Getting the French Look in Rhode Island

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Donna Macdonald, GoLocalProv Beauty Contributor

Most Parisian women flee the City of Light during the month of August, where they can be found in Provence or the French Riviera soaking up the rays, enjoying the local flavors, and relaxing with their families and friends. These women, considered by many to be the loveliest women in the world, do not stage their homecomings until the end of August, during the great La Rentrée, which means the big return back to normal life.

Even if you have used up most of your vacation time here in the Ocean State, adding a little French “dressing” to your weekend lifestyle may be just the ticket to finish your summer in French style!  Here are three ways to do it:

Skincare

Frenchwomen spend most of their beauty dollars on skincare, not makeup, and this could be why their skin is so healthy and illuminated. Up the ante on your skincare this month with affordable luxuries such as new facial moisturizer or eye cream. Pampering your skin like a true Frenchwoman will pay dividends in the fall, when life becomes hectic again. Where to get the look: CVS drugstores now carry two inexpensive but high-quality European skincare lines, Lierec Paris and Vichy, and they have a personal beauty advisor on hand to help you select the right product for your skin.

Makeup

Try wearing less.  Frenchwomen leave their faces bare and go for bright lips during the torrid summer months. As you head out to your favorite Saturday farmer’s market, grab a raspberry or coral lipstick and clap on a great pair of dark sunglasses. You may discover you don’t need that heavy eye makeup after all! Where to get the look: Creamy, color-saturated, and reasonably priced Clinique lipsticks can be found at Macy’s and Sephora at the Providence Place Mall.

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Quick chic

Nothing has more Gallic charm than the traditional navy striped Breton t- shirt, created in the 19th century to help spot overboard French mariners. Did your invitation for that luxury yacht party get lost in the mail? No worries! Wear this tee, neatly fitted, with summer capris and shorts and you'll ooze French chic. Add a pop of red in the form of an accessory and you’ll be gorgeously casual as you dine al fresco at your favorite Bay restaurant. Where to get the look: The Breton t-shirt is everywhere this summer and at all price points.  One of the most authentic and high quality ones can be ordered from LL Bean catalog.  Locally, check out Kohl’s for their Vera Wang and Ralph Lauren versions.

Donna Macdonald is a freelance writer who enjoys covering topics of interest to women, especially fragrance, style, beauty.  She has also written marketing material for a women's book that hit the New York Times Bestseller list and netted her an up close and personal discussion on the Oprah Winfrey Show.  Donna currently writes her own personal blog, alovelyinconsequence, where she also writes about issues close to a woman's heart.  Donna believes that when a woman finds beauty in the world, she will find beauty in herself.

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