We really love our lotions and potions. The pharmacy is like a sweetie shop for French women

Parisian Mariam Bye, 51, from Edinburgh, has lived in Scotland for 20 years but is unconvinced that French women age better. But, she says, if they do, better skincare might be the secret.

I do think women look after themselves in Scotland, just as much as they do in France.

But from a very young age, French women are always told to look after their skin, so from that perspective perhaps we start a bit younger.

In France, it’s more about looking after your skin, whereas here women wear a lot more make-up.

French ladies will also buy the next big thing. If they hear about a new cream, they will go straight to the shops.

The pharmacy in France is like the sweetie shop here in Scotland!

We love our products and we’re constantly looking for something new.

And although her fellow countrywoman are often considered to be very chic, Mariam says this has more to do with being Parisian than French. If you live in a city you tend to do more – you wear make-up and different clothes than if you were in the countryside.

French women do look after themselves and make an effort – they care about what other people think, and what perception people have of them.

It’s all about being able to keep up with other people and making yourself feel good.

There is a bit of a legend about French women being glamorous.

I think we are, but no more than other people although I still find Parisian women very glamorous when I go back there.i certainly feel happy in my 50s. I think women of my generation have a different outlook than our parents.

I certainly feel younger than my mum at 50 – hers was a whole different perspective and generation altogether.