by: Erica Paredes
This is my first time in a very long time to live in a place where my skin care depends on the season and, believe me, I have had to adjust my skincare routine twice already since I got to France.
I started out in the winter, when I brought out the heavy duty moisturizers to keep my skin hydrated. I got through spring’s hot and cold days by combining or alternating products and now in the summer, my spray mists are definitely handy! Here’s what to expect when traveling to countries with four seasons, and what to bring with you or purchase when you arrive.
WINTER
I’m not even going to sugar coat it—winter in Paris is terribly cold. Though it may not snow as much as it does in other European countries further north, it is a weird combination of rainy but dry all at once. My skin went crazy the first winter I spent here; I had peeling, chapped lips, and dry skin all over my mouth and nose areas. My usually oil-prone skin was thirsty for moisture! Most of the time, I use a thicker moisturizer for night, but in the winter, I use it during the day too. I also add a serum to my night routine. I switched to a cream cleanser to wash my make up off and purchased a really good lip balm for my stay. Don’t forget a body lotion as well!
Try: Human Nature Overnight Elixir, C20 Vitamin Sleep 9 to 5 Crema Sleeping Cream, Dr. Hauschka Quince Body Moisturizer, and La Roche-Posay Ceralip Lip Cream
SPRING
Although temperature goes up a bit, don’t expect sunny days at the park just yet. Spring is a welcome respite from the freezing cold, but it is also confused whether it wants to be sunny or rainy. It gets a little humid and this is when my hair starts getting frizzy! In the spring, I start switching back to my oil-free moisturizer for day time, use a face mask a couple of times a week, and I don’t stress as much if I forget my lip balm at home. I also start using a serum to keep my hair smooth once in a while. Lastly, my hands and feet start peeling at this time of year, so I make sure to exfoliate and hydrate!
Try: Baby Foot, It’s a Ten Dry Oil Spray plus Keratin, Malin & Goetz Detox Mask, and Embyolisse Lait Creme Concentrate
SUMMER
Everyone’s favorite season and for good reason! But be aware that although mild in the humidity department compared to our tropical climate, Paris can also get notoriously scorching hot, especially in August. Lately, I have been using a mattifying moisturizer for day, mist spray to refresh my skin throughout the day, a deep conditioner for my hair and a mattifying spray to set my make up and make sure it stays in place!
Try: Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat, Avene Thermal Spring Water, and TRESemme Hair Treatment Keratin Smooth
FALL
Fall is probably my favorite season. The temperature goes down, so it’s not as deathly hot, but it’s more like cool breeze and cardigan weather than thermals and four layers of clothing. I switch back to a heavier night cream at this point, but I still use my mattifying day cream. Use face masks frequently depending on your skin type—a moisturizing one if your skin tends to dry out or something with clay in it if you get oily.
Try: Tarte Maracuja C-Brightener Eye Treatment, and Malin & Goetz Clarifying Clay Mask for oily or combination skin or Glamglow Thirsty Mud for dry skin