I learned a lot about the power of expression by watching Instagram and TikTok videos. Because of this, I hope that, eventually, I can get the chance to attend the French Open. I followed all the right steps (or, at least, I think I have). I have clearly stated my desire to attend. I imagined what it would be like to sit in the yard, feel the sun on my shoulders and listen to the sound of tennis balls and the slip of clay sneakers. Then, I do my best to withdraw from it, allowing the desire to exist without wanting it to exist.
Will it work? Who knows. I guess we’ll have to check back in a year. (Hopefully, I’ll be updating this article live from a sunny corner café in Paris.) Until then, though, I can satisfy my tennis cravings by watching the women’s final (Saturday, June 6) and the men’s final (Sunday, June 7). I can also organize a list of French beauty essentials that I can A) pack before going or B) take with me. These summer picks range from old-school pharmacy icons to newly discovered favorites.
EMBRYOLISSE
Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Function Moisturizer
Lait-Crème Concentré by Embryolisse is one of my favorite French pharmacy products. The multipurpose, six-in-one formula can be used as a moisturizer, makeup primer, skin-cooling mask, after-sun treatment, after-shave product, and even a cleansing emulsion in a pinch.
Even though it’s perfect under makeup, I often use it as a moisturizer on fresh-faced, makeup-free days. Even without a drop of concealer or foundation, it makes my skin look smooth, plump, and hydrated. I would be a great base for an au naturel court look.
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios UV Air Daily Supercharged Serum Sunscreen SPF 50
Whenever I’m in Europe, I stock up on sunscreen formulas that aren’t available in the US. However, there are a select few American SPFs that I consider good enough to carry, and La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UV Air Daily Supercharged Serum is one of them. It has a light, serum-like texture that sinks into the skin and delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50 and skin-quenching hydration. Thanks to powerful antioxidants, it also provides 16-hour anti-pollution protection. I can put it on repeatedly without smearing, smearing, or a ghostly white outline.
Typology of Paris
Glow Drops – 5% Vitamin C + Aloe Vera
I envision my French Open look to be fresh, radiant, and natural, so while I won’t be using concealer or foundation, I’m going to splurge on a few of these Glowing Flatters. It features a non-sticky, water-based foundation with pearlescent particles suspended throughout. Translation? It gives me the power of instant light. The added antioxidant from vitamin C is the cherry on top.
Violette_FR
Plume Blush Feather Matte Cream-To-Powder Cheek Melt – Rose Fumé
Lately, I’ve been all about the no-mascara look, opting for a pop of blush and a honey lip product. When it comes to the former, I can’t get enough of Violette_FR’s new Plume Blush. The feather-light formula blends like a cream and spreads like a powder, for gorgeous, high-pigment color.
Clarins
Lip Comfort Hydrating Oil – 04 Pitaya
I can’t say moisturizing lip balm without thinking of this Clarins pick. The hydrating formula bursts onto the lips, delivering intense color with high shine.
Nuxe
Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Dry Oil
Nuxe’s Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Dry Oil is iconic. I love the original (it’s hydrating, lightweight, non-greasy, and smells divine), but when I’m out in the sun, I prefer the glossy version. It gives my limbs a wonderful golden glow.
Don’t come
Thermal Spring Water
Finally, I will need something to refresh my skin and cool it when the UV index is high. For that, I can’t think of a better product than Avène’s iconic Thermal Spring Water. It’s hydrating, rich in minerals, and lightweight enough to not interfere with makeup or sunscreen. The final step in creating my little thought-out, yet high-impact court effort.