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The French Beauty Solution: Time-Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out
A New York Times bestseller!
Cofounder of the international beauty company Caudalíe shares the simple, natural, time-tested beauty secrets she learned growing up in France that any woman can use to look younger, healthier, and more radiant without harsh products or drastic procedures.
When Mathilde Thomas moved from her native France to the United States to expand her skin-care company, Caudalíe, she wanted to find out what American women wanted from their beauty routines. She interviewed thousands of women and was struck by how different the French and American approaches to beauty were. American women are all about the quick fix—the elusive product or procedure that will instantly solve a nagging beauty problem, even if it hurts, is wildly expensive, or is damaging in the long term. The French, by contrast, approach beauty as an essential and pleasurable part of the day, a lifelong and active investment that makes you look and feel good.
Mathilde used these insights to turn Caudalíe into one of America’s top beauty brands. Drawing on her company’s twenty years of scientific skin-care expertise backed by the research of doctors and dermatologists—as well as the beauty secrets she learned growing up on a vineyard in Bordeaux— The French Beauty Solution covers everything from how to use natural ingredients such as oil and honey to wash your face; what foods to eat for healthier hair, skin, and nails; and the amazing properties of grapes and grapeseed oil. She also introduces an easy three-day grape cleanse that European aristocrats have been using to detox for hundreds of years. Blending stories, science, DIY recipes, and tons of savoir faire, The French Beauty Solution is the last beauty regimen you’ll ever need.
Cofounder of the international beauty company Caudalíe shares the simple, natural, time-tested beauty secrets she learned growing up in France that any woman can use to look younger, healthier, and more radiant without harsh products or drastic procedures.
When Mathilde Thomas moved from her native France to the United States to expand her skin-care company, Caudalíe, she wanted to find out what American women wanted from their beauty routines. She interviewed thousands of women and was struck by how different the French and American approaches to beauty were. American women are all about the quick fix—the elusive product or procedure that will instantly solve a nagging beauty problem, even if it hurts, is wildly expensive, or is damaging in the long term. The French, by contrast, approach beauty as an essential and pleasurable part of the day, a lifelong and active investment that makes you look and feel good.
Mathilde used these insights to turn Caudalíe into one of America’s top beauty brands. Drawing on her company’s twenty years of scientific skin-care expertise backed by the research of doctors and dermatologists—as well as the beauty secrets she learned growing up on a vineyard in Bordeaux— The French Beauty Solution covers everything from how to use natural ingredients such as oil and honey to wash your face; what foods to eat for healthier hair, skin, and nails; and the amazing properties of grapes and grapeseed oil. She also introduces an easy three-day grape cleanse that European aristocrats have been using to detox for hundreds of years. Blending stories, science, DIY recipes, and tons of savoir faire, The French Beauty Solution is the last beauty regimen you’ll ever need.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2015
151 people are currently reading
1938 people want to read
About the author
Mathilde Thomas
1 book25 followersMathilde Thomas cofounded the all-natural skin-care line Caudalíe with her husband after taking inspiration in the power of grapes from her parents’ Bordeaux vineyard. Her company’s products are available in more than fifteen thousand stores worldwide. Mathilde now lives in New York City with her family, where she heads Caudalíe USA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
April 21, 2017
Our bodies, no matter what size, are wonderful creations. We were born nude and take off clothes out of necessity several times a day.
This books was, for the most part, very boring.
It's not Thomas's fault. I am obviously not her key audience here.
She has a whole chapter about diet (as in, what one eats not 'diet' like Weight Watchers) which repeats pretty much everything you find in a French diet book. Boring, and I am uninterested in losing any weight.
She talks about how, for French women, spas and beauty treatments and facials are a necessity, not a luxury. I am not going to start spending money on skincare, so this whole chapter was out. Her long, long chapter on skin was so mind-numbingly boring to me - because I love my skin and am not looking to improve it, but if you are, Thomas seems reasonable and clear-headed for the most part.
She has a WHOLE other chapter devoted to skincare ingredients and if they are good or bad.
Then a chapter on taking care of your face and neck - I don't give a fuck. Like I said, my skin is amazing and wonderful.
Then a chapter on taking care of your body. She advises not to wash your hair too much and not to take long, hot showers. She goes on and on about cellulite, but in my personal opinion, I and every single female I know - thin or fat - has at least some cellulite and I can't bring myself to give a fuck. Instead I'm fucking angry at a culture that demands that we look perfect and airbrushed at all times. She believes in exfoliation and skin cream. Blah blah blah nail and foot care.
I enjoyed the brief section about perfume, although Thomas brags about the perfumes she's created, the generally consensus in the fragrance community is that they are not very good. I haven't tried them, but now perhaps I will.
