Beauty: the definitive best-of from editorial pros

Élisabeth Martorell beauty editor

© Arno Cauchois

1. LIP BALM, VERY ROSE, BY NUXE. “Contrary to what its name and color might suggest, its taste is vanilla with a caramel tendency. A little treat of 100% natural origin that I abuse to compensate for the drying effect of matte lipsticks. » (€12.30.)

2. EAU DE PARFUM, SPELL ON YOU, BY LOUIS VUITTON. “I am bewitched by this floral which gives pride of place to the iris (in essence, in absolute, in concrete). (100 ml, €225, refillable in store.)

3. BODY FIRMING CREAM, BY ELANCYL. “Why hydrate with a simple milk when you can add a firming bonus? Ivy and vitamin C act on collagen fibers while brown seaweed brings a tensor effect that I perceive. So I insist on the belly and the arms. (200ml, €21.95.)

4. DERMO-REPAIR CATAPLASM, PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS, BY DIOR. “This fall, I booked a vascular laser session with a dermatologist to get rid of a redness on a single cheekbone (I know, it's weird). To appease the coming fire, I set aside this luxurious balm. From a range of professional treatments, to be found at the Dior spa at the Hôtel du Cheval Blanc. (75 ml, €190.)

5. REPLASTY PROFILLER INTENSIVE SERUM, BY HELENA RUBINSTEIN. “Excellent news, the brand is finally coming back to France. For the occasion, the formula of this powerful, deliciously silky serum is boosted with a complex of five different hyaluronic acids, in order to smooth all types of wrinkles. (50 ml, €350.)

6. ULTIMUNE, BY SHISEIDO. “This serum is like a turbo engine that activates the metabolic functions of the skin so that it is stronger, hydrated, smooth, radiant. An incredible texture of softness thanks to microscopic oil capsules of different sizes. (50 ml, €116, and the 75 ml refill, €114, at Marionnaud and on shiseido.fr)

7. THE RESOURCE BALM, BY TIL. “Big crush for this new French brand, created by three sisters, as inspired as they are seasoned (given their gleaming beauty CVs). The star ingredient is linden whose soothing and regenerating activity has been measured. The texture of this night cream is melt-in-the-mouth and repairs all excess summer sun. Moreover, it is the perfumer Francis Kurkdjian who provided the trail. (60 ml, €75.)

8. ROSE DEEP HYDRATION FACE CREAM, FROM FRESH. “With my battery of three anti-aging serums, I treat myself to a pure pleasure break with this cult day cream, which smells divinely of rose. Its 2021 version: even more hydrating rose extract and hyaluronic acid. Hmmm. (50 ml, €47, at Sephora.)

9. DOUBLE EYE SERUM, BY CLARINS. "Did you know that the skin around the eyes is four times thinner than on the rest of the face and that's why it marks first? The formula, boosted with caffeine and wild chervil (among others), tackles all my concerns at once: wrinkles, firmness, dark circles, puffiness... I apply it religiously morning and evening. (20 ml, €69.)

10. MICROLINER INK, PLUM, BY SHISEIDO. “Here is my back-to-school joker: this eye pencil with an ultra-ultra-fine lead. It is always cut (Criterium style pen), its ink texture is waterproof (it does not smudge), and its small diameter allows it to be applied to the root of the upper lashes (passing from below), in order to thicken them. in a spectacular way. I choose plum which matches well with hazel eyes. » (€25.)

11. RETINOL B3 SERUM, FROM LA ROCHEPOSAY. “How can I tell you that retinol is my best friend? Not only does it smooth wrinkles and boost firmness, but it also improves the texture of the skin, and when I zoom in on the summer photos, I notice that fine lines have appeared on my cheeks. Not to mention melasma (thanks to a pregnancy twenty-one years ago), which reappears at the end of each summer, like an ugly trace of poorly applied foundation. (30 ml, €35.)

12. ALL OVER CONCEALER TEINT IDOLE ULTRA WEAR, BY LANCÔME. “It's the SOS complexion in all its splendor: it certainly applies to dark circles, but its covering and long-lasting cream texture as well as its generous capacity allow you to hide everything. » (16 shades, 13.5 ml, €29.)

13. STRAIGHT UP MASCARA BY RMS BEAUTY. “Mascaras are what green make-up does best. Its formula, very black and enriched with peptides, really brings volume, without crumbling during the afternoon. (€31, at Sephora.)

14. ULTRA PRECISE EYEBROW PENCIL BY BENEFIT. “I intensify the design of my eyebrow line. Instantly, something happens: the face is more expressive. With this eyebrow specialist, the choice is insane. The latest creation: a pencil whose tip is so fine that it allows you to draw hair by hair. (12 shades, €29.90, at Sephora.)

