FRENCH GALS KEEP IT SIMPLY STUNNING

When it comes to style, French women are renowned for keeping it simple. Pared denim, linen wrap dresses, a red lip. For them, it’s more a form of pleasure, not pain that sees them skip the 10-step K-beauty regime for a basic (yet effective) daily routine.

And as bona fide Francophiles, we’ve got it down pat when it comes to emulating Parisian style, but if their beauty routines are anything to go by, we should be trying less, not more when it comes to copying their clear skin.

According to dermatologist and expert for cult French beauty brand Bioderma, Dr Phillip Tong, your best bet is to stick with a basic cleanser and moisturiser – that’s it.

“The skin is an amazing organ and produces a complex mixture of proteins, compounds and electrolytes which collectively make up the skin’s natural moisturising factor,” explains Dr Tong.

“The more products you use the more likely you are to get irritation and interference with this process – which can irritate the skin and lead to sensitivity.”

What’s more, cutting back on products with active ingredients in favour of a two-step routine will not only mean you’re less likely to develop irritation, it’s cheaper and means you’ll spend less time in front of the mirror.

“I advocate for less because it keeps it simple for people to keep to a routine. Your skin will tell you what you need and if the routine is not working.”

Bottom line? The solution might be to sidestep the full product line-up altogether.