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Monday, 12 December 2011

my beauty 'must haves' for holiday survival...


image shot in paris on the rue de grenelle - vicki archer

The festive season is a little like a marathon... a start full of fire and purpose... but without a modicum of pace, the race slows and we loose our puff. I have never been about pacing myself... I know I should... but it's never happened so far, so it is unlikely to now. The holidays are a busy time for all of us... busy planning, busy working and busy celebrating... The most important person in the whole schedule... that gets left behind... is us. Who has time to follow their regular beauty routines?... Not me... Shortcuts and quick fixes are what I need at this time of year... My can't-live-without skincare, my 5 star beauty picks, my save-the-face-day products are easy to use and allow me to feel in control even if I'm not...

This is a new find for me recommended by my Parisian friend Joy who knows about all things French and all things beauty. I have never been a big fan of Clarins but when my pal tells me Parisian secrets... well... I listen...She mentioned that les femmes Parisiennes were going crazy for this serum  and that I should try it... that it really made a difference... I did... It did... and I love it.... I use it both day and night...especially at this time of year... and it makes my skin feel soft, smooth and dewy ... that is a miracle in itself.. Spoil yourself this Christmas... 

These are an amazing pick-me-up... as good as a professional treatment and perfect to travel with. Try them before you go out, but leave plenty of time for the magic ingredients to work... Don't forget to squeeze the residue out of the sachet for your hands.... You will know what I mean when you try this mask...

Tish, another girl clued up on the French beauty know how, is a fan of this product. She is absolutely right... it is brilliant.. The packaging isn't pretty nor memorable but nor does it have the same price tag as the more bien connu brands... This cream leaves the skin feeling silky but without residue and almost plumped... Gold stars for this one and plus it has sun protection... which really works... I tested it over the summer and can say that I remained burning blush free... (For UK readers it is available at Boots pharmacies, for Australian readers, I hope that amazon.com will ship... as I believe it is not yet available.)

The night version... slightly richer and I wear this over the Vital Light Serum. A delicious texture that doesn't feel too greasy or make the eyes puffy... An all round winner for me... Thank you Tish...

This cleanser is the best I have ever used and I love the texture and the feel.... I know that it's tempting to skip the routine... but when I'm tired and can't be bothered is when I need this one the most...

Sensational... not to use all the time if your skin is sensitive.. but a once over with this ultra sonic pulse brush will leave your skin feeling fabulous... another at home treatment that is as good as a professional exfoliation... Love it and I use mine several times a week... especially if I am feeling over tired and have over indulged... which starts right about now...

This week is the big week... I will be sending out lots more Christmas cheer, decorations and antique style mercury glass votives... for you... and I want you to receive them well in time... so please play along... Leave me a comment, subscribe, follow, like French Essence on Facebook or tweet... More winners will be announced tomorrow and Thursday.... The more you play the greater the chances... 

Happy 12th December.... xv

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on

57 comments:

  1. Janelle McCulloch12 December 2011 at 07:57

    Hi Vicki, Thanks for those fab beauty tips. I shall have to try the skII mask. Especially if it makes me look like Cate Blanchett! I was once a beauty editor and, like most editors, was inundated with beauty products. But funnily enough the only ones I ever really loved and trusted (apart from Chanel lipsticks and M.A.C. eyeshadows), were:
    - Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (Most beauty editors use this the morning after a pick night out: it's like a little miracle cream.)
    - Aramis scrub (A gay friend in Sydney put me on to this. He said it was amazing and it is. Even though it's meant for men, it exfoliates like a professional beauty salon.)
    - Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair. Estee Lauder's Double Wear makeup is fantastic too. It stays on, even under the most strenuous of conditions!

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  2. Linda Carswell12 December 2011 at 08:02

    I have a sample of the Clarins Serum in the bathroom draw, why I haven't used it I do not know....but I shall give it a whirl tonight, although it might be a case of 'too little, too late'.....lol!!!

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  3. Tammy12 December 2011 at 08:03

    I love the Clarins Serum. I just found that a few months ago and it's fantastic! Love your blog. Thanks for sharing your insights with all of us in blogland!