15. BISOU BALM, BÊTISE, BY VIOLETTE_FR. “Are you dreaming of a lip balm that is truly 'easy life'? Look no further, here it is: transparent, with a “bitten mouth” color and above all matte (not so common among colored lipsticks rich in wax and therefore shiny). Go and discover the very successful brand of this French makeup artist based in New York. (€24.50, on violettefr.com)

Erin Doherty Managing Editor

© Arno Cauchois

1. RESTRUCTURING OIL, CALM-ESSENTIAL, BY CLARINS. “By analogy, this treatment would be the discreet girlfriend whose presence is curiously essential. It is a finissime oil whose star molecule, sclareolide, extracted from sage, controls the tingling of reactive skin. On days of telework (zero level of grooming), I apply it several times a day to “spare” the benefits. (30 ml, €60.)

2. ANTI-DARK SPOT RADIANCE SERUM, BY SISLEŸA. “A luminous complexion is natural, say, up to 25 years old, after which you have to resurrect the chromophores (melanin, hemoglobin and collagen) with cosmetics, otherwise they play “the army of shadows”. The lansium extract acts on spots, a cavalry of minerals oxygenates the skin, finally the soy peptide densifies it (a flat surface restores more radiance, it is known). (30 ml, €395.)

3. CORRECTOR CARE ANTI-DARK CIRCLES, EMBRYOLISSE. “Using concealer is new to me. Thank you Covid... This camouflages but not only, it also contains anti-fatigue active ingredients. I apply it like make-up artists on our photo shoots: three micro-drops, tap with the pulp of the ring finger, repeat until the coverage deceives those around you. » (€16.90.)

4. THE MAKE-UP REMOVER BALM, DIOR PRESTIGE, BY DIOR. “Removing make-up is a religion... But, being lazy, I am satisfied most of the time with a micellar lotion. In winter, it does not forgive: often drying, not effective enough against foundations. This balm takes off EVERYTHING, and the texture gives the impression of being in the cabin at the Plaza Athénée...” (150ml, €87.50.)

5. HOLIBODY SCULPTING BODY MILK, BY HOLIDERMIE. “The “all-inclusive” formula for skin/body concerns is super well thought out: sunflower oil loaded with omega-6 for hydration, caffeine and silicon to densify, and an anti-aging complex based on calendula and vitamin E to repair skids due to UV. Note: the perfume is so addictive that you find yourself sniffing your arm after application. (140ml, €39.)

6. ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE SENSITIVE SERUM, BY LANCÔME. “We use it as a thirty-day cure. It is intense but effective if you are looking for a de-escalation of the hyperreactivity of the skin. Also useful if you want to get rid of imperfections linked to the maskne pheno (acne mask). The serum base combines pre- and probiotics, and the pure ferulic acid booster targets free radicals. You have to perform a small manipulation involving a pipette (the first time, you grope...) for both to activate. (20 ml, €76.)

7. BROWN SHADOW AND CONTOUR PEN, BY CHANEL. “This liner pen does not require a doctorate in application! You can roughly draw a line flush with the eyelashes, blend with your finger, and here we are, covered in an almost professional smoky finish. The advantage of luxury formulas...” (26 €.)

8. BEAUTY BUTTER RICH SUN BRONZING POWDER, BY WESTMAN ATELIER. “Its pigments are biomimetic, so even if you overdose, the result remains natural like Jennifer Lopez's tan. That, we like a lot. » (80 €.)

9. MAGIC TREATMENT DREAM LONG 8 SECONDS, ELSÈVE, BY L’ORÉAL PARIS. "Not a big fan of smoothing treatments in general, because I'm looking for the opposite. This one, without silicone (already a good point), is very light and liquid. I lightly towel-dried my hair before applying it, massaged for eight seconds as indicated on the box. On drying? Light and... shiny hair. It's genuinely effective. » (200ml, €7.60.)

1O. ROUGES HERMÈS, ROSE TAMISÉ, LIMITED EDITION AUTUMN-WINTER 2021, BY HERMÈS. “This shade is a sheer, matte “berry” as if you had crushed a ripe blueberry on your lips. A single coat can mimic a natural lip tint. Several ? It is an elegant spot of color on the mouth. In short, it is applied without a mirror and without thinking. » (€69.)

11. RICH NOURISHING FACE TREATMENT, HONEY CREAM, FROM PROVENÇALE. “This treatment smells of the Paca region (without the tourists) and the height of summer. It will allow us to get through winter, even harsh ones. There are organic olives rich in polyphenols (therefore very antioxidant) and organic IGP flower honey (therefore very restorative). A kind of ultra-natural airbag for sensitive and invariably dry skin. (50 ml, €10.90.)

12. PHYTO CORRECTIVE ESSENCE MIST, BY SKINCEUTICALS. “A “mist” treatment that pays off so much for skin in need of TLC (“tender loving care”) because too much sun, too much air conditioning, too much mask... It is highly concentrated in anti-inflammatory and moisturizing active ingredients (acid hyaluronic and glycerin). The skin absorbs it immediately. It works even with makeup on: I spray it on as often as I take out the hydroalcoholic gel (more in fact). (50 ml, €59.)