Then she has a whole chapter on recipes - not FOOD recipes, but recipes for face masks, skin scrubs, bath salts, etc. etc.
Chapter on makeup - I'm absolutely fine with the very little makeup I own and use, thank you.
Chapter on hair - My hair is beautiful and wonderful and just as I like it, so I'm bored again.
Then she ends the book with some fucking grape cleanse. And I have to say I don't get it. I don't get people who don't have eating disorders urge to just limit themselves to a single food for a few days. They call it 'a cleanse,' and I call it 'flirting with anorexia.' I have absolutely no desire to limit my diet (as in food I consume, not WW-type diet) to one single food. With Giuliano, it was leeks. With this lady, it's grapes. Come on.
Another negative about this book is that Thomas is the founder and CEO of the company Caudalie Paris. So there is lots of advertising snuck in here about her spas and her products and her fragrances. I'm not about to start buying her stuff or going to her spas, so she's shit out of luck with me. Don't think I don't notice what you're doing!
But the upside of this book is that Thomas is not condescending and superior as Guiliano can be. She devotes two-and-a-half pages to all the things she admires about Americans and what they do better than the French in order to take the sting out of some of her advice. For instance, she admires Americans' attitudes toward smoking. She says the French still smoke way too much. And she admires American women's breasts, teeth, athletic look, manicure styles, energy, innovation, ambition, humor, honesty, etc. etc. She gives examples and little anecdotes with each piece of praise and I think this is a better way of dealing with an American female reader than Guiliano's way, which is basically to imply we are fat, lazy slobs who dress terribly. So kudos to at least her good sense if not her honesty. Someone with strong business sense would obviously include a section like this, and Thomas is a businesswoman through and through.
The last thing I want to mention is Thomas's discussion of French actresses. I really enjoyed this section, in which she illustrated and highlighted that French beauty doesn't mean perfection, flawlessness and eternal youth, as it does in America. It was a charming section and I think illustrates to female American readers that women who don't meet beauty standards in America can be considered goddesses in France.
Here are some examples:
Brigitte Bardot
Juliette Binoche
Carole Bouquet
Catherine Deneuve
Isabelle Huppert
Charlotte Rampling
Marion Cotillard
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Eva Green
Sophie Marceau
Vanessa Paradis
What she's saying is that in America they would 'fix' these women's 'flaws' to look like airbrushed models. She's saying that in France, even though you have to be thin, you have more leeway with your face and your 'quirks' that would quickly be erased in America in order to look like every other cookie-cutter celebrity.
Tl;dr - I am just not Thomas's audience. This isn't Thomas's fault - but I don't need or want her advice on skin care, makeup, diet, and hair care. I would recommend this book to someone who was into that stuff. Some positive things I got out of this book was hearing Thomas list what she liked and admired about American women, and her points and observations about French female celebrities vs. American ones. The worst thing about this book, IMO, is Thomas trying to get you buy what she is selling. Just like Guiliano up-played Champagne and wine because she worked for Veuve Clicquot, so does Thomas with her Caudalie products.
Read only if you are interested in this topic.
This books was, for the most part, very boring.
It's not Thomas's fault. I am obviously not her key audience here.
She has a whole chapter about diet (as in, what one eats not 'diet' like Weight Watchers) which repeats pretty much everything you find in a French diet book. Boring, and I am uninterested in losing any weight.
She talks about how, for French women, spas and beauty treatments and facials are a necessity, not a luxury. I am not going to start spending money on skincare, so this whole chapter was out. Her long, long chapter on skin was so mind-numbingly boring to me - because I love my skin and am not looking to improve it, but if you are, Thomas seems reasonable and clear-headed for the most part.
She has a WHOLE other chapter devoted to skincare ingredients and if they are good or bad.
Then a chapter on taking care of your face and neck - I don't give a fuck. Like I said, my skin is amazing and wonderful.
Then a chapter on taking care of your body. She advises not to wash your hair too much and not to take long, hot showers. She goes on and on about cellulite, but in my personal opinion, I and every single female I know - thin or fat - has at least some cellulite and I can't bring myself to give a fuck. Instead I'm fucking angry at a culture that demands that we look perfect and airbrushed at all times. She believes in exfoliation and skin cream. Blah blah blah nail and foot care.
I enjoyed the brief section about perfume, although Thomas brags about the perfumes she's created, the generally consensus in the fragrance community is that they are not very good. I haven't tried them, but now perhaps I will.
Then she has a whole chapter on recipes - not FOOD recipes, but recipes for face masks, skin scrubs, bath salts, etc. etc.
