Bistro Chic

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It’s hardly a secret that French women are regarded as some of the most natural beauties in the world. From the time they are born, French women learn that personal appearance is something you should never neglect. Girls in France learn about the importance of beauty and, most importantly, beauty rituals from their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, cousins – it seems every woman in the family gets in on the education when it comes to beauty. And it’s not about contests, pagents, or even comparing yourself to supermodels. French women believe that beauty and taking care of one’s beauty are essential to life and what make you who you are.

This mindset has helped most French women age gracefully, year after year, and decade after decade. Just look at French celebrities Juliette Binoche, 46, Audrey Tautou, 35, and France’s first lady, Carla Bruni, 43. Although far from being considered “young” at least by American standards, they are seen as three of the sexiest French women, and all are over age 35! These are just three examples of how French women seem to defy age and look effortlessly beautiful.

So, have French women discovered the Fountain of Youth? Well, not exactly. Last week, the New York Times reported 10 ways to age like a French woman. However, I think the secret to a French woman’s beauty is based on 3 key elements:

3 Steps to Timeless French Beauty

Maintain a Healthy Weight French women may eat rich, creamy sauces and decadent desserts, but it never shows. Of course, they compensate by taking smaller portions and walking everywhere they go. As a result, most French women will maintain a relatively healthy weight their whole lives. This is key because significant weight losses and gains (ie.  yo-yo dieting) can wreak havoc on the skin and overall appearance – something American women know all too well.

Pamper Your Face and Skin According to a 2008 Mintel report, French women spend about $2.2 billion Euros a year on facial skin care – as much as Spanish, German, and British women put together. And the importance of skin care starts well before the first wrinkle. Mintel also reports that 33% of French girls between 15 and 19 already use anti-aging and wrinkle creams. And this quest for ageless looking skin continues throughout life. They are notorious for trying any and every face cream if there is a promise of younger, more beautiful looking skin. Aside from facial creams, they also shy away from harsh soaps that can damage skin. And when it comes to make-up, less is definitely more. The idea is to play up your best features and look as natural as possible. Besides, when you have great skin, who really needs make-up?

Love Yourself Although they may spend millions on skin care each year, French women know that beauty is not skin deep. Obviously, not every French woman is gorgeous or glamorous, but most will carry themselves accordingly, giving the impression, and sometimes elusion, of beauty, elegance, and grace. In other words, French women have the self-confidence and self-love to make whatever God has give them work to their utmost advantage.

Ciao!

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Women in Europe take beauty seriously. But, you may be surprised to learn that many European women rely on very age-old, natural beauty enhancers that you can find in your own pantry. Women’s Health magazine recently featured the natural beauty products that women in 20 different countries use to improve the look of their skin, hair, nails, and more. Let’s take a look at what our sisters across the pond are doing to make them gorgeous…

France – French women soak their nails in warm water and lemon juice, a practice that helps take the yellow hue out of nails that have been painted red. You all know how much French women like their red nail polish. I imagine they go though quite a few lemons as a result.

England – London girls avoid washing their hair in regular tap water because it’s full of harsh minerals that can leave hair dry and brittle. Instead, they opt for dry shampoo a few times a week. Be careful not to use too much, or you’ll end up looking like Kate Moss!

Sweden – The Swedes and the Finnish make regular trips to the sauna (many even have them in their house). The heat helps with skin circulation – oh, and it keeps them warm during the cold Swedish winters!

Italy – Apparently, women in southern Italy prefer meringue to mousse. They have been known to use whipped egg whites in their hair to offset their sun-damaged locks and to boost shine.

Turkey – Women in Turkey, particulary those with blonde or light brown hair, will rinse their hair with water that has been boiled with daises. The daisy water acts as a natural highlights booster. A Turkish Delight, indeed.

Greece – Not to be outdone by their southern neighbors, Greek women rinse their hair with rosemary water. It deep-cleans the hair and helps prevent build-up – all which helps give the hair its shiny, healthy appearance. Find out how Greek women use olive oil in their beauty routines.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to become a natural European beauty – just a trip to the grocery store! Start making your list now and have your own European Spa Weekend!

(Photo courtesy of Flickr)

French women and red lipstick are synonymous. French women have been using, even flaunting this lip shade for years – on the runways, magazines, television, and on the silver screen. The fact French women are known for bold red lips is almost cliché at this point. However, if you’re anything but French, this fashion statement is a little more challenging to pull off – unless you’re Scarlett Johansen, Gwen Stefani, or a Marilyn Monroe look-a-like. For those of us who do not fall into the French or blonde bombshell categories, we go through life with lipstick envy, settling for muted shades of mauve and peach.

