I am back in Los Angeles! As I unpack, I thought I'd share some items with you, straight out of my suitcase.I'm mostly a fan of American cosmetics, from Neutrogena to quirky organic brands, but when it comes to sunscreen, the French have got the best - many ingredients haven't been FDA approved yet, mainly to give American firms the time to do research and find similar molecules; Vogue did some thorough research on this a couple of years ago. Though I've always been a fan of Anthelios's sunscreens by La Roche Posay, I gave an emulsion by Avène (above) a try and frankly, I'm hooked. It's very light on the skin, smells nice, and its SPF 50 strength protects my white complexion from sun damage.
As for Lipikar, a wonderful moisturizer that's my favorite in France, I just can't resist its fresh and zesty scent.
Also in my bags: many many presents for my friends, such as fancy Roger & Gallet soaps, pots of special artisanal mustard (with herbes de Provence), fashionable yet very traditional pink biscuits de Reims - the recipe is over 300 years old...
And books! I'll show you my reading list in a couple of days.
One this I wish I could have brought with me is Yamazaki's green tea slushee with its anko topping - I always enjoy this summer treat at their Porte de La Muette outlet, an award winning pastry shop that offers French treats with a Japanese twist.
Emily Dickinson
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22 comments:
oh, love sunblock recommendations! my current favorite is sunceuticals spf 45 sport, but i'll look into your choices.
Welcome back!
Wow! What a magnificent holiday you've had! Thank you so much for your posts - I've really enjoyed living vicariously through you!! That slushie looks very interesting!!
Anthelios's sunscreens are the best!!!!
I would love to see your books!
JOSEPHINE - I suppose that the 1rst important step is to actually wear sunscreen, as you do.
SAM - thanks, I loved taking fellow bloggers along on my trip!
Just as I like traveling through blogs from all over the world.
welcome back!!! i hope you had a lovely time!!!
i am a big fan of avène!!! (my skin is sensitive...and alllll their products are great!)...
IF JANE - what Avène products do you use?
And do you find them in Montreal?
Hey - I bring Lipikar and other La Roche Posay products back from France when I go each year too. Though you CAN get it in Shoppers Drug Mart here in Toronto too...
I seldon wera sunblock and I am SO wrong. I find myslef "locked" in their creamy consistence and I do have to try this lotion. Sound perfect for me.
Welcome home and thanks for sharing your recommendations.
Green tea slushy? YUM! Can't wait to see the books.
Welcome home.
xo Isa
MARDI - ah, I'm glad to see I'm not the only lotion smuggler here...
WORLD IN A PAN - BAD GIRL.
Afraid I must agree with Laura. I have yet to find a sun block that does not suffocate me. It is the same with mosquito spray. Yuck!
I love Darphin, and now I need to try this new sunscreen introduction! Sounds like a wonderful trip, and I look forward to hearing more.
J ELAINE - oh Jen, do try the Avene, I'm sure you'll like it. With your super fair skin, you really need to use sunscreen.
Believe me, my mum wishes she had used some when she was younger!
SIMPLY MEL - actually when I was in Lafitte, my friends' mother used only Darphin products. I adore their packaging, so elegant.
Mary-Laure, I agree that the smell of the product has to be good or I won't use it. I too am fair and have had skin cancer so it is very important to keep up with the sunscreen. Your travels keep me coming back; I feel I am living vicariously through your blog.
oh..i wear avène's hydrance riche for my face... and avène's trixéra+ baume émollient everyday. and you can get them here in montréal at every pharmacy...(actually more and more you can find french pharmacy creams etc at our pharmacies...)
DONNA - I am impressed that you survived such an ordeal and hope you're ok now...
I'd love to know what sunscreen you use.
IF JANE - I really like Avène's packaging, so simple yet pretty with that pink swirl.
I don't use sunblock all that much (too many things I am hearing re Vit D deficiency epidemics, and secondary issues due to years of absorbing chemicals through the skin), but I do wear it on my face everyday, and that stuff sounds very nice. Must look into it.
That shave ice, btw...I eat plenty local foods over here, but the red beans over my shave ice, no. Just no. :lol: Sure looks pretty, though. :p
MURALIMANOHAR - yes, I also heard about the vitamin D deficiency problem, but there is skin cancer in my family so I must be careful, you know...
Aaaaaw, you're not a fan of azuki beans? I'll have them over anything. The most satisfying food I know, really.
I like red bean mochi, and I like red bean manapua..but NOT red bean shave ice. :p
Yeah, I have no skin cancer on my mom's side, and have no idea about my dad's side, but since I take after my mom's side, with a Philipino grandfather, we tend to have a bit of natural protection already, and then we try make a point of avoiding the midday hours, and use rash vests and coverups, too.
I love my la roche-posay spf 15 moisturizer. I'll have to try the Avène one you rave about, too.
Welcome home!
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