Chapter on makeup - I'm absolutely fine with the very little makeup I own and use, thank you.
Chapter on hair - My hair is beautiful and wonderful and just as I like it, so I'm bored again.
Then she ends the book with some fucking grape cleanse. And I have to say I don't get it. I don't get people who don't have eating disorders urge to just limit themselves to a single food for a few days. They call it 'a cleanse,' and I call it 'flirting with anorexia.' I have absolutely no desire to limit my diet (as in food I consume, not WW-type diet) to one single food. With Giuliano, it was leeks. With this lady, it's grapes. Come on.
Another negative about this book is that Thomas is the founder and CEO of the company Caudalie Paris. So there is lots of advertising snuck in here about her spas and her products and her fragrances. I'm not about to start buying her stuff or going to her spas, so she's shit out of luck with me. Don't think I don't notice what you're doing!
But the upside of this book is that Thomas is not condescending and superior as Guiliano can be. She devotes two-and-a-half pages to all the things she admires about Americans and what they do better than the French in order to take the sting out of some of her advice. For instance, she admires Americans' attitudes toward smoking. She says the French still smoke way too much. And she admires American women's breasts, teeth, athletic look, manicure styles, energy, innovation, ambition, humor, honesty, etc. etc. She gives examples and little anecdotes with each piece of praise and I think this is a better way of dealing with an American female reader than Guiliano's way, which is basically to imply we are fat, lazy slobs who dress terribly. So kudos to at least her good sense if not her honesty. Someone with strong business sense would obviously include a section like this, and Thomas is a businesswoman through and through.
The last thing I want to mention is Thomas's discussion of French actresses. I really enjoyed this section, in which she illustrated and highlighted that French beauty doesn't mean perfection, flawlessness and eternal youth, as it does in America. It was a charming section and I think illustrates to female American readers that women who don't meet beauty standards in America can be considered goddesses in France.
Here are some examples:
Brigitte Bardot
Juliette Binoche
Carole Bouquet
Catherine Deneuve
Isabelle Huppert
Charlotte Rampling
Marion Cotillard
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Eva Green
Sophie Marceau
Vanessa Paradis
What she's saying is that in America they would 'fix' these women's 'flaws' to look like airbrushed models. She's saying that in France, even though you have to be thin, you have more leeway with your face and your 'quirks' that would quickly be erased in America in order to look like every other cookie-cutter celebrity.
Tl;dr - I am just not Thomas's audience. This isn't Thomas's fault - but I don't need or want her advice on skin care, makeup, diet, and hair care. I would recommend this book to someone who was into that stuff. Some positive things I got out of this book was hearing Thomas list what she liked and admired about American women, and her points and observations about French female celebrities vs. American ones. The worst thing about this book, IMO, is Thomas trying to get you buy what she is selling. Just like Guiliano up-played Champagne and wine because she worked for Veuve Clicquot, so does Thomas with her Caudalie products.
Read only if you are interested in this topic.
June 9, 2015
I received this book through first reads.
As I was reading this book, I realized that a lot of my daily habits coincided with the French girl lifestyle. Enjoying your food, eating when its worth it, making conscious, healthy choices, never depriving yourself, making the health of your skin a prioroty, enjoying life, goals of happiness rather than success, making a beauty routine something to enjoy and look forward to, finding exercise where you can and staying active, rather than dragging yourself to the gym, creating balance in your life. So it was only natural that this type of lifestyle piqued my interest!
This book has everything. What foods to eat to feel good, have energy, have glowing skin, and fight aging. A section on oils with detailed descriptions on their benefits and what kind of products to find them in. What makes you look young. What makes you look old. She talks about the benefits of red wine and resveratrol extensively, which I found interesting. She talks about makeup and hair. She goes into the details of skin care, and talks about the ingredients used. The benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Recipes for various beauty treatments, like masks and scrubs. I'm so excited to make those!
I've underlined and written little notes all throughout this book. I'll be referencing this time and time again. I will continually add things to my current routine from this book. This lifestyle really makes sense to me. Being healthy and taking care of your body, while still living life and enjoying yourself.
What I liked best about this book is that it wasn't preachy. She went over all the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes, but she didn't say something along the lines of "stop smoking because you will die!" More like, "here are the facts so you can make an informed decision based on your preference. For the sake of your skin, try to smoke in moderation if you do not want to quit". As a smoker, I really appreciated that she didn't use the opportunity to attack the reader. In fact, it was the first time I read an "anti smoking" thing that actually made me consider cutting down on my habit. Now that's impressive.
I highly recommend this book. J'adore!
