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For the past two years, I've maintained a solid skincare routine, even adding microneedling and TCA cross treatments (thanks to Dr. Ogunmakin @Kelsey-Seybold in Houston!) to improve acne scars and overall tone. Naturally, I brought that dedication to Paris. Here's to hoping the fresh air (despite some cigarette smoke!), plentiful water, and focus on self-care contribute to an even healthier glow. France is renowned for its skincare, and I couldn't resist a mini-haul from a pharmacie last week: 1. Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion with Shea Butter: Dry skin? This lotion is your new best friend. Packed with nourishing shea butter, it left my skin feeling luxuriously soft and hydrated all day long. Perfect for those windy days spent strolling along the Seine or exploring charming Parisian neighborhoods. 2. Avène Cleansing Foam: Gentle yet effective, this Avène face wash removed the buildup from the days' makeup and impurities without stripping my skin of its natural oils. I got a small size because I wanted to try it out with the moisturizer to see if it could reverse my dry skin. Its light, almost foamy texture makes it a pleasure to use, and it left my skin feeling clean and refreshed. 3. Avène Hydrance Légère Moisturizer: Lightweight and fragrance-free, this Avène moisturizer is a dream for everyday use. It delivers deep hydration without clogging pores, making it perfect for all skin types – even sensitive skin. I am using it every morning and loving it. 4. Uriage Eau Thermale Silky Body Lotion: Maybe this is a true Parisian essential? This lotion is similar to the Clarins lotion, however, seems a bit less silky. It still leaves my skin feeling great and I'm using it sometimes during the day, but mostly at night. At the price point, it's less than Clarins, it's a great value. 5. Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Face Mask: Why not try for an extra boost of moisture and plumpness? Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient here and it's known for its ability to attract and retain moisture. This mask might be perfect for a pre-date night treat or whenever your my skin needs a little TLC. 6. Gold Collagen Hydrogel Mask: This was a little splurge for me. I don't usually invest in beauty masks because my skin is sensitive from daily retinol use. But, when in Paris... it could be the ultimate pampering session with this luxurious hydrogel mask. Infused with collagen and gold extract, it is supposed to leave your skin feeling firmer, smoother, and oh-so-glamorous. These are just a few of the amazing French drugstore products that I'm keeping in my roster for a healthy, radiant complexion. So next time you're strolling down the Champs-Élysées, be sure to pop into a pharmacy and discover your own Parisian beauty secrets! Avez-vous un produit de beauté français préféré? (Do you have a favorite French beauty product?) Let me know in the comments below! Bisous, Tash 
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Wow, what a weekend! Yesterday (Samedi 20 Avril) was packed with activity, starting with a class tour, with a diverse international group, that ended up being a great experience.
À la Famille de Mère Our tour of Parc Monceau took us past a gorgeous chocolate shop. Being a sucker for Parisian shops, I had to take a peek. My classmate decided to browse inside, and let's just say it was a delightful discovery! Turns out, the shop was À la Mère de Famille, the oldest chocolatier in Paris! No wonder the selection was incredible – this place has history! Gym and Fitness Despite all the walking this weekend (and pastries!), I still plan to join the gym downstairs. I brought my weightlifting shoes and some gel arch supports for added comfort. A good workout could be a nice break from studying and cleaning today. Priorities and Planning Staying healthy is a priority while traveling. I learned a valuable lesson in Jamaica about packing proper medication! This time, I'm prepared with a saline nasal spray to help prevent another cold (the low temperature and incessant wind under the Eiffel Tower made me paranoid about getting sick again). Today, I'm catching up on studying for a French verb conjugation test (passé composé, futur porch, l'imparfait, l'imperatif, l'infinitif) on Monday to see if I can get into a higher level class. Wish me luck! I also need to clean my apartment and organize my things. Space is a bit tight, so I'll find a way to store my suitcases and maximize storage. On the bright side, I have a full-length mirror and towel warmer! After breakfast (muesli and rice milk), I'll tackle the rest of my to-do list.  