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  4. debra@dustjacket12 December 2011 at 09:21

    Thank you so much for these tips, I will be trying some for sure. I've tried SKII it's fab.
    xxx

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  5. Pamela Terry and Edward12 December 2011 at 12:06

    I have recently been using skII.
    Marvelous stuff!

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  6. mady945412 December 2011 at 12:34

    Thanks for all the great tips!! I love reading your blog!!

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  7. Angela12 December 2011 at 13:30

    Hey Vivki, I bought the Clarisonic whilst living in Japan (what the Japanese don't know about skincare is quite simply not worth knowing), I use it every day with the ultra soft brush whilst showering, it's part of my daily routine. I just returned to Belgium to live in Antwerp and had to buy my 16 year old daughter one as she kept stealing mine (my husband too if I am not looking) and she loves it too. Thanks for all the great tips, Clarins is also my number one product, so I will definitely look out for the serum!

    Angela x

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  8. Ruthie12 December 2011 at 13:31

    Hi Vicki!

    Thank you so much for sharing what works for you. As we get older, I'm learning through personal experience that our skin begins to change, and I'm always curious about what works for other women and what they love. You're a gem for sharing this with us. Bless you! I'll be experimenting for sure. I've heard wonderful things as well about the Clarisonic skin cleanser for face and body. It's on my list to purchase. Many thanks and keep writing! I love, love, love your blog! Wishing you a fabulous week!

    xx, Ruthie from Chicago, IL (USA)

    http://fromruthiescorner.blogspot.com/

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  9. Renae Moore12 December 2011 at 13:34

    Vicky,
    You nailed it on the head, so busy entertaining and attending to the most minute of details, and falling into bed exhausted. Usually never too tired to cleanse and nourish my skin properly (last night was a first in many moons). I will treat myself well today. My favorite is a DMAE and Ester C cream as recommended by Dr. Perricone.
    Merry Christmas!

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  10. miss b12 December 2011 at 13:42

    Thank you for the tips. I've mentioned here before my love of Clarins Beauty Flash Balm but I think I should try the serum - thank you for the recommendation!
    PS Just had a quick look at the antique -style votives - gorgeous colours.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.com/

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  11. quintessence12 December 2011 at 13:53

    I've never tried any of these - will definitely check out the serum. I am normally not a Clarins fan either but I love their Beauty Flash Balm - a great instant tightening/lift before you apply your makeup - I use it for evenings out!

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  12. Tish Jett12 December 2011 at 14:06

    Ooooh, Vicki, I'm so glad you agree. Quite amazing. Since we do agree I'll try your other recommendations.

    I have a friend who says when her life is over they will have to wrench the Clarasonic brush out of her cold, tight fist. She has a point. Santa gave me mine last year and, as beauty accessories go, it's a life changer.

    Can't wait for your holiday treats.

    xoTishxo

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  13. Bobbie Hayes12 December 2011 at 14:25

    Happy Holidays and LOVE this blog!

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  14. The Caledonian Mining Expedition Company12 December 2011 at 14:27

    Ooh, great list - thank you. I must try the Eucerin Hyaluron! Phil xxxx

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  15. ♥ Braja12 December 2011 at 14:41

    Love the French chic :)

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  16. I Dream Of12 December 2011 at 14:51

    Hi Vicki, Great survival tips. Love Clarins and Clarisonic, but not familiar with the others. I'll have to give them a whirl -- my skin could use a little help this time of year! XX

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  17. Natalie12 December 2011 at 15:02

    Thank you Vicky for the beauty tips.
    Love your photo very much for its dynamic. Unmistakably Paris.

    I've just started a travel blog Jewel Yet to Find. An exciting moment. I'd be honoured if you stop by http://jewelyettofind.blogspot.com
    Thank you.

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  18. Ludovic12 December 2011 at 15:19

    Awesome!

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  19. Ludovic12 December 2011 at 15:22

    Awesome!

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  20. Kathysue12 December 2011 at 15:56

    Wow!! such great advice! I have bookmarked this whole post. I have used Creme de la Mer for years and swear by it, but I also swear every time I pay the price. When I run out I am going to try some of these products, Thank you for your survival kit!
    Merry Christmas,
    kathysue

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  21. Leslie12 December 2011 at 16:22

    Love it all! Gorgeous post!