As I was reading this book, I realized that a lot of my daily habits coincided with the French girl lifestyle. Enjoying your food, eating when its worth it, making conscious, healthy choices, never depriving yourself, making the health of your skin a prioroty, enjoying life, goals of happiness rather than success, making a beauty routine something to enjoy and look forward to, finding exercise where you can and staying active, rather than dragging yourself to the gym, creating balance in your life. So it was only natural that this type of lifestyle piqued my interest!
This book has everything. What foods to eat to feel good, have energy, have glowing skin, and fight aging. A section on oils with detailed descriptions on their benefits and what kind of products to find them in. What makes you look young. What makes you look old. She talks about the benefits of red wine and resveratrol extensively, which I found interesting. She talks about makeup and hair. She goes into the details of skin care, and talks about the ingredients used. The benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Recipes for various beauty treatments, like masks and scrubs. I'm so excited to make those!
I've underlined and written little notes all throughout this book. I'll be referencing this time and time again. I will continually add things to my current routine from this book. This lifestyle really makes sense to me. Being healthy and taking care of your body, while still living life and enjoying yourself.
What I liked best about this book is that it wasn't preachy. She went over all the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes, but she didn't say something along the lines of "stop smoking because you will die!" More like, "here are the facts so you can make an informed decision based on your preference. For the sake of your skin, try to smoke in moderation if you do not want to quit". As a smoker, I really appreciated that she didn't use the opportunity to attack the reader. In fact, it was the first time I read an "anti smoking" thing that actually made me consider cutting down on my habit. Now that's impressive.
I highly recommend this book. J'adore!
June 11, 2017
I didn’t learn much from this book at all. She is quite pushy about her own skin care line (Caudalie), but to be fair, I knew that she would be before I even read it. I may try her grape detox and am curious to see if it works.
What irritated me is her overall attitude that Americans need to pretty much become French in order to be beautiful. That sort of mentality rubs me the wrong way. There’s one part in particular that I thought was particularly condescending, where she refers to “the prudish Americans” and that being one of the reasons why American women apparently hide behind a ton of makeup. Since I personally don’t favor the idea of nudity or sunbathing topless I’m sure that she would consider me a prude, which quite frankly, I don’t mind, since I wear my badge of prudishness with honor! The funny thing is that she would likely be baffled by the fact that I don’t wear any make up at all really.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“The key for me is keeping it simple, with an emphasis on the best skincare rather than makeup.”
“There should be a palpable pleasure in pampering your skin.”
What irritated me is her overall attitude that Americans need to pretty much become French in order to be beautiful. That sort of mentality rubs me the wrong way. There’s one part in particular that I thought was particularly condescending, where she refers to “the prudish Americans” and that being one of the reasons why American women apparently hide behind a ton of makeup. Since I personally don’t favor the idea of nudity or sunbathing topless I’m sure that she would consider me a prude, which quite frankly, I don’t mind, since I wear my badge of prudishness with honor! The funny thing is that she would likely be baffled by the fact that I don’t wear any make up at all really.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“The key for me is keeping it simple, with an emphasis on the best skincare rather than makeup.”
“There should be a palpable pleasure in pampering your skin.”
February 10, 2023
More like 2.5!!
I think French women are delusional about how hard they are trying?? Lol ANYWAY! This book has really made me think that 1. I need an eye cream and 2. I need to start putting oil on my ends before I shampoo. I will not being doing a cleanse bc that's insane and I also won't be putting yogurt on my face. Merci :)
I think French women are delusional about how hard they are trying?? Lol ANYWAY! This book has really made me think that 1. I need an eye cream and 2. I need to start putting oil on my ends before I shampoo. I will not being doing a cleanse bc that's insane and I also won't be putting yogurt on my face. Merci :)
June 14, 2015
In the early 90s, after being introduced to the health benefits of polyphenols (anti-aging compounds found in grapes and grapevines) by a scientist while visiting her parents' Boudeaux vineyard, Mathilde Thomas and her husband, Bertrand, started their skin care company, Caudalie. In The French Beauty Solution, Ms. Thomas generously shares what she’s learned since then about skincare and much more.
Right at the beginning of the book, Mathilde introduces us to the “Pleasure Principle”, which simply means that your beauty routine should not just make you look good – it should also make you feel good. Basic, yet important. Starting here will ensure that everything you do from that point will naturally fall into place. Far too many women think it’s necessary to spend a small fortune or undergo expensive, painful procedures to look good. Mathilde shares that this just isn’t necessary. Holistic and preventative measures are much more cost-effective, simple and painless.
