discoveries, finds and impressions.

We are looking forward to sharing more incredible experiences with you.