Bonjour from Paris! Today was a day (Vendredi 19 Avril) of exploration and delicious discoveries. Morning I slept in a bit this morning, with classes not starting until noon. On my way to the train station, I wore my favorite high-waisted J.Crew jeans (seen below, pic is from Houston). They're so comfy and flattering, even after a tailor tweaked them for the perfect fit. Golden Goose sneakers proved to be the ideal choice for walking around Paris. I added some arch supports for extra comfort (I can't stop talking about these arch supports!), and they've been a lifesaver! Finding My Way I'm proud to say I can navigate my way to the train station and school independently now. There's a little plaza near the Opéra station where you can easily get confused, but I've developed my own landmarks to guide me. Learning French (and Biscuits!) Today's class focused on vocabulary. It's funny being in school again at my age, but it's definitely a fun way to improve my French, and meet new people. We even had a hilarious moment when two of us (including me!) called cookies "biscuits" in a strong American accent. Our teacher found it quite amusing, and it was a good reminder to work on my pronunciation. The French way of saying "biscuits" is more like "bis-kweeeet" or see below from my dictionary.  Parisian Pastries After class, I decided to explore the patisserie recommended by my teacher. It was a 15-minute walk, and I enjoyed strolling through the beautiful streets. The area was full of charming shops: butchers, cheese shops, wine shops, vintage stores, and an abundance of eyeglasses stores! I even spotted some high-end brands like Celine and Chanel. At the patisserie, I bravely tried ordering in French and purchased three pastries: a rose, a caramel with whipped cream and hazelnut, and a pistachio. These "choux pastries" weren't what I expected – they were filled with delicious goodness! I also grabbed a sandwich from Blondies for lunch – a savory treat with herring (or other fish), tomato, onion, spinach, and spices. Check out my IG @Tsahia for more on Popelini! Back to Class and Planning
The rose pastry was a real highlight – a burst of flavor that left me wanting more. After lunch, I had two more classes and edited some footage for a YouTube video (be sure to subscribe!). A classmate hadn't eaten much that day, so I offered him one of my remaining pastries. He chose the pistachio, and while a part of me wanted to keep it (pistachio is one of my favorites!), I was happy to share. The small breaks between classes often mean limited snack options, so a pastry definitely helped him through the day. In class, we reviewed verb tenses for our upcoming exam, which will determine if we move to a higher French level. I'm feeling confident after successfully reciting lines from a poem we created as a class. Looking Forward I'm excited for Saturday! I'm joining a school tour to explore a new part of Paris called Monceau. Afterwards, I'll be meeting my friend for an Eiffel Tower tour. This is a great opportunity to practice more French outside the classroom. I also spoke to a student counselor today who confirmed they can understand me! It's encouraging to see my French improving. Overall, today was a productive and enjoyable day in Paris. I can't wait to see what adventures the weekend brings! Paris, the City of Lights (et l'amour), beckons with its romantic streets, world-class museums, and undeniable je ne sais quoi. But before you get swept away in the Parisian whirlwind, make sure you pack the essentials! Honestly, I wish I had this list before I came. Also, I know that the 50 degrees here in Paris feels about 10 degrees cooler and windier than it would in Houston. So, if you're sensitive to the cold, you'll want to bring these items if you're traveling here in the spring. Don't fret, if you can't get these items at home, you can always find them here. Here are my top 5 recommendations to ensure you look and feel your best while exploring this enchanting city: 1. The Versatile Trench Coat: Parisian style is all about effortless chic, and a trench coat is the ultimate embodiment of that. Opt for a full-length or mid-length silhouette, depending on your preference. A wool trench offers warmth for cooler months, while a leather bomber with a removable lining provides adaptability for varying temperatures. This versatile piece will take you from daytime strolls to evening outings in style. 