The French Beauty Solution is thorough, organized and engaging. There is a wealth of information contained for treating the outside, as well as the inside, of our bodies. It’s clear that Ms. Thomas knows her stuff. I love that it’s obvious that she has not written this book merely as a way to promote her skin care company – she shares far too much valuable information. In fact, there’s an entire section of recipes that use ingredients that most of us probably have in our kitchen cupboards right now. In addition to skin care, there’s also a great deal of practical advice on healthy eating, hair care, the safe way to detox with a natural grape cleanse, make-up tips and much more.
I would recommend The French Beauty Solution to anyone, of any age, looking for a comprehensive guide for achieving their ultimate health and beauty goals.
http://ebookreviewgal.com received a complimentary ARC of this book from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.
Right at the beginning of the book, Mathilde introduces us to the “Pleasure Principle”, which simply means that your beauty routine should not just make you look good – it should also make you feel good. Basic, yet important. Starting here will ensure that everything you do from that point will naturally fall into place. Far too many women think it’s necessary to spend a small fortune or undergo expensive, painful procedures to look good. Mathilde shares that this just isn’t necessary. Holistic and preventative measures are much more cost-effective, simple and painless.
The French Beauty Solution is thorough, organized and engaging. There is a wealth of information contained for treating the outside, as well as the inside, of our bodies. It’s clear that Ms. Thomas knows her stuff. I love that it’s obvious that she has not written this book merely as a way to promote her skin care company – she shares far too much valuable information. In fact, there’s an entire section of recipes that use ingredients that most of us probably have in our kitchen cupboards right now. In addition to skin care, there’s also a great deal of practical advice on healthy eating, hair care, the safe way to detox with a natural grape cleanse, make-up tips and much more.
I would recommend The French Beauty Solution to anyone, of any age, looking for a comprehensive guide for achieving their ultimate health and beauty goals.
http://ebookreviewgal.com received a complimentary ARC of this book from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.
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January 28, 2022one glass of red wine a day and u will never die!!!!!!
side note: i want to try the home made face masks but im a little bit scared 😬 maybe noosha will do one with me……..
side note: i want to try the home made face masks but im a little bit scared 😬 maybe noosha will do one with me……..
July 14, 2015
To the point: I am in LOVE with the beauty and health tips in this book. I absolutely love this book and find it way more valuable than its price.
Review: This book is written by a genius! I am serious! So, for me specifically, I suffer from a handful of autoimmune diseases, so I really put an effort into what I put in or on my body. A lot of the information in this book I spent YEARS searching on the internet and collecting to create an overall healthy way to treat myself. The fact that this is all together in one book is absolutely amazing.
One new thing I finally tried and never have before (despite hearing of it), is plant derived oils on my skin. I have multiple issues, joint pain due to arthritis, patches of ‘Goosebumps’ that never go away, dull skin that typically feels dry and clogged pores on my face. This book suggested using oils (I chose an avocado oil processed for massage and skin) and of course has a chapter on essential oils, so I added peppermint essence to mine. The difference here is when the book suggests using the oil and how. So I showered and before I stepped out, still dripping, I rubbed the oil mixture all over like I typically do with lotions, except with plant derived oils you don’t have to avoid any areas in fear of clogged pores. My face looked magical the next day, my knees were soft. My ‘Goosebumps’ patches were significantly smaller and softer while the peppermint tangled on my sore joints giving them new life.
None of my pores were clogged from the oil, in fact the oil had purged my pores of any imperfections (even blockheads!).
This book is really great for anyone. I think anyone looking to lead a healthier lifestyle on a budget and the most simple it could be would love this book. I give it 5 stars because it is exactly what I have been trying to find for years. I especially recommend this book to anyone who suffers from chronic health issues, you can feel beautiful with little effort and even LOOK healthy.
The French Beauty Solution by Mathilde Thomas. Avery (July 14, 2015). 272 pages. Beauty & Health. I won this copy through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Review: This book is written by a genius! I am serious! So, for me specifically, I suffer from a handful of autoimmune diseases, so I really put an effort into what I put in or on my body. A lot of the information in this book I spent YEARS searching on the internet and collecting to create an overall healthy way to treat myself. The fact that this is all together in one book is absolutely amazing.
One new thing I finally tried and never have before (despite hearing of it), is plant derived oils on my skin. I have multiple issues, joint pain due to arthritis, patches of ‘Goosebumps’ that never go away, dull skin that typically feels dry and clogged pores on my face. This book suggested using oils (I chose an avocado oil processed for massage and skin) and of course has a chapter on essential oils, so I added peppermint essence to mine. The difference here is when the book suggests using the oil and how. So I showered and before I stepped out, still dripping, I rubbed the oil mixture all over like I typically do with lotions, except with plant derived oils you don’t have to avoid any areas in fear of clogged pores. My face looked magical the next day, my knees were soft. My ‘Goosebumps’ patches were significantly smaller and softer while the peppermint tangled on my sore joints giving them new life.