But wait – not anymore! Lucky for us, advisors from the French cosmetics group, Clinique, are willing to share their secrets on how to wear red lipstick like a true French woman. Clinique, in partnership with Macy’s, will host Passport to Pretty, from May 10-20, 2010, at all participating Clinique counters. This Passport event will showcase limited beauty items that emphasize the styles of New York, Tokyo, and, of course, Paris! During the event, you can learn how to apply red lipstick like a pro and how to get the soft, subtle look of a Parisian woman, even if you’re not blonde or French! Plus, with any Clinique purchase, you will leave with a free mini-beauty kit – ooh la la!

Ciao – I’m off to Macy’s!

Cheese - in the food world, it goes with just about everything. There’s wine and cheese, cheese and chocolate, cheese and crackers – you get the picture. But cheese and facials? Hmm…that’s a new one.

Cheshire Cheese: Photo courtesy of the British Cheese Board

Actually, cheese has become increasingly popular as an ingredient in do-it-yourself beauty treatments, like scrubs and facials. It really makes sense because cheese is milk based and milk is fantastic for your skin. In fact, the British cheese known as Cheshire cheese is being touted as a naturally moisturizing, anti-wrinkle product.

Cheshire Cheesy Facts

• According to the British Cheese Board, Cheshire cheese is a semi-firm cheese that crumbles easily.
• Cheshire cheese hails from the county of Cheshire in England. Ironically, I’ve been there but I don’t remember the cheese.
• Some say Cheshire is one of England’s oldest known cheeses and, at one point, was the only cheese stocked on the ships of the British Royal Navy.
• Cheshire cheese is the UK’s best-selling cheese

A Cheshire Cheese Facial

When mixed with double cream, Cheshire cheese makes a great paste for the dry skin. Just smear it on, wait for it to dry (about 15 minutes), then gently rinse your face with warm water.

Ahh…so refreshing and slightly appetizing. Can someone pass the crackers?

And the winner of the Crabtree & Evelyn Holiday Giveaway is….

#2 Shaunah, aka Blackbird Running, who wrote: I love the La Source shampoo, conditioner and hand soap. I was treated to hotel-sized versions on vacation once, and can’t get enough!

Congratulations Shaunah! Please email your address to jennifer@bistrochic.net so that I can send you C&E’s awesome hand cream

Photo courtesy of Crabtree & Evelyn Web site

Five Fabulous Facts (FFF) about Crabtree & Evelyn:

1. C&E was founded in 1972 as a small, family business specializing in fine soaps from around the world.
2. C&E, the company, was inspired by John Evelyn, a 17th Century Englishman, who was one of Europe’s first naturalists and conservationists.
3. John Evelyn’s motto, Explore Everything. Keep the best., has served as the company’s inspiration since its inception.
4. C&E’s symbol of the crabtree is native to Britain and is prized for its lovely form and its usefulness in the home apothecary.
5. C&E has modeled its image off of the early home apothecary, or still room as it was called in England, where fresh flowers, fruits, and herbs played an integral role in life. This image can easily be seen in the company’s inventive and garden-inspired luxury bath items.

 Happy Holidays!

Bonjour! Only one more day to enter my awesome Crabtree & Evelyn Giveaway! Just look what you could win…

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, Honey, and Coriander Hand Recovery

Yes, that is right! Crabtree & Evenlyn’s Citron, Honey & Coriander hand recovery cream makes my Christmas list. But, seeing as it’s Christmas, I’m feeling rather generous and want you to enjoy this great hand cream too!  To enter the giveaway, read my Favorite European Things post from Monday, and follow the steps for entering. You have until Sunday, December 13 at 9 PM Eastern to enter. Good luck everyone!

Ciao

Last night, while enjoying an exceptionally tasty French dinner at a local bistro, my husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas. We had just ended a 7 hour shopping spree, buying holiday gifts for everyone (including my husband) – everyone but me. So naturally, when he finally asked moi what I wanted, I stopped for a second – ok it was more like an hour – to think about all of the things I wanted this year.

Typically, I don’t ask for much, if anything. I can usually buy most things I want throughout the year, so asking for something specific at Christmas doesn’t seem necessary. I’d actually rather give gifts than receive them (funny how things change when you’re an adult!).

But then, I started dreaming of a trip to Paris, London, and/or Barcelona. However, because neither of us has the time nor disposable income for this, my dream was shattered or at least put on hold. I began to think more in terms of what things we could actually afford but would still bring a little bit of Europe into my life – because, as you all know, that is the reason for the existence of this blog.

