Should credit be given to the french-praising authors of books like "French Women Don't Get Fat" (which I am gulity owner of) and the french-founded glossies like Elle and Marie-Claire influencing the malleable minds of beautyphiles? Or could it be that this enviable distinction is just a simple FACT?
Let me try to find out.
The Happy Spectator (THS) was invited to spend an afternoon of ooh la la la at la Maison Guerlain, dubbed as the jewellers in the Art of Skincare since its founding in 1828 by Pierre-Francois Pascal Guerlain, a famous chemist for "precious beauty potions".
an ancient style compress powder/foundation made in 1918
He became official supplier of custom perfumes to crowned heads of Europe and eventually created Eau de Cologne Impériale (1853) for Empress Eugenie! Also, I was impressed by the brand's devotion to research and innovation upon knowing their Orchidarium in China to be the center of most of the natural raw materials in its skincare line and perfumes.
sample orchid extract for its anti-ageing l'Orchidée Impériale skincare
Admittedly, as an eczema-prone, rare user of luxe beauty creams, I attended this press visit with limited consumer knowledge of Guerlain except for the Terracotta Bronzing Powder(thanks to my older sister whom I would religiously watch apply make up on herself when I was younger) and their recent endorser, Nathalie Vodianova. Although I had a big hunch that by the end of the day, I would be a Guerlain convert or at least return to the husband with that "french glow".`
At their neo-classical Marais boutique decked in black and gold, I couldn't help myself from wondering which among their products would unlock the french treasure.
a less intimidating store facade than the Champs Élysées' branch, alluring many window shoppers
grand perfume organ at flagship boutique, La Maison Guerlain, along Champs Élysées
From the Terracotta line to the display of iconic fragrances dating back to 1904 to their successful l'Orchidée Impériale, there was too much eye candy.
a preserved 1904 bottle of Mouchoir de Monsieur, perfume for men
unique way of getting a whiff of each perfume: sniff the funnel!
Their latest lipstick, Rouge G de Guerlain, based solely on its packaging, is what I call silver sophistication. Designed by jeweller, Lorenz Baumer, it also serves as a chic powder case. Seriously ladies, its case alone had me at "first-glance". I tried my friend's during a dinner inside the ladies room and mid-way through its application, I thought that it would have been sweeter to do it in public! Haha! This lipstick encapsulates
s-e-x-i-n-e-s-s and is a definite win in getting everyone's attention.
39,0 € in 25 shades
Among the many rich fragrances which almost got me dizzy, I preferred Cologne du 68. Even if my nose was on olfactory overload with the melange(mix) of perfumes, it was refreshing to smell the scent's subtle composition of 68 ingredients. Plus, since it is unisex, I actually entertained the idea of sharing it with my husband. Cheesy, me.
Angelique Noire or Cuir Beluga are must-buys for perfume junkies. seductive & unique scents! 155,0 euros 70ml
So are products like these hidden in the secret drawer of every très belle descendant of Joan d'Arc? Is it a matter of having the money to purchase it all? What have the french women been doing for centuries to maintain this fresh look?
Then came the words of a wise french woman, Sylvaine Delacourte, Guerlain's Director of Perfume Development and former make-up specialist. Deeply rooted in the luxury world since 1994, she shed some light on the basic truths of beauty care for the french woman.
- To simply put it, you can't put on beautiful make-up WITHOUT HAVING BEAUTIFUL SKIN.
- Education and investment on SKINCARE are the rules by which the french play.
- Make-up must be quick and efficient.
After hearing these statements, I laughed knowing it was pure logic. Instead of spending time in applying the latest shade of whichever tint on your face, FIRST take the time to STUDY the needs of your skin. Then, match it with a daily application of preventive, hydrating creams and proper cleansing. It's simple maintenance. Et voila, c'est tout (that's all).
But for a low-maintenance gal like myself, let's hope that an increased water intake, no alcohol and a touch of Terracotta Bronzing Powder will do and still bring out "my happy glow". Plus, a spray of Guerlain perfume, of course.
Useful Tips:
- For your fragrance to last all day and night, in the morning, apply perfume behind the ears, inner side of wrists, inner part of your elbows and a spray of eau de toilette on the back and chest areas. This is guaranteed yumminess.
- Best way to test a fragrance after spraying it on your skin is by using fabric, specifically cashmere or silk.
- To give your nose a rest during perfume sampling, sniff on coffee beans; granted the store provides it.
- If you are having difficulty choosing a perfume, there are ways to simplify the selection process like by doing an association sample test as seen below.
THS would like to thank Luxasia and Guerlain Paris.
For inquiries on Guerlain products available in Metro Manila, Philippines, you may call Rustans Makati & Shangri-La Mall 633-46-36 loc. 122
Guerlain Marais Boutique
10, rue des Francs-Bourgeois
75003 Paris
75003 Paris
Tel 01 53 01 02 00
La Maison Guerlain Boutique
68, avenue des Champs-Elysees
75008 Paris
75008 Paris
Tel 01 45 62 52 57