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  22. Splenderosa12 December 2011 at 16:32

    Vicki, isn't it amazing that "normal" girls in Paris just know how to look fabulous! Your pic is lovely. Now onto really important stuff...my spa-industry daughter says it's vital to moisturize our bodies immediately when out of the shower as the moisture is at it's highest then & the cremes help to seal it in. And, I cannot live without Carita serum, even dot it on top of my make-up! Mercury glass votives? Awesome! xx's

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  23. à la parisienne12 December 2011 at 16:44

    It's funny you mention skipping the beauty essentials when we are busy. I actually had a "nightmare" last night that my husband and I were on our way to a Christmas gathering and I looked in the car mirror and realized I had forgotten to put on my makeup! In my dream, I was saying, "Turn around, GO BACK!! I can't show up looking like this!!"
    I'm thinking that my sub-conscious may be trying to tell me something...

    Thanks for the reminder to slow down and take care of ourselves.

    Mandy

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  24. Sunnysidesue12 December 2011 at 16:51

    I was trying to think of the perfect gift for my best friend of many years and decided that a copy of your book 'French Essence' would be perfect. She's a Francophile, like me, so this will fit the bill perfectly! Merci! ~Sue~

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  25. Tracy F.12 December 2011 at 16:56

    I always enjoy your blog and look forward to your Daily Click, as well. I love, love, love mercury glass! Hope I win!

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  26. Marie12 December 2011 at 17:02

    Thanks for this wonderful skincare tips Ms. Vicki. I myself is a real big fan of Clarins. I use their product religiously. But I do want to try the Clarisonic, hmmm what a grea idea for a present.
    -Marie

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  27. sharon santoni at my french country home12 December 2011 at 17:03

    What a helpful post Vicki, I also tried Tish's recommendation and I agree with you - it works!!
    Hope you'll have all your brood with you soon for Christmas
    xox
    Sharon

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  28. French Girl in Seattle12 December 2011 at 17:20

    Bonjour Vicki. They all sound lovely, but I am surprised you did not mention "une coupe" (de champagne) as a necessary daily ritual during the pre-Holidays frenzy?! ;-) Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  29. Jo Farmer12 December 2011 at 17:41

    I love all your posts but this one has prompted me to head out and purchase the Clarins Vital Light Serum... Houston weather is killing my skin!
    Thanks for sharing

    Jo x
    Eliza Interiors & Design

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  30. peggy braswell12 December 2011 at 17:57

    Clarins is amazing...thanks vicki..happy monday. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  31. irenehs12 December 2011 at 18:00

    A spot of indulgence is good this time of year. Thanks for the recommendations!

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  32. Karena12 December 2011 at 18:13

    Here in the Midwest of the USA it is so, so important to take care of our skin in the winter.

    Thanks for the great tips Vicki.

    Xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  33. Amy12 December 2011 at 18:36

    Thank you for all the "French insider" beauty advice! I have such very delicate and sensitive skin and it takes a beating during the Minnesota winters. I'm glad you suggested layering the creams...that's been working for me with the products I'm currently using, but I'm always on the lookout for new and improved tricks!

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  34. Anna Ferguson12 December 2011 at 18:45

    Thank you for the tips. I swear by La Mer, pricey, but for those with super dry skin, it's then only thing that works!

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  35. flip flop and fancy free12 December 2011 at 18:45

    Love these ideas. Going to look for the Eucerin. and put the others on my Santa list! and mercury glass? I love!

    cynthiacowles@hotmail.com

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  36. Heather @ newhouse, newhome, new life12 December 2011 at 19:29

    You're so right - sometimes we put ourselves at the bottom of the list. Certainly not what a Pariessienne would do!!
    Have not tried the Clarins serum - am faithful to another French brand - Yves Rocher. Love their natural ingredients. But I do try to make sure that my beauty ritual isn't (too) interrupted during these busy times.

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  37. C'est la V!12 December 2011 at 19:37

    Very inspiring and love the tips!

    Valérie
    vmanzw@gmail.com

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  38. Anonymous12 December 2011 at 19:53

    SO enjoy your blog - going to try out the night cream, but, alas...methinks all hope may be lost

    all best for the holiday season!

    gjazaks@earthlink.net

    Joodie in Ft Worth

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  39. Denise12 December 2011 at 20:22

    I howled with laughter when I read your "must-haves for holiday survival". My must-haves are a bar of soap and a washcloth! And they cost about 1/1000th of all the stuff you need. Yay!