When thinking about all of the European things that I love or things that remind me of Europe, a few little lovelies immediately came to mind. So, the list below goes out to my awesome and very generous husband, but it can also be used as a reference for anyone who wants to enjoy the small, but very European things, in life, without taking out a second mortgage.

A Few of My Favorite European Things 

• Tea: Harney and Sons is my favorite tea brand – Paris or English Breakfast anyone?
• Fancy Chocolates: I love truffles and other fancy chocolates but rarely buy them because they are so expensive. What am I thinking? It’s Christmas! Bring on the Vosges!
• French Macaroons: Oh my, what I wouldn’t give to find a super easy and failsafe recipe for French macaroons! But, until then, I’ll take a few from Vanille in Chicago. A perfect stocking stuffer, don’t you think?
• English Toffee: There are numerous kinds of English Toffee on the market these days, but the best English toffee I’ve ever tasted was from Enstrom. It absolutely melted in my mouth and left me wanting more – and believe me, I DID eat more! 
• Cookbooks: My husband and I love the Williams Sonoma cookbook series. I would love to add the French and Mediterranean books to our collection – hint, hint…

And last but not least...

• Bath and Body - I just love the French bath and body products from L’Occitane, especially its verbena hand creams and hand soaps. But I would love to try their new Savons de Provence. As for my love of all things British, Crabtree & Evelyn products are at the top of my list! One of my favorite things to do when holiday shopping is to walk into a C&E store to browse all of their latest collections, and savor my favorites, like the citron, honey, and coriander products. This collection fulfills two of my musts in body products: they are naturally made and smell of honey and lemon – perfection!
  

  Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, Honey, and Coriander Hand Remedy

Crabtree & Evelyn Holiday Giveaway!

And, speaking of gourmet English gifts, the team at Crabtree & Evelyn was nice enough to send over a few samples of their holiday collections for me to try…

Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Hand Care Caddy: Noel Collection

C&E’s Noel Collection was designed with the idea of a traditional English Christmas in mind. The infusers, candles, and scented scented oils are a perfect blend of mulling spices, cranberry, orange, and balsam. In a separate holiday line, the Windsor Forest collection leaves you with the scent of a fresh Christmas tree in the air – what could be more festive than that?

Crabtree & Evelyn Windsor Forest Candles

And if reading about all of these amazing products wasn’t enough, I’m giving away one of Crabtree & Evelyn’s classic hand creams! After all, ’tis the season for giving!

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, Honey, and Coriander Hand Recovery

One very fortunate reader will receive C&E Hand Recovery cream from the citron, honey, and coriander collection. This cream is perfect for extra dry hands. And, with all of the hand washing going on these days to protect us from the flu and other illness, I’m sure all of our hands are a bit dryer than normal. I’ve tried the sister product, the Rejuvenating Hand Remedy, which left my hands feeling extremely soft and smelling of lemons – loved it!

Directions for Giveaway Entry:

1. Visit the Crabtree and Evelyn site AND
2. Leave a comment on this post telling me either a) which C&E product you like the most (assuming you’ve used the products before) OR b) what it is you MOST want for Christmas. 
3. US or Canadian Entries only, please.

Yes, it’s that simple!

Please send me your comments by Sunday, December 13, at 9 PM Eastern and I’ll announce the random winner on Monday, December 14. OK, ready, steady, go!

So, now that I have my list set, it’s all up to good ‘old Father Christmas and Pere Noel – wink, wink!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Hey Bistro Chic Readers! Be sure to stop by on Monday, December 7 for details about my first ever giveaway…a special holiday giveaway from Crabtree & Evelyn!

In honor of the giveaway, I thought I’d share some news about a fellow apple…

Have you heard? A Swiss apple a day, may keep the wrinkles at bay ….

….or at least reduce the ones that you already have.

The benefits of eating apples and other fresh fruit have been engrained in us since we were children. Science has even shown apples can help with the prevention of diabetes and obesity – two very real chronic conditions facing many Americans today. That’s quite impressive for such an ordinary fruit.

The “Secret” Life of Apples…

But, new research about a specific kind of Swiss apple may have many adults, particularly women, singing the praises of this portable powerhouse. In a new study, published in the Journal of Applied Sciences, Swiss researchers found that the rare Swiss apple, known as Uttwiler Splatlauber, may hold the secret to wrinkle-free, youthful skin. I’ll take 10 bushels please!!

This rare species of apple first gained attention because, unlike most apples, it was known to go for months without withering. Recognizing the apple’s potential benefits on humans and their skin, the Swiss research team studied the apple and found that it contained PhytoCelltec Malus Domestica, a “rock star” in the world of stem cells, known for its long-living tissue. To determine the benefits of this specific apple-based stem cell, scientists tested a cream enriched with the powerful stem cell on 20 women who used the cream twice daily. Results showed that crows feat was reduced up to 15 percent after 4 weeks.

