SPECIAL Guest Stylist - Kim Levesque

Today we are excited to share some INTERNATIONAL beauty secrets from author Kim Levesque! Her book, Pampered in Paris: A Guide to the Best Spas, Salons and Beauty Boutiques just came out, and because she's a friend of The Style Collective, we're getting a sneak peek at her tips (lucky us!). She's even been highlighted in French Vogue, we're not worthy! Thanks Kim!

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The following is a list of must-haves from the French pharmacie. Best part... all of them are available online in the US so we too can look as gorgeous and effortless as our French sisters...

Cleanser: Bioderma Créaline H2O Sans Parfum My French friends call it one of their best kept secrets. It’s a gentle, micellar solution for sensitive skin, but good for all types. It can be bought sans parfum (fragrance-free) or parfumée (with fragrance).
Toner: Caudalie Eau de Beauté This toning spray was inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary’s “elixir of youth”. It’s made with grape extracts and essential oil of rosemary, orange blossom, and rose extracts which give it a light and lovely fragrance. Caudalie was the pioneer in the use of grape seed extracts in skin care. They have an amazing spa 30 minutes outside of Paris.

Moisturizer and Eye cream: Crème Fraîche de Beauté Suractivée and Nuxe Contour des Yeux Prodigieux Ah... Nuxe. My skin is dry and sensitive and these two products have worked wonders for me. If you are in Paris and have time, a visit to the Nuxe spa is a must! Anti-Cellulite: Weleda Huile de Massage Minceur Weleda’s Birch oil is a hit with Parisians. Its ingredients are entirely natural and include silver birch leaves, rosemary and holly. Body Lotion: Bioderma Atoderm Crème I needed a lotion that worked for me and my daughters (5, 2 and 6 months). We all have sensitive skin and Atoderm is the best. Post sun-burn or post-shave skin soother: Avène Eau Thermale This is good old French thermal (mineral) water in a preservative-free spray. My husband loves it after shaving. Dark circles: Yves Saint Laurent, Touche Éclat Which is the best French skincare product for dark circles? This is probably the question I get most often from friends. In my research and experience, I have to say that sleep, water (staying generously hydrated), and makeup work best! Touche Éclat is a concealer that works really well to minimize dark circles.