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  40. Francsbourgeois12 December 2011 at 21:23

    Caudalie products from France are also fantastic. I first found them on a trip to Paris years ago and had to stock up each year. But recently I found that Skinstore will ship to Australia, at a very reasonable price.

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  41. French Heart12 December 2011 at 21:47

    Love the photos and tips!!

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  42. hopflower12 December 2011 at 21:50

    I AM a Clarins fan and have been for years. It is one of the best skincare companies out there. And yes, the French do use it a lot. Not a fan so much of the makeup; but the skincare line is tops!

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  43. Penelope12 December 2011 at 22:25

    Thank you, Vicki for all your wonderful advice! My girls all asked for skin cate products for Christmas presents! I am blessed to have a lady who is Fremch living in my area who gives amazing facials! Being healthily both inside and out improves our lives and wellness! I am also giving your wonderful book French Essence as a gift! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  44. Mimi13 December 2011 at 00:22

    SKII and Clarins added to Santas shopping list. Thanks Vicki. You are the champion of the Busy Mumma...x

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  45. Shell Sherree13 December 2011 at 00:29

    Love the sartorial photo, Vicki. Thank you for the tips ~ there are so many products out there, it's always good to see the genuine feedback to help narrow the field. {Those mercury votives are so pretty and delicate ~ gorgeous.}

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  46. Carol13 December 2011 at 00:55

    l keep hearing such positive reports on the Clarisonic brush. think l'll put it on my christmas ' wish list '

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  47. Anonymous13 December 2011 at 01:10

    Beauty tips are a great gift for the holiday season!

    CL

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  48. Mona Thompson Providence Ltd.13 December 2011 at 02:39

    You have the best beauty tips ever...I've taken you up on them before and have never been dissapointed.Going to try that serum...Mona

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  49. Foto Bugil13 December 2011 at 02:54

    Wonderful idea to wrap candles in vintage sheet music! I think I am going to do that and add it to my snowmen vignette on my coffee table!

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  50. Marilou13 December 2011 at 03:02

    Dear Vicki, My favorite cousin, Maila bought me "My French Life" while spending Christmas with her in Sydney in 2006. I brought my copy home to Vancouver, Canada with me, loving tucked in my carry on. Since then I've been receiving your daily emails and look forward to them each and every morning. My love affair with France started long ago. Since I cannot visit there as often as I would like, your images of Paris and Provence keep me connected daily. Thank you and love all you share in French Essence. Merci, Marilou

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  51. la la Lovely13 December 2011 at 03:12

    Oh I always love your beauty picks. I've never been a huge fan of Clarins either but I think I'll have to give that serum a try! Take Care and I hope you find some time just for your this season!
    XO
    Trina

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  52. Home Decorator13 December 2011 at 03:42

    These are excellent tips and lists. Thanks for sharing. I love your blog!

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  53. Irina13 December 2011 at 04:33

    I had never used Clarins before, seriously want to try it now :)
    Love your sharing Parisian secrets with us ;)
    xoxo

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  54. Heather Robinson13 December 2011 at 09:29

    Oooh, you and Tish always have the BEST girly secrets. I am not sure if I can afford any of these--but then again, maybe I can't afford not to! :)Hopefully getting my presents for the States sent off today!!!

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  55. Millie13 December 2011 at 22:58

    Love all your suggestions Vicki but more drastic action is needed here at The Hedge judging by the face staring back at me in the bathroom mirror this morning. The famous Millie sparkle has gone AWOL at the moment, so I reckon the only thing for it would be a total face job in some glamorous Clinic. It would be lovely to look at the new face menu & tick whatever took my fancy!
    Millie xx

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  56. Anonymous15 December 2011 at 07:07

    Dear Vicki, I shall have to try the Clarins serum now. I do use their Beauty Flash Balm which I am addicted to. I've just bought my first bottle of Pitera water and so I'm very interested to see how that goes. I always love your tips. xx

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  57. Cathy of Eyelash Growth Products13 January 2012 at 07:23

    Love this blog! Thanks for great tips this is actually awesome.

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