None of my pores were clogged from the oil, in fact the oil had purged my pores of any imperfections (even blockheads!).
This book is really great for anyone. I think anyone looking to lead a healthier lifestyle on a budget and the most simple it could be would love this book. I give it 5 stars because it is exactly what I have been trying to find for years. I especially recommend this book to anyone who suffers from chronic health issues, you can feel beautiful with little effort and even LOOK healthy.
The French Beauty Solution by Mathilde Thomas. Avery (July 14, 2015). 272 pages. Beauty & Health. I won this copy through a Goodreads Giveaway.
June 24, 2015
Skin care expert Mathilde Thomas grew up in the Bordeaux region of France, where she discovered early on the restorative powers of the grape. When she founded her skin care line, Caudalie, she utilized scientific research along with her own holistic approach to beauty. Coming to America to expand her company, Thomas had the opportunity to observe the difference between American women and their beauty regiment, and that of their French contemporaries. To the French woman, the beauty routine is simply part of their everyday life, starting young and continuing throughout their life. ‘The French Beauty Solution’, provides a simple approach to skin care, drawn from years of experience gleaned through scientific research, as well as from her own friends and family. From the food we eat to what we put on our face, everything affects our skin.
Thomas presents a book so flowing with French joie de vive it instantly captures the readers. This book includes personal experiences and plenty of amazing recipes for a myriad of skin issues. A must read for any woman.
Thomas presents a book so flowing with French joie de vive it instantly captures the readers. This book includes personal experiences and plenty of amazing recipes for a myriad of skin issues. A must read for any woman.
March 22, 2016
I think the fact that I forgot that I read this is indicative of the impact it made on me. All these French beauty/style/life books are so similar. This was just fine but... it didn't have a lot to say that felt fresh.
Thomas does have some interesting insight on the power of grapes to heal (I don't think we consider grapes to be that healthy of a fruit - they seem rather ordinary most of the time), but she is also selling a product. I think that's what prevented me from enjoying this book much; at the end of the day, this is shilling Caudalie, and as much as I truly do enjoy their products, I don't want to feel them forced on me.
All in all: if you like the French lifestyle genre, this will be fine for you, but it's no masterpiece. Easy and enjoyable, and that's about it.
Thomas does have some interesting insight on the power of grapes to heal (I don't think we consider grapes to be that healthy of a fruit - they seem rather ordinary most of the time), but she is also selling a product. I think that's what prevented me from enjoying this book much; at the end of the day, this is shilling Caudalie, and as much as I truly do enjoy their products, I don't want to feel them forced on me.
All in all: if you like the French lifestyle genre, this will be fine for you, but it's no masterpiece. Easy and enjoyable, and that's about it.
August 7, 2015
I loved the drawings!! This slim beauty-tip book is one woman's brief theory and practice of achieving that "special glow." This phrase was over-used, btw. Everything she suggests will give you that healthy or special glow. It just skimmed the surface, but was a good-refresher. She advocates having a glass of red wine every night without fail.
The one tip I brought away was to mix self-tanner with my facial moisturizer, since I'm nervous about tanner on my face making streaks. This book will also make me eat red grapes more often, even though she recommends--insists--that we should swallow the seeds. I am not going to do that.
She also really likes facial masks and uses them at least weekly, but I don't care for masks, and I've tried a fair amount. One of her tips was to exfoliate with baking soda and water? This was briefly stated in a side bar, but I get the feeling she doesn't actually do this. She had these random tips without any elaboration, like did she do it and did it work for her? Sounds like a bad idea, based on the texture of baking soda and how it feels on my hands--you're not even supposed to use it on your teeth that much.
The one tip I brought away was to mix self-tanner with my facial moisturizer, since I'm nervous about tanner on my face making streaks. This book will also make me eat red grapes more often, even though she recommends--insists--that we should swallow the seeds. I am not going to do that.
She also really likes facial masks and uses them at least weekly, but I don't care for masks, and I've tried a fair amount. One of her tips was to exfoliate with baking soda and water? This was briefly stated in a side bar, but I get the feeling she doesn't actually do this. She had these random tips without any elaboration, like did she do it and did it work for her? Sounds like a bad idea, based on the texture of baking soda and how it feels on my hands--you're not even supposed to use it on your teeth that much.
