Paris Beauty Survival Kit: Beauty Go-Tos

Image Source: Le Court

With so many places to go in Paris, how is one to choose where to go? Here are my go-to places to keep myself fresh and glowing in Paris. If you prefer staying in, click here and write “At home beauty” in the notes section to get my list of services that comes to you.

My Go-To Guru: Elaine Huntzinger

Gua Sha Massage with Rose Quartz Crystals

One of the things I have missed the most the past 3 years has been a visit with Elaine. She literally works magic in our sessions together. I’m aversive to botox and her treatment is a great alternative, as it is no invasive and naturally stimulates collagen production and elastin. This visit I did the sculptural transformation, which is a combination of acupuncture, sculptural facelifting, buccal massage, gua sha massage and crystals. It’s like a gym for your face that leaves your skin refreshed, tighter and glowing. I also added cupping to my treatment because I just have those NYC knots. I haven’t done cupping since I left Paris and based on how quickly the areas turned red, I truly needed it!

Elaine is trained in holistic medicine and the treatment is customized for you during your visit. Each session will start with a series of questions that will help her determine the treatment plan for the day. I left her atelier not only glowing, but also revitalized from the inside out—I seriously felt like I was walking on air and a totally different person than when I walked in. It’s about a week later and both my digestion and sleep have improved significantly, my skin feels tighter and is still glowing! Will definitely be seeing her again when summer holidays are over.

Pro-Tip: Book Early, as her schedule fills up pretty quickly.

Where: 12 rue de Crussol, Paris 75011

My Go-To Lashes: Madame de Sevres

Volume Russe Lash Extensions

I don’t like wearing eye makeup so get lash extensions so people don’t ask me, ““Are you sick today?” I have tried SO MANY places in Paris for lashes that I feel like goldilocks trying out beds. Thankfully I found a place I loved when I was living in Paris, which is now my lash home away from home, Madame de Sèvres. I love the whole experience—the ambiance, the service, the technique and quality of the work! They do russian volume lashes here (volume russe), which give you great full eyes that look natural. They can adjust depending on the look you are looking for—more natural or more dramatic. The thing I love the most is it’s staying power, they don’t fall out and leave you looking lifeless.

Pro-Tip: Make sure to have a candid conversation regarding the type of look you want so they can customize accordingly. Monica is amazing!

Where: 129 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris 

My Go-To Blowout: Jean Louis David

Image Source: HairSmith & Co

I know, I know. You’re wondering how this subpar chain in the US made my list in Paris. I guess there must be something in the water because I have gotten some of my best blowouts here during this trip. Jean, who ironically shares the name of the salon, is a lifesaver and gave me a blowout that was up to NY standards and my standards. I was honestly surprised and delighted after my first visit and scheduled all my blowouts at his salon while I was staying on the right bank. I will also admit that when I moved to the left bank for the last leg of my trip, I tried a salon by my hotel and was totally disappointed. When I’m back this fall, I will definitely be seeing Jean again for all my hair needs even though I will be on the left bank—he is totally worth the trip across the river! The best part is your blowout last for days WITHOUT dry shampoo!

Pro-Tip: Though you can walk in, definitely book an appointment or you may be SOL.

Where: 29 Rue Poncelet, 75017

My Go-To Waxing: Les Petits Soins

Pastel Vibes and Quality Products

I’ve tried a bunch of places here in Paris and this spa always exceed my expectations. The wax is organic, the service is top notch and the atmosphere is very zen. They offer a bunch of different services like facials and massages if you want to book those as well. I’ve tried them and loved them, but tend to opt for a full spa (i.e. sauna, jacuzzi, the works) when I want a spa day. And for those who are language challenged like myself, if you are looking to get a full bikini wax, the proper term is “epilation maillot integral”. It took me over a year to get this right, but the great thing is they always knew what i was asking for anytime I screwed it up.

Pro-Tip: They now have email booking!!! I may be excited than most, but if you hate talking on the phone and prefer the use of a virtual assistant, this is the best!

Location: They have a few, which is great, but my go to 66 Rue de Vaugirard

My Go-To Nail Salon: Nails Luxury

Moment of zen in 16éme

So this is new to my list, as my go-to for several years did not survive the pandemic. The one thing I am super careful about these days is my nails, mostly because of covid concerns—cleanliness, etc. After much research (Thank You, Google), I discovered Nails Luxury, a cute and well serviced salon in 16éme. They lived up to their reviews regarding cleanliness and technique, which was impressive. My non-gel manicure was perfect and lasted almost two weeks, which is a miracle these days with all the hand sanitizer AND the service was EXCELLENT!! I did try another nail salon when I moved to the left bank, but it sadly did not meet my expectations despite how pretty the salon was—my nails chipped in 2 days. I will definitely be going back to Nails Luxury for all my nail needs unless I find a place in the 7th that tops this experience.

Pro-Tip: Make an appointment. If you cannot speak french, you can email them and use google translate. That’s what I did and everything went smoothly. You can also book on treatwell (a french beauty site/app)

Location: 9 Rue Pergolèse, 75016

So, there you have it, my beauty go-tos when I’m in Paris. Will definitely be updating with new places as I discover them.