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During fashion week, the city of light and love is at its sparkling best, but long days in heels, multiple shows, the stress of gridlock traffic and late Paris nights can all translate to lacklustre hair, skin and spirit.
But fortunately, Paris is good not only for art and carbohydrates but beauty, too! From the chicest of salons to skin saviours to retail haunts,
Biologique recherche
Whilst it is available in Australia (via the imitable skin expert Melanie Grant), there’s no place to experience Biologique Recherche quite like the Ambassade salon on the Champs-Élysées. While the facials are wonderfully indulgent, the French skincare brand is one that’s very much driven by results. Treat travel-related dehydration and congestion with a skin analysis and customised facial — you’ll emerge with skin that’s purified, supple and luminous.
David Mallet
Whether you need a pre-show blow out or feel inspired to lop off your length (such is the French way), there’s no place chicher to do so that David Mallet. The Australian born stylist has outposts in Paris (both at the Ritz Paris, and his flagship space on rue Notre Dame) and New York, with a fourth location soon to open in Milan. The name behind countless models, celebrities and fashion veterans, Mallet is the best in the business — we guarantee you’ll leave feeling like the very best version of yourself.
Cheval Blanc Dior Spa
The Dior Spa Cheval Blanc is luxury personified. From the moment you transcend the marble staircase, it’s as if the city chaos melts away — the fact the exclusive treatment menu spotlights some of Dior’s finest skincare is just the cherry on top. Whilst the facials are worth their weight in glow, we’re particularly fond of the New Look Silhouette Massage, a rigorous body treatment that shapes and sculpts, shifting fluid that’s accumulated on the flight over. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early to enjoy a vitamin-infused elixir on arrival, and to marvel at the private changing suite, plush Dior bathrobe and all.
Diptyque
Diptyque is admittedly available in Australia via Mecca, but the 34 Boulevard Saint Germain flagship in the 5th is not to be missed. Endless fragrance, sculptural floral arrangements that wouldn’t look out of place in the Louvre — there’s no better way to experience the French-born brand than in its original birthplace. Why not pick up a new scent while you’re there to mark the week that was? Eau Capitale, a scent that celebrates Paris, marries rose with patchouli and chypre accord for a juice that’s feminine, romantic and just a little bit sexy.
Officine Universelle Buly
Inspired bu the apothecaries of decades past, the Officine Universelle Buly boutique in Saint Germain is like a tiny world within Paris. Constructed of marble and rich woods, the dark, moody, mythical store is a treat for the skin and senses alike. Whether you need a hand salve or body oil (so you’re glistening in that Miu Miu micro mini) be sure to carve out some time to visit.
Le Bon Marche
If you can find a spare 45 minutes and you happen to be on the left bank, head to Le Bon Marche. The department store is the stuff of sartorial dreams, with a beauty floor to match! With brands like Dries Van Noten, Dr Barbara Sturm, Westman Atelier, Frederic Malle, Chanel and Biologique Recherche, there’s no retail experience quite like it.
