Skip to content

US-based Store

Code FREE SHIPPING from $150

  • United States (USD $)
French Wink
Log in Bag
Menu
  • Food
    • Food
    • Gourmet Food
    • Dairy & Cheese
    • Apéritif & Snacks
    • Pantry & Baking
    • Jams & Spreads
    • Desserts & Sweets
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Tea, Coffee & Chocolate
    • Soda & Syrups
    • Non-Alcoholic Wines & Cocktails
  • Gift Boxes
  • Beauty & Wellness
    • Beauty & Wellness
    • Skincare
    • Bath & Body
    • Hair Care & Accessories
    • Perfume
    • Makeup
    • Wellness
    • Men's Care
    • Kids Care
  • Kitchen
    • Kitchen
    • Cookware & Bakewear
    • Tableware
    • Glassware
    • Utensils
    • Knives & Chopping Boards
    • Cups, Mugs & Teapots
    • Kitchen Textiles
  • Home
    • Home
    • Candles & Home Fragrances
    • Home Decor & Wall Art
    • Bedding & Accessories
    • Laundry & Household Cleaning
    • Stationery
  • Clothing & Accessories
    • Clothing & Accessories
    • Women
    • Men
    • Jewelry
    • Scarves
    • Bags
  • Books
    • Books
    • Cookbooks
    • Travelguide
    • French Learners
    • French Culture & Fashion
    • Books in French
    • Kids
    • Notebooks
    • Calendars
  • Kids
    • Kids
    • Baby Shower
    • Toys & Games
    • Books
    • Clothing & Accessories
    • Kids Care
    • Kids Cook
  • Pets
  • Souvenirs
    • Souvenirs
    • Paris
    • Cote d'Azur
    • Provence
    • New York
  • Experiences
  • Gift Cards
  • Available for Pickup
  • Our Curations
    • Our Curations
    • By Themes
      • Fall Collection
      • In love with Paris
      • French Baking essentials
      • Winter Collection
      • Spring Collection
      • Mother's Day
      • Valentine's Day 2024
      • Go to By Themes
    • By Recipients
      • For Her
      • For Him
      • Gifts under $35
      • Gifts under $50
      • Gifts under $100
      • Baby Shower
      • Wedding
      • Go to By Recipients
  • Newest Arrivals
  • Sale
Beauty, French know-how

Discover the timeless beauty secrets of French women: 5 grandma's products you need in your routine

French grandma beauty secrets

Claire Obry | January 7, 2023

 As women, we are constantly bombarded with messages about the latest and greatest beauty products, promising to give us perfect skin, shiny hair, and a youthful appearance. But sometimes, the most effective beauty solutions are the ones that have been around for centuries.

Our grandmothers in France aged so gracefully, and they weren't surrounded by such a beauty industry. So, what was their secret?

One of the key element of a French woman's beauty routine is simplicity. French women are not known for their 10-steps skincare routine or elaborated makeup look. Instead, they focus on a few key products that work effectively and efficiently.

1 - Marseille Soap

One of this product is the humble yet famous Marseille soap or savon de Marseille. This soap, made from olive oil, has been used in France for centuries and is known for its gentle and nourishing properties. It can be used on the face, body, and hair, making it a versatile addition to any beauty routine.

2 - Alum Stone

Another French beauty staple is the alum stone or pierre d'alun. This natural crystal has astringent properties and can be used as a natural deodorant or as a toner for the skin.

3 - Alep Soap

Savon d'Alep or Alep soap is another traditional French beauty product that is worth investigating. This soap is made from olive oil and bay leaves, and is also known for its gentle, nourishing properties. It's perfect for sensitive skin and can be used on the face, body, and hair.

4 - Micellar water

Eau micellaire, or micellar water, is a popular French beauty product that has gained popularity around the world in recent years. It is a gentle, effective cleansing solution that is perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
Micellar water is made up of tiny molecules called micelles, which are suspended in water. These micelles are attracted to dirt and impurities, making them an effective cleanser that can remove makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping the skin. 
One of the key benefits of micellar water is its convenience. It requires no rinsing, making it perfect for those times when you don't have access to a sink or when you're on the go. Simply apply a few drops of micellar water to a cotton pad and swipe over the skin to remove makeup and cleanse the face.
Micellar water is also gentle on the skin and can be used as a toner, helping to balance the pH of the skin and prepare it for the next steps in your skincare routine.

This is so effective and neutral that lots of French moms are actually using on baby skins as well. We love this micellar water from Mustela for example.

5 -  Eau de Cologne

Last but not least : Eau de cologne, or cologne water. It is a light, refreshing fragrance that has been popular in France for centuries. It is made from a blend of essential oils and alcohol and is known for its invigorating, uplifting scent.

Eau de cologne is perfect for daily use and can be worn by men and women alike. It is also gentle enough to be used on babies and children.
To use eau de cologne, simply apply a few drops to the skin, or spray it onto your clothing or hair. Its light, refreshing scent will last for hours, making it perfect for daily use.
Eau de cologne is also a great way to add a touch of fragrance to your home. You can use it to freshen up your linens or add a few drops to a bowl of water to create a natural air freshener.

''My grandmother, whom I called "mamie," was a beautiful and coquette woman. She always told me to put the rest of the face cream on the back of my hands. She said that the hands are the part of the body that we see all the time and are the first to show signs of aging. She also told me that face creams are typically better formulated than hand creams, so it's a good idea to use the rest of the face cream on the hands to keep them looking youthful. Now, I don't wash the cream off my hands after applying it to my face, but instead, I apply it to the back of my hands and the areas of my neck and chest that are often overlooked but can also start to wrinkle with age. Merci Mamie ❤️✨''

We invite you to try some or better all these traditional French beauty products and guaranty you that you’ll be addicted to it;)
All our beauty products are one wink away.

Share:

Previous Next

Leave a comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.

  • the face of two women

    Women-owned business

    Founded in 2016 by French women Claire & Myline now living in New-York City.

  • a gift box

    Gift Experts

    The perfect gift idea for yourself or a loved one is just one click away. Spoil them!

  • two hands with a heart in the middle

    French Savoir-Faire

    French Wink is a curation of the best products made by world-class French experts.

  • +1 917 514 4187

  • contact@frenchwink.com

  • @frenchwink

Expand your brand!

Launch your pop-up store or event in the US

Learn more

EXPERIENCE JOIE DE VIVRE

  • Brands we ❤️
  • Myline and Claire, the curators
  • Gift Card
  • NYC boutique
  • Corporate Gifts and rates
  • Read the blog
  • French Music Playlist

SHIPPING, RETURNS & POLICIES

  • Shipping Policy
  • Return & Refund Policy
  • Loyalty Program
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

JOIN OUR FAMILY

  • Access my vendor account
  • Become a VIP member
  • Become a vendor
  • Become an affiliate

NEWSLETTER

Unlock a world of French Joie de Vivre! Enjoy $5 off your first order.

Payment methods accepted
  • Amazon
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa
  • United States (USD $)

© 2025 French Wink.

Choose options

Item added to your cart.

View cart