September 16, 2015
I loved everything this book included, but I think it was missing a lot of information it should have included. Honestly, even though the book aims to teach American women basic beauty info they may not know, I think it actually overestimates our knowledge. I wear make-up every day and am a generally fashion-aware person, yet there were still a lot of things assumed that I may know about but don't know how to do. The one that stuck with me the most was the "rule" for washing your face. Especially as a life-long sufferer of acne from PCOS, I've heard this advice for 20 years. Problem: I don't wash my face because I don't know how to do it without water being splashed everywhere. All I have to go on are face wash commercials, and I'm definitely not splashing my face like that. The science behind many beauty products was explained, and I really enjoyed that, but it needed more nuts-and-bolts on the implementation side.
June 24, 2016
Some good general beauty information but I found it to be more of a promotion for the Caudalíe beauty line. :(
March 26, 2024
I picked up this book with zero expectations, I just saw it in the library and caught my attention. I really enjoyed the writing style of the author and seeing the difference between the French and American culture about our routines in life. Loved the tips, and recipes included in the book.
May 9, 2022
I’m usually not a fan of all things French and France, but this book made me want to spend a week at the French spa in Bordeaux, force myself to like red wine and just live life!
August 20, 2018
I honestly hated this book. I read a lot of beauty books. I always enjoy learning about different skin and beauty techniques different cultures have and when I picked this one up, I was excited. I knew French beauty was generally very simple and I was excited to find out a few more insights about why. Instead, I learned about how I’m gonna die from everything and that grapes are the ultimate cure for all.
Thomas does a great job of simplifying two huge populations, the French and Americans, into caricatures. I honestly didn’t learn anything about French women that I couldn’t have learned from a Godard film. French women like sex and wine and only need a swipe of red lipstick and they’re beautiful. Blah.
She spends most of the book raving about grapes and her own line Caudalie. A little self promotion I understand, it’s your own book but Jesus if she doesn’t rip everything else that uses a different ingredient style than her. Plus she justifies everything with half-there science. Some of the ingredients on her “Absolutely not” list aren’t actually going to kill you. She only references studies that support her argument instead of using all the facts. And that finally gets us to the worst part, in my opinion. The Grape Cleanse. I don’t mind her saying “hey I do this grape cleanse and I feel like it helps regulate me, maybe you should try it” but instead she includes stories of two people who claimed the grape cleanse cleared their life-threatening diseases. She does include a statement saying that tests haven’t been able to verify that but then why include it at all?! I didn’t buy a beauty book just to hear about how the French will live forever, I’ll die and here’s a grape cleanse to cure your cancer.
You get maybe four chapters actually dedicated to beauty and even then, those are the light chapters. For the other seven chapters, you have to wade through all of her preaching on how the French are better and her fallacies on science. There are way better beauty books out there that actually make you feel good about your life while also teaching you something.
Thomas does a great job of simplifying two huge populations, the French and Americans, into caricatures. I honestly didn’t learn anything about French women that I couldn’t have learned from a Godard film. French women like sex and wine and only need a swipe of red lipstick and they’re beautiful. Blah.
She spends most of the book raving about grapes and her own line Caudalie. A little self promotion I understand, it’s your own book but Jesus if she doesn’t rip everything else that uses a different ingredient style than her. Plus she justifies everything with half-there science. Some of the ingredients on her “Absolutely not” list aren’t actually going to kill you. She only references studies that support her argument instead of using all the facts. And that finally gets us to the worst part, in my opinion. The Grape Cleanse. I don’t mind her saying “hey I do this grape cleanse and I feel like it helps regulate me, maybe you should try it” but instead she includes stories of two people who claimed the grape cleanse cleared their life-threatening diseases. She does include a statement saying that tests haven’t been able to verify that but then why include it at all?! I didn’t buy a beauty book just to hear about how the French will live forever, I’ll die and here’s a grape cleanse to cure your cancer.
You get maybe four chapters actually dedicated to beauty and even then, those are the light chapters. For the other seven chapters, you have to wade through all of her preaching on how the French are better and her fallacies on science. There are way better beauty books out there that actually make you feel good about your life while also teaching you something.
February 8, 2016
I'm pretty sure I cheated myself out of this good read because before reading it I snooped and skimmed through a few of its pages and coincidentally.... The parts I first read when I snooped were the best from the book, so I kept expecting to read something that would surprise me and that I would love reading as much as those but it didn't happen much. Again, because those were THE best.
That's my own fault. They are very good though! Who knew perfumes and nail polishes should be kept in the fridge???
This book truly contains very good tips, very good make-at-home recipes for facials, hair masks, nail treatments, etc, which I'm stoked to try out soon! And most importantly, the 3 day grape detox guide which my mom and I will also be trying out super soon!
Mathilde is a super classy woman which makes this book not only an interesting read but a BEAUTIFUL read. It literally brings you joy to turn over to the next page.