2. Be Prepared for Anything: Pack an Umbrella Parisian weather can be unpredictable, so pack a reliable umbrella. Opt for a compact, foldable design that easily fits in your bag. Remember, a little rain shouldn't dampen your Parisian adventure! 3. Scarves: The Ultimate Parisian Accessory No Parisian wardrobe is complete without scarves! Pack two large scarves, one for warmth and one for a touch of Parisian flair. Consider a chunky knit or cashmere pashmina scarf for those chilly days and a silk scarf to add a pop of color and sophistication to your outfit. Bonus tip: while you're in Paris, treat yourself to a beautiful silk scarf from a local boutique – a perfect souvenir that will always remind you of your Parisian adventure.  4. Comfortable Yet Chic Footwear: Sneakers are Your Friend Exploring Paris involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Pack a pair of stylish sneakers in a neutral color like black, white, or grey. Brands like New Balance or Puma offer a perfect blend of comfort and Parisian style. Bonus points for a pair that complements your trench coat!  5. Hands-Free Exploration: The Crossbody Bag
A crossbody bag is a lifesaver when navigating the bustling streets of Paris. It keeps your essentials close and secure while allowing you to explore hands-free. Choose a stylish yet practical design that complements your overall look. Fortunately, cross-body bags come in a range of styles and sizes for your preference and budget - go for a chic leather one to really look Parisian. Bonus Tip: Pack a small French phrasebook! Learning a few basic phrases will enhance your Parisian experience and show respect for the local culture. Bonus Bonus
With these essentials in your luggage, you're all set to experience Paris like a true Parisian – effortlessly chic and ready for adventure! Are you dreaming of studying abroad but wondering what it's really like? Buckle up, because I'm here to give you the unfiltered truth - the good, the bad, and the delicious rotisserie chicken. Hitting the Ground Running (or Strolling) My days are a whirlwind of classes, exploring hidden cafes, and conquering the Parisian metro (sometimes successfully). Yes, you read that right, the metro can be a challenge, but it's all part of the adventure. On a recent escapade, I found myself lost and hungry. Luckily, a delicious (and surprisingly curry-like) rotisserie chicken leg came to the rescue! It wasn't Michelin-star worthy, but it did fuel my explorations. Finding Balance: Fitness, French, and Fashion One of the biggest adjustments is finding balance. While I'm loving the city's walkable streets, I know I need to incorporate more exercise. Joining the gym downstairs seems like a great first step. Speaking of first steps, French class is frustrating and rewarding. The group work forces me to practice, even though I sometimes wish for a bit of introvert time! Plus, there's always the fashion inspiration - the Parisians are effortlessly chic, making me want to add a few key pieces to my wardrobe (Zara, anyone?). Living Like a Local: Laundry, Learning, and Luxury Let's be real, adulting abroad isn't always glamorous. Laundry day is a battle against the communal machines, and my cold concrete floors are begging for a rug. However, these small inconveniences are overshadowed by the incredible opportunities. And while I haven't secured my dream apartment yet, the hunt is on. However, I just booked a trip to La Corse (Corsica)!La Corse is, a French island nicknamed "The Island of Beauty," boasts dramatic mountains, stunning turquoise beaches, and charming villages. Hike through ancient forests, relax on secluded coves, and savor delicious Corsican cuisine, all in one unforgettable trip. Priorities! I'll be sure to detail more on this as the date gets closer.  Inspiring others
This experience is bigger than just me. It's a chance to fulfill my dreams and to inspire others to pursue their dreams of moving to France, being a student abroad, or having the courage to make that change they've always wanted to have. I'm determined to make the most of it, one rotisserie chicken leg, missed metro connection, and perfectly conjugated verb at a time. So, are you ready to experience Paris like a real student? Stay tuned for more adventures, tips, and maybe even some French language lessons along the way! |
AuthorBonjour, I’m Tsahia—friends call me Tash. I’m a Parisian luxury-focused entrepreneur and writer, living in the heart of Paris. I'm currently studying Global Luxury Brand Management at Sup de Luxe. 
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