When summer rolls along, and temperatures start to climb, no one wants to be wearing layers of foundation and heavy mascara, unless they want to resemble a racoon by the end of the day. Our bodies sweat and our faces melt. Instead, we prefer discreet lashes and tinted lips that beat the heat. Here are some subtle makeup tricks and tips to survive the blaze and still look good.

Eyes are the windows to our soul, as the saying goes, hence why we particularly like highlighting them. For summer, if you do not want to apply any mascara at all, reach for an eye-lash curler and give some natural volume to your lashes. If you still want some color on your eyes but cannot be bothered to reapply mascara on the daily, we recommend getting your lashes tinted. The tint lasts for about three weeks and is very low maintenance, perfect for summertime. Finally, if you want to wear mascara, reach for a waterproof version of your favorite one, like this Better than Sex Waterproof mascara by Too Faced.  

Your brows can easily frame your face if properly filled in. For those that like to fill in their brows even in the summertime, it is a good idea to grab a waterproof one that will last through the heat without moving. Anastasia’s Beverly Hills Dipbrow Gel for example, comes in nine different tints to perfectly match your brows with its light gel formula.

For a no-fuss touch of color on your lips that will not risk budging because of the hot weather, we recommend long lasting lip tints. They cover your lips discreetly by enhancing your natural shade, like Benefit’s Benetint, which can also be used for your cheeks. For a nighttime appropriate look, switch to a glittery version, such as the Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint by Nars, which also has hydrating properties.

Finally, your complexion. We all want our skin to look dewy and clear, but it can be harder during hot spells to apply our usual foundation. To protect your face and provide coverage, switch out your foundation for a tinted sunscreen. It is very important to shield your skin from the sun’s rays, not only in the summer but all year long, with a product like First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repairing Tinted Cream. It comes in 5 shades, contains vitamin E to nourish your skin, and FSP 30.

Article by Inès Huet

Invisible to the naked eye, yet capable of bringing back the most vivid memories, smells have a subtle magic about them. Associated to past lovers, our beloved grandmother, a certain place or a specific holiday, they act as olfactive landmarks. No wonder we search for the perfect perfume, that one smell that we will want to wear for years, as if it were created specifically for us. A subtle fragrance that will become a part of our identity. But how exactly does one find the right perfume?

Let’s start by discussing the different types of perfumes available. You will probably have noticed the tendency to organize perfumes according to gender: certain smells have been labeled as masculine (wood, musc, pepper) and will be placed in the men’s section, whereas others are considered feminine (rose, vanilla, candy) and will be found in the women’s aisle. Needless to say, you do not have to abide by these gender prescriptions. Certain brands also offer unisex options, like Calvin Klein’s CK One or Hermès’ fruit perfumes. Scents can also be categorized by the predominant smell they are composed of: a floral, fruity or woody element. You can try narrowing down your search according to a specific flower or fruit you like, such as jasmine, orange blossom, or lemon zest.  

To find a fragrance that speaks to you, start out by trying lots of perfumes at random and identifying the elements you like. Or, think of smells that evoke positive things for you, and that you would feel comfortable wearing.

Try it out on your skin. Once you find a perfume you really like on the paper tester, spritz it on yourself to see if it also suits your skin. Indeed, perfumes change in interaction with our skin, altering the scent in a positive or negative way. Also allow the smell to develop, throughout the hours a perfume reveals different notes, the top notes are those perceptible at the beginning, heart at the middle, and base notes at the end. A perfume that smells good at the beginning, might develop into something less pleasant within an hour.

Think about the intensity of the smell you want to wear: parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, or cologne are all different in their concentration level, and also in how long they will last. Eau de parfum is very concentrated, whereas eau de toilette is lighter, and eau de cologne even more so. Cologne tends to be more appropriate for the summer, for its lightness.

Do not be afraid to explore perfumer shops. Sephora offers a wide variety of perfumes, but there are also lots of specialized perfumers and brands that create original scents that less people will be likely to wear. For instance, Jo Malone is famous for its colognes, Diptyque for its eaux de parfums. There are also perfume classics, such as J’adore de Dior, Chloé by Chloé, or La Petite Robe Noire by Guerlain, if you are looking for something timeless.