13. FOOD SUPPLEMENTS D3 SENSIFINE PROBIOCURE, CALM, FROM SVR. “Like all “happy” owners of rosacea and therefore prone to flushes, I am a fervent advocate of “in & out”. These capsules pamper the intestinal ecosystem, which easily goes wrong with us and unfolds redness, pimples and other skin delights at the slightest stress. The formula is simple but relevant: vitamins D3 and B3, Dolce & Gabbana of vitamins. » (€24.90, 30 capsules.)

Alice Elia beauty department manager

© Arno Cauchois

1. ULTRA-SHINE GENTLE SHAMPOO, BY FORVIL. “Based on aloe vera, it is moisturizing, cleans well despite its softness, and its pump format is very practical for frequent use. (470ml, €26.)

2. THE SUPERNATURAL SPRAY DREAM COAT, BY WOW. “Flexible hair is capricious. This spray to spray before drying insulates the fiber to better prevent it from swelling. With it, my mane stays calm (and smooth! and shiny!) until the next shampoo – unheard of. So yes, there are silicones, but I took my side given the result. (200 ml, €30, at Sephora.)

3. THE BOTANICAL ELIXIR REVITALIZING EYES ROLL-ON, BY YVES ROCHER. "In addition to containing a nasturtium + oxygenating and detoxifying micro-algae duo, this treatment, which does not sting the eyes (it's actually quite rare), is equipped with a massaging tip with three balls that really roll (even more rare). (15 ml, €29.50.)

4. THE ADVANCED HUILE-EN-EAU, ABEILLE ROYALE, BY GUERLAIN. “Its restorative virtues (therefore anti-wrinkle, since these are microscars) have been boosted by the addition of royal jelly and new honeys coming to lend a hand to that of the black bees of Ouessant. The watery texture is perfect for my skin, which is not dry. (50 ml, €136.)

5. THE ILLUMINATING EVENING CREAM, SKIN-UNIFY, BY FILORGA. "This complete formula, which contains a lightening trio (vitamin C, glabridin and rainbow algae), a resurfacing active ingredient and illuminating pearls, is a very good ally in the merciless war I am waging against dark spots. (50 ml, €62.90.)

6. THE EGF BODY SERUM, BY BIO EFFECT. “The reputation of the face serum is second to none: its formula with plant growth factors provides proven plumping and anti-wrinkle effects. If this bodysuit version promises the same thing, I'm all for it! (120ml, €99.)

7. THE INVISIBLE, ULTRA HD, MICRO LOOSE SETTING POWDER BY MAKE UP FOR EVER. “A prodigy of lightness and naturalness. It provides everything you want from a powder, without any of the drawbacks (neither chalky effect nor supernatural dullness). » (€37.)

8 and 9. SMOKY BROWN & RED BROWN, BY CHANEL. “The sight of this impossibly chic duo is enough to make me happy. This twin-set for the nails (one color on the hands, the other on the feet) pulls my whole wardrobe up. » (13 ml, €26 each)

1O. ROUGE SHEER VELVET, WOODY NUDE, BY GIVENCHY. “I've never been a big fan of lipsticks and never grasped the concept of nude on the lips (what's the point?). I changed my mind: this red is divinely matte but transparent, and a pink that is exactly that of my mouth (what's the point? Subtlety, does that speak to you?). » (36 € and 27 € the recharge.)

11. PHYTO-TEINT NUDE FOUNDATION, BY SISLEY. “Applied in small strokes with a brush, it is imperceptible, but ideally unifies. Enough to convince the anti-foundation that lies dormant in me. (30 ml, €71.)

12. VIDA GLOW COLLAGEN DIETARY SUPPLEMENT. "While the ability of collagen to firm the skin orally is debated, I just like to put the odds on my side. Each sachet of this Australian blueberry-flavoured food supplement contains a good dose (3 g, of marine origin), which is a good start. » (€50 for 30 sachets, at Bazar Bio.)

13. EAU DE PARFUM EAU GINGER, TWILLY, D'HERMÈS. “I already liked the “pepper water” version of this juice, I like the fizz effect of this one just as much, where the ginger adds a mischievous note. And it takes nothing away from the elegance of the composition. (85 ml, €130.)

My reset break

I'm a fan of Belleyme, in Paris, a fantastic place where you can enjoy infrared sauna sessions (belleyme-paris.com). Since I can't go there every week, I eye the electric blanket from the American brand higher dose, whose gentle heat promises, again thanks to infrared, to boost circulation, promote the evacuation of toxins, improve sleep and increase the glow. We lie down in it like in a sleeping bag, we adjust the temperature, and off we go for forty-five minutes of healthy sweating. infrared sauna blanket, $539 (around €455), higher dose. higherdose.com

My tonic body program

Created just before the health crisis by two entrepreneurs passionate about dance, the Dance Floor studio opens its 400 m2 space this month. The subject is taken very seriously, but taught in a wide range of styles, for all levels, all ages and all body types, with the idea that there is no need to be pro, gifted or graceful to take advantage of its euphoric virtues. I'll start with a few breakfast barre classes (morning stretching and strengthening), but it's not clear that I won't eventually start a pop star dance class. From €9.95 per lesson (1 hour) on subscription. 112, rue du chemin-vert, paris-11th . dancefloor-paris.com