Beauty tips from France

We’ll give you 10 rules from the book ‘Lessons From France: Eating, Fitness, Family“ by Rebecca Plantier.

Active lifestyle

Active leisure is part of the French culture, even as people get older. French women like walking, over hills and valleys and love kayaking, tennis, jogging in parks, skiing etc...it’s our lifestyle. Even on holiday, the French like going places where they can be physically active, rather than just sitting in the sun. Unlike many people obsessed with sport, French women don’t chose heavy sports so that they don’t over exert their bodies, suggests Rebecca. Every force, or too great physical strain, can harm a woman’s well-being.

Humour

The famous French sarcasm helps women to keep ageing in perspective. No other language has so many jokes and sayings on the topic of ‘life beginning at 40’ or the ‘renaissance of passion’ in those aged 40-50.

Food as a religion

It’s well known that the French are obsessed with food. But in contrast with Americans, this obsession is defined by refinement and beauty and not eating too much. French women don’t eat much. As they age - when they can afford it- they become obsessed with the process of eating and the flavour of high quality foods and they enjoy small portions with wine and good company in restaurants and cafes.  Of course it all helps to keep their clothes size small. The author says that in contrast with American women, there is no critical weight difference between 20 and 40.

As they age, French women do more

Rebecca writes that French girls absorb ‘rational’ egoism in their mother’s milk.  When the children have grown up and require less attention, French women put themselves first again. They spend more money on their own pleasure, travel without their family and buy expensive clothes. A 40 year old French woman doesn’t feel bad about buying herself shoes rather than a games consoles for her teenage son. She considers it the right approach: if you want a games consoles, get a job! In France it’s not usual for grandmas to look after their grandchildren. No one sees grandmas as free babysitters.
As they get older, French women have fewer clothes in their wardrobe, but they are more expensive and better quality. Even women on average income buy expensive feel-good clothes such as cashmere and silk items, good shoes and at least one expensive handbag. All together it creates an elegant style which always impresses visitors to France.

Social life fades with age- no, on the contrary!

In contrast with American women, who prefer to spend their leisure at home, French women become more active, particularly in cities. As soon as the kids have grown up and don’t need constant care, they redefine their daily lives and it’s time for parties, going to bars and cinemas. An active social life ensures that they stay fit: French women love a fresh hair cut, fashionable style, well cared for hands, beautiful outfits and comfortable shoes with heels. 

Ageing is not an illness

French women don’t panic when they think about ageing and wrinkled skin.  Obviously tightened skin and lifts are met with a mocking smile by French women.  In contrast to American women, who are obsessed with the idea of staying young, the French believe that wrinkle-free skin is a sign of mental problems and no cause for envy. In France supportive cosmetic treatments are common, but cosmetic surgery and botox treatments are much less popular.

Young and old should wear what suits them

French women wear skirts above their knees and legging when they get older. In France there are no age restrictions on certain items of clothing. Mothers and daughter often buy clothes of the same brand. Of course as you age your taste and buying power changes. So more expensive, classic styles are preferred as they get older. So in no other country in the world is there such a great number of women aged 40-60 who wear short dresses and tight jeans.

No age restrictions for sex

In France it’s believed that you enjoy a ‘late summer’ from the age of 40: You’ve achieved many of your life goals and it is time to enjoy your body and life experiences. It can be good and not so good writes Rebecca. Good because it increases women’s self confidence, not so good because the divorce rate is at its highest in this age group.

When you’re old you can do everything - in moderation

Wine, late dinners and smoking. That’s what Rebecca’s 52 year old French friend says. She smokes one cigarette a day after breakfast. She smoked for many years then gave up. She believes that it is more healthy to enjoy your morning coffee with a cigarette than endure the stress of total abstinence.