Once you find a scent you love, spritz it on your wrists, on you neck and behind your knees, all points of warmth that will easily keep the smell. You can also put it on your clothes, whose fabric will also make the fragrance last longer.

You know you’ve found the right perfume when not only do you love it, but people immediately think of you when they smell it!

Article by Inès Huet

Tattoos may seem like trivial drawings on people’s skin, or like just another new trend that will come and go. Yet, they can also have a great impact. Tattoos can change our relationship to our bodies, helping us to love and accept it; they can be healing in cases of trauma or loss; mark important events or experiences; be humorous. They can be meaningful, simply funny or decorative: every tattoo is different and unique. No surprise then, if you want to get one yourself. Here we review some important things to know before taking the plunge!

First, think about why you want to get one. If you simply want a tattoo because it is trendy, it might be best not to get one, as trends come and go: by very definition they do not last, whereas your tattoo is permanent. Take your time thinking about it, waiting to be sure is also a good way to know you are certain you will want the design on your body forever. Once you are positive you want to get a tattoo comes the fun part: figuring out a design and finding the right tattoo artist.

The design

You have the choice between two options when getting a tattoo: doing a personal project or choosing from a flash. A flash is a design the tattoo artist drew himself, because he likes the design. Some think flashes are devoid of meaning, but they can on the contrary be the perfect way to find a drawing that corresponds to a project you have in mind but do not know how to express visually. On the other hand, a personal project is one you submit to your tattooer, who will then imagine a design that corresponds to what you have asked him: he is designing it specifically for you. If you want your own drawing tattooed, know that all tattooers do not accept tattooing designs that are not theirs. Instead, they might prefer to take your drawing as a base and rework it in their style.

Be respectful of tattoo artists’ work: do not bring in a design you saw from another tattooer and ask to have it copied, this is stealing. The same applies if you want to get an illustration tattooed: if possible, check with the artist whether this is okay with them, and if they have a specific policy when it comes to tattoo. Also, flashes are only tattooed once, most artists refuse to tattoo the same design twice. If you like a drawing that has already been tattooed, you can ask for them to rework it for you.

Finding the right artist

Instagram is one of the best places to find a tattooer you will like: this social network acts as a portfolio for most artists now. With Instagram you can find an artist whose style you like and see his work. Make sure to check if they also have healed pictures of the tattoos: most artists will ask their clients to send in healed pictures a month or more after getting it done. Generally, pictures you see on IG are taken right after the tattoo has been done, when it is looking very fresh and clean. Seeing how it ages is important to know the tattoo artist’s technique is on point.

Tattoos do not come cheap; they are expensive because they are an investment. You are paying a lot to make sure your tattoo will last in time and look good while ageing.

Know that artists can be permanent residents at a tattoo studio, but they can also move around and be a guest at another studio. Tattooers often travel around the world, guesting at different shops: so, if you see an artist whose work you love but who is from another country, know he might come to yours at some point.

Machine or hand poked?

There are two different techniques possible when getting a tattoo: you can have it done with a machine or be hand poked (also referred to as stick and poke). When you get a tattoo with a machine, the tattooer is using a tattoo gun that has several needles at the end. If you get a hand poked tattoo, your tattooer is using a single needle and poking the ink into your skin with his hand: this can make for thinner more detailed lines. Some even say that getting a hand poked tattoo can be less painful than a machine one.

The day of

When you go in to get your tattoo, make sure you are properly rested. Bring loose clothes and something to eat/drink at the appointment. Be careful that everything is properly cleaned and disinfected: your tattoo artist should change his gun needles, disinfect his tools and his stations, clean his hands, use new gloves, disinfect your skin, etc…. A tattoo is an open wound, it is essential not to have it get infected.

Everyone’s pain level is different, and certain zones hurt more than others. A pain chart can be useful in seeing which areas are the most sensitive.

