I am no beauty blogger, nor do I know much about the beauty world, but I always wish I did (or alternatively have someone do my makeup every morning) Growing up I was never really interested in makeup, I spent most of my childhood sat on a horse or in the middle of a field somewhere, I wouldn't have been able to tell you what mascara was.

Then I turned 15, the hormones kicked in and suddenly there was NO way in hell I could be seen by the outside world with no mascara. I always kept it to a strict minimum, but the minimum was essential to my being, which thinking about it now was completely ridiculous.

My mother never really cared for anything beauty either, but she did instill in us the importance of taking care of your skin, protecting it from the sun and hydrating hydrating hydrating. Typically French really, taking care of your skin first instead of trying to hide it behind layers of makeup, which I completely agree and beleive in.

Talking about the French, recently I've seen so many articles floating around the web about 'How French Women Do It Better' - which I find fascinating. Being half French myself, and having lived in France most of my life I just can't see what all the fuss is about. I do agree that the French generally embrace their 'natural beauty' more, they know what works for them. They are good at working with what they have instead of trying to transform their bodies into something they're not. But then again so do a lot of women around the world.

Then comes the food, which I must say, a lot of thought and importance is put on eating well in France, by well I mean eating good quality food, it's never so much about restriction but more about eating fresh and seasonal produce in reasonable quantities. Eating quality produce is not hard to do in France, it's not particularly expensive either (compared to other countries). Most villages have their own weekly markets. Eating well is of course, in my opinion, the foundation to feeling good and looking good, it helps when the country you come from is all about good food. Saying that I am sure France is not the only country that prioritises good food, or is it?

I thought I'd share a few of my current essentials that made it into my weekend bag when I left to the countryside a couple of weeks ago...

First thing first, the ever so magical L52 - if you don't know about this little potion, you will love me forever - I basically grew up drinking bottles of the stuff. It's homeopathy's golden pot that will keep the flu and colds away or will kick their little behind if they managed to attack already. As of recently you couldn't find it anywhere in the UK but I've got a feeling some Boots stock it now (don't quote me on this) and I've found it here online. (I stock up in France like a drug dealer - oscillococcinum is also the best in flu season!) It's my best friend all Winter.

This SenSpa lotion smells like an aromatic herbs garden - which if you ask me is the very best, lavender in particular, can't get enough of it. I wash my sensitive face every morning and every evening with the Amazing Face Cleanser from Aesop, it makes my skin feel clean and moisturised instead of feeling like cardboard you know? 

This primer (Hourglass, Veil) is my newest discovery, it's photoshop in a bottle, it makes your skin feel so smooth pre-makeup it's quite magical. It must be said that prior to a few weeks ago, I had never used a primer in my life (shocking!) - I don't bother every day either, but before a night out WHY NOT GO WILD.

My trusty Clinique Even Better foundation is my all time best friend, but we definitely go through phases when we don't see each other much, it's often replaced by my other best friend concealer (I have a few beauty best friends..) Oh and this beauty is on my wrist most days, saves me from obssessively looking at my phone (kinda).

Talking about primers, never used a serum either (which I've heard is the best thing since sliced bread) well this little red bottle (Shiseido Ultimune Infusing Concentrate) is - if I understand it well - a pre-serum liquid gold that's supposed to make your skin look and feel like a million bucks. 

Hoola every damn day, because I don't think there's anything better. Tom Ford lipsticks just in case I need to step it up. Newest nail discovery: Nailberry - free from 4 of the nasty chemicals they normally put in varnish - and they're French!

I forgot a few more essentials such as mascara, my face cream and my signature scent but here's the pretty view from the bathtub instead!

What can't you live without in terms of beauty products? I'm a little clueless, so I'm always curious to discover new essentials!

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