Apples Are Celebs BFF

Not surprisingly, these results have impressed cosmetics companies enough to have them create their own skin care lines using the extract from the apple. According to the Daily Mail, Helen Mirren and Jennifer Lopez are fans of the apple, while even First Lady Michelle Obama is said to use a costly serum that includes the apple extract. Hey, if it’s good enough for the First Lady, it’s good enough for me!

It is not known whether just eating the apple can help prevent or lessen the effects of wrinkles. Yet, if this apple extract really does work – you can forget the diamonds because apples may just be a woman’s new best friend.

Ciao!

Bonjour!

We’ve all heard the adage that Style Never Goes Out of Fashion. Well, no one personifies this idea more than a French woman. From Bridget Bardot to Audrey Toutou, French women have achieved global notoriety in areas of fashion, femininity, and a true French chic style.

This idea of style seems to have been handed down from generation to generation among French women. Although modern French women do their best to create their own signature look, most tend to follow the classic elements of style, ones that make her look seem effortlessly chic, effortlessly French. 

To illustrate this idea of the classic French chic style, take a look at this trés chic video produced by VideoJug. Here you will get a first-hand account of fashion and style from a French woman herself…

So, as you can see, in order to achieve the French chic style you need to…

1. Start with the Basics – Buy classic, timeless pieces of clothing, particularly in black, and then add to them with jewelry, scarves, shoes, etc
2. Wear dresses – According to our throaty French friend “they are your best friend”.
3. Choose style over comfort – It’s better to be a little uncomfortable for the sake of style. This means you may need to wear a size too small or wear heels that are higher than you’re used to.
4. Accessorize – Master the art of wearing long chunky beads as well as tying a scarf in several ways.
5. Use Make-up – But keep it subtle. A bit of blush, a bit of mascara, a bit of lipstick, and a lot of passion is what you need. 
6. Create the Image – A French woman is feminine, confident, graceful, and elegant. Everything you wear and do should reflect this. 

However, I highly suggest you do not include cigarettes as part of your image or style. To me, that just screams Amy Winehouse, more than an eyeliner/eyeshadow combination any day.

Ciao!

When you think of retro what do you think of? I think of leg warmers, acid-washed jeans, and Flock of Seagulls hairstyles. But, one thing that I don’t think of is toothpaste. Until about a month ago that is.

It was about that time that I received a sample of Couto, a toothpaste from Portugal. When I learned that the toothpaste was from Europe I jumped at the chance to try it. Me, pass up a European beauty product? Nunca!

A little investigative work…

Before trying it, I wondered…if Couto was a brand of Portugal, did Brazilians use it too? After all, they speak Portuguese. I asked my American-based Brazil blogger, Gigi, if she knew anything about this couture brand. She reported back that none of her Brazil-born friends had ever heard of the brand. I guess that answers THAT question.

But, Gigi also brought up a very interesting point. She asked why this toothpaste was considered retro or couture. I emailed the company asking MANY questions about the product. Here’s the scoop..

The Couto story…

Couto toothpaste was created by a pharmacy manager in Portugal in the early 1930s. Back then, this toothpaste delivered the Portuguese from all things dentally evil. It is still quite the standard in Portuguese homes today and its use can be compared to Crest or Colgate in the US. It is also used in Spain but more as a specialty toothpaste. But still, what makes it vintage? The classic taste and cool packaging of course!!

Because I am a journalist at heart, after trying the toothpaste, I asked myself 3 questions.

What do I really like about the toothpaste?

• It has a very clean, fresh taste. Think of a mix of black liquorice and green Double Mint gum. My mouth was singing praises to me for hours! 
• It has a very smooth, nongritty texture.
• The paste is NOT made with any animal products which of course I LOVE.
• The very chic packaging. It would definitely be a conversation piece.
• It is from Europe. Nuff said.

What don’t I like about the toothpaste?

• It is rather expensive compared to standard US brands.
• Although the Couto folks say that it will keep gums and teeth, I still wonder if it will keep them as healthy as US brands. After all, it’s not approved by the ADA.
• It only comes in one flavor/type, but I guess that’s the beauty of being vintage.

Would I buy it?

• YES – I would definitely buy it if I saw it in a European store or as a novelty gift for a person who loves Euro products, AND
• NO – I don’t think I would by this on a regular basis, mainly because of the caveats I mentioned above.

If you are interested in buying this couture Portuguese brand of toothpaste here is the US, you can find it at Fred Segal, Gus Mayer, and Bigelow Chemists.

Happy (Retro) Brushing Everyone!