A tattoo takes around a month to heal: your tattooer will tell you what products to use on it, and how to wash it. Listen to his/her guidelines and make sure to respect them. You might have to go in a month later and get your tattoo touched up, since certain lines can fade during healing.

After it’s healed, continue taking care of it: protect it from the sun and hydrate it from time to time, to keep it looking good.

Happy tattooing!

Article by Inès Huet

We are all about sun protection, to prevent sunburns, skin cancer and wrinkles. However, it can be really hard to find a sunscreen that does not feel sticky, greasy or uncomfortable when applied. We decided to rise to the challenge of finding the perfect sunscreen, below some our favorite finds!

The Caudalie SPRAY SOLAIRE LACTÉ

This spray has a light, non-sticky texture for an optimal protection against UV rays. Not only is it hydrating, but it also quenches sensitive skin. You can use it on your face and body, for a luminous natural glow!

The Nuxe Solar Spray

For a water and sweat proof sunscreen option, turn to Nuxe’s Solar Spray. Its fluid texture makes it easy to apply and be protected from UVB and UVA rays.

Anthelios XL by La Roche-Posay

La Roche Posay’s invisible mist is ultra-thin, for a non-sticky, super sheer finish. It is perfect for sensitive skins that tend to have sun allergies. With its SPF 50, it offers full protection.

Lush’s SunBlock

Apply your sunblock directly in the shower with this SunBlock made wih organic sesame oil. And cacao butter. The oil melts upon contact with your skin and is really easy to apply. Keep somewhere cool, away from heat!

We hope this selection will help you pick the right sunscreen for you!

Article by Inès Huet

Are you tired of coming back from your summer vacation with your hair dry and full of split ends? We use sunscreen on our faces and bodies, but our skin is not the only thing that needs protecting from the sun. The heat also has a tendency to damage our hair, rendering it lifeless. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening, with a pre-beach routine.

Protective hair oil

Applying protective oil to your mane before you go out in the sun or take a dip in the sea can really make a difference. Not only does it protect your hair, it also hydrates your ends, improving the overall aspect of your strands. We recommend this version by Leonor Greyl, which also happens to be waterproof!

Do a keratin treatment

Our hair and nails are made up of keratin, to repair your hair and protect it from sea and pool water, we recommend doing a keratin hair mask. We guarantee your hair will feel softer and stronger after this step.

Avoid dying your hair

It is no secret that getting highlights or coloring your hair can really dry it out. If you are going on vacation, you should avoid going to the salon beforehand, unless it is to chop off your damaged ends. If you really cannot wait to get your hair dyed, plan to get it done at least 3 weeks before your departure.

Sun protection for your hair

Invest in a sun protection for your hair, as you would for your face and body. Yves Rocher has an SPF 15 hair oil which works wonders and can be applied on your hair and body!

Use aloe vera shampoo

Aloe vera is famous for its hydrating properties. Using a shampoo that contains aloe vera before you leave for the beach or after you come back from it, can really help nourish your scalp and rid it of any impurities. We particularly like Christophe Rodin’s shampoo.

With all of these tips, get ready for the best summer hair!

Article by Inès Huet

For some reason, we can all admit that it is just easier to exercise in the summer. Suns out, buns out! Paris offers many different kinds of yoga and fitness classes. It’s such a good way to get involved in a community and meet new like-minded people. All classes are English friendly!

Moda Yoga 

Moda yoga studio offers hot yoga classes to beginners and experienced yogis! They are committed to protecting the planet, wanting to create more peace in the world and having fun and stimulating yoga sessions. 

Midtown Studio

This gym has the ultimate boot camp workouts to sculpt and tone your body. It is the first gym in Paris to create an indoor boot camp studio. Their training is very energetic, positive and emotionally stimulating. 

Dynamo Cycling 

Dynamo brings on a whole new meaning of cycling. This studio is all about indoor cycling that connects the body and mind in rhythm with the music. It’s the perfect mix of a challenging workout and while still having a blast. 

Article by Katie Chaplin