Pharm to Table
The Summer Sessions
Despite the incessant globalization of things like Soul Cycle, iPhones and overpriced green juices, there are a few remaining things that are unmistakably still French: fois gras on the Christmas dinner table, the freedom to grève when your opinions are affronted, and the undeniable right of five+ weeks of vacation a year…. Most certainly in August, because you couldn’t possibly be at work. Obviously non.
I did not grow up with rosé summers by the piscine or parents frolicking off on holiday. End of summer in our house meant back to school lists, bus schedules and probably a hurricane or two. La vacance was simply the time between the end of the previous school year and the start of another heat wave adorably mislabeled ‘Autumn.’ The hurried finish of summer book reports and course curriculum prep left no languid time to pause, no time for unplugging.
A distinctly French Out of Office
Thankfully being an Américaine I never knew I warranted said luxury - this intrinsically French notion that stops the clock for nothing more than rest, relaxation and quite literally the art of doing nothing. And while romantic in a sense, there is a new-found pressure to just be, (and also plan for said be-ing) that leaves me feeling little perplexed. It’s a delicate balance to plan a relaxing vacation with that of a successful preparation to take on the Rentrée come September. The goal to return relaxed and glowing, yet still having enjoyed a poolside cocktail or two means a little practical balance.
Below my French pharmacy helpers getting me post-vaycay-glow / rentée ready:
Bleu, Blanc + Rosé Ready // Harper’s BAZAAR Archives 1951
CAUDALIE
Vinoperfect
Radiance Dark Spot Serum
As battling melasma and sun spots is my daily cross to bear, I love this lightweight serum for both its brightening powers of Vine Sap Viniferine and touch of Olive Squalene, equalling just-enough-glowy dew to take you from office to after-hours. Absorbs quickly, vegan and oil-free and allegedly will help even out the bronzing effect of sunshine (if you’re into that sort of thing). Have a pal snag you a few bottles on their next trip to Europe - it’s much more palatably priced than across the pond.
NHCO THERMOXYL
While we all know every body is a beach body, I still enjoy a little boost come the season of shedding our sweaters. This French pharmacie brand boasts a whole cabinet of amazing products (I’m a daily fan of the Aqualyse elixir) and Thermoxyl is just the petite kick in the bum I need to feel swimsuit ready, sans jitters or mood swings. Green tea, guarana, dandelion and blackcurrant all work synergistically to tone and stimulate drainage, with amino acids that help support muscle composition. Two pills with breakfast and lunch, and enjoy the impending “tone of your silhouette.”
BIAFINE
My love knoweth no bounds for this clinical little crème. Available in French pharmacies for over 25+ years, Biafine was first designed for the dressing of superficial wounds, minor abrasions, dermal ulcers, donor sites, 1st and 2nd degree burns, (including sunburns), and radiation dermatitis. Despite its very unsexy origins, its benefits are rather seductive, and I often enjoy as a nighttime moisturizer after just a hair too much overexposure in the day. Bonus points to slather on after shaving. Opt for the luxury of family size next time you’re in the pharmacie, it will run you a rough 9 euros.
NATURACTIVE DÉTOX STICK
Containing extracts of Birch and dandelion leaves, these on-the-go tubes help contribute to normal elimination functioning of the body and proper urinary health thanks to additional Cherry Tails Extract. No caffeine liberates required timing of use - taste is light and somewhat citrus and herbaceous. Add directly to your water bottle or shoot it straight.
CHARBON (ACTIVATED
CHARCOAL)
While I’d love to pretend I can easily abstain from champagne and ocean-side oysters, the fact is I cannot, and I accept the price I’ll pay in my skin and energy regardless. The recent inclusion of 3-4 charcoal caps however before imbibing, have snubbed more than a hangover or two when bottles were not being counted. There are endless affordable options in the pharmacie, just be sure to take outside of medicine and pertinent vitamines, as charcoal will interfere. Santé.
KLORANE
PATCH LISSANTS DÉFATIGANTS
Back to School is hard. Pandemic-ing is hard. Why let stress run amuck on our delicate eye area? Pop a few of these eye patches in the fridge for those mornings when ready-to-roll feels more like the great resistance. Gently press on clean skin to reveal brighter, softer and much-de-puff’d under eye baggage.
Fave pharmacie finds, let me know below.
Until the next haul.
xx, Blair