Paris is a place that I always end up going back to.  I’m constantly looking for new products, treatments, and inspiration. I stroll the streets, check out shops, and observe the way French women dress and take care of themselves.  They seem to possess that attitude and confidence, je ne sais quois.  Including they look for items that say utilitarianism, longevity, and quality. They never buy a whole new look. Instead they wear the pieces they love and continue to build classics.  A similar approach they apply to skincare.  One of my favorite shops is Bon Marche, one of the oldest stores in Paris.  In my opinion they carry the best selection of skincare products.  It’s very easy to browse around, extremely accessible, and the staff is very knowledgeable and quick to give wonderful advice.  I was sweetly surprised to see some Rescue favorites; Valmont, Institut Esthederm, and Chantecaille among the wonderful selection.  All of a sudden it felt like home for me! It’s great when you find familiar feelings far from home.
Home away from home for me is always a necessary visit to Ambasade De La Beaute Biologique Recherche. On the day I arrived I had an appointment for their famed remodeling facial. I couldn’t think of a better way to get rid of jet lag and look instantly refreshed. My treatment was amazing.  It started with a cleansing, then a consultation… the French are very interested in your lifestyle (they’re advocates of a stress free life) and my esthetician was not shy to tell me to stop stressing, almost as if it were a prescription. I had the Lift CVS treatment followed by electric current remodeling machine. My face felt lifted, stress melted away, it was just what I needed. At the end my esthetician suggested a skincare regime for me and it was very refreshing because it’s not often someone does this for me.  I only see my skin in the mirror, which is not tactile.  So I really took her advice to heart because she was able to read my skin in a different context than I’m able to myself. After the facial I had a blow dry.  When my hair stylist asked me how I wanted it I left it up to her.  She gave me this magnificent style that felt perfectly Parisienne. I forgot all about the jet lag, went out for a fantastic dinner and stayed out late.  So once again the proof is there. If your skin looks good and your hair looks good you can wear a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and still feel glamorous! So I resolve for 2013, to continue to get facials and blowouts instead of going out and buying a brand new outfit. Packing for Paris will be much easier, I’ll just make sure to book a facial and a blowout before hitting the boutiques. Tres chic!
Danuta Mieloch, Owner and Esthetician at Rescue Rittenhouse Spa