Before putting it away I will be skimming it again for a last glance at my favorite highlighted quotes/tips/recipes.
Definitely one of those books I will keep referring to and whos tips I'll be using for the rest of my life.
That's my own fault. They are very good though! Who knew perfumes and nail polishes should be kept in the fridge???
This book truly contains very good tips, very good make-at-home recipes for facials, hair masks, nail treatments, etc, which I'm stoked to try out soon! And most importantly, the 3 day grape detox guide which my mom and I will also be trying out super soon!
Mathilde is a super classy woman which makes this book not only an interesting read but a BEAUTIFUL read. It literally brings you joy to turn over to the next page.
Before putting it away I will be skimming it again for a last glance at my favorite highlighted quotes/tips/recipes.
Definitely one of those books I will keep referring to and whos tips I'll be using for the rest of my life.
January 2, 2021
Why didn't I heed the warnings of other reviewers? Why did I charge forth and read all 257 pages of this unremarkable book?
Well, despite how boring The French Beauty Solution was, I plowed forward with the faith that there would be a few nuggets of beauty wisdom. Plus, y'know, I already owned it. If you're totally new to skincare and aromatherapy, sure, there are helpful definitions and tips. But for adept beauty aficionados, this book offers no new concepts other than to praise the righteousness of GRAPES.
Eat the grapes. PRAISE the grapes. Become the GRAPES.
Will I take the plunge and eat nothing but raw grapes for three days in order to have "heightened senses, clearer skin, and unbridled energy"? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Idk - it sounds ludicrous, but it does seem like a low cost for what Mathilde implies as having limitless rewards. (I probably won't though. Sounds like a lot of effort, and my fiancé would think I'm crazy.)
TLDR: This book was TLDR. Don't waste your time.
Well, despite how boring The French Beauty Solution was, I plowed forward with the faith that there would be a few nuggets of beauty wisdom. Plus, y'know, I already owned it. If you're totally new to skincare and aromatherapy, sure, there are helpful definitions and tips. But for adept beauty aficionados, this book offers no new concepts other than to praise the righteousness of GRAPES.
Eat the grapes. PRAISE the grapes. Become the GRAPES.
Will I take the plunge and eat nothing but raw grapes for three days in order to have "heightened senses, clearer skin, and unbridled energy"? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Idk - it sounds ludicrous, but it does seem like a low cost for what Mathilde implies as having limitless rewards. (I probably won't though. Sounds like a lot of effort, and my fiancé would think I'm crazy.)
TLDR: This book was TLDR. Don't waste your time.
January 22, 2019
I liked this book for one big reason and that is that Mathilde didnt just shrug her shoulders and say: its so easy mon amie! Plus, she gives props to many things that American women do for their beauty that the French dont do. Many of her tips and tricks arent new to me but I really enjoyed her book and felt that if you are starting from zero, than this is a great book to read and start treating your biggest organ--your skin-- with the attention it deserves and its not just with some expensive cream. Beauty comes from within and from what we put into our mouths.
June 15, 2015
I got this book free from firstreads. I like the advice in this book. I didn't know a lot about why older people bruise easily or why wine slows the aging process, and now I do. I love the makeup tips and natural recipes. I'm going to take some of the advice in the book.
September 12, 2015
I loved this book! I got so many great tips for how to eat well, care for my skin and hair, and apply make up. She makes your personal beauty routine sound like FUN PAMPERING instead of stressful societal expectations.
December 22, 2016
Fans of the French Women Don't Get Fat will appreciate this books. Lots of great and easily accessible information for beauty novices
September 26, 2019
Wordy but overall a lot of good advice on healthy, classic beauty, including aging gracefully and living well as a beauty treatment. It's a way of life!
October 7, 2018
Decent good, but incredibly inaccurate at some points. I felt like this book was written for two reasons in mind: 1) to promote the authors brand Caudalie, and 2) to give the author “authority” and the impression that she’s got some super human knowledge of the beauty industry and ingredients.
My main issue with this book, as well as the brand and author is that she, in fact, doesn’t have out of this world exclusive knowledge of the beauty industry, and a lot of the information that she gives actually contradicts the current scientific understanding of what is good and isn’t good for the skin. As a simple example - she states that essential oils are incredible for the skin. Not true, actually it’s the complete opposite. A lot of essentials oils are extremely irritating to the skin as they’re highly volatile. Yes, they may have some antioxidant benefits as she suggests. That doesn’t cancel out the damage they cause, however. There’s a lot of other bits and pieces she raves about, ending the rave with “buy this product from Caudalie and you’ll get all these benefits!”. The benefits stated often have little to no scientific research to truely back them up, and it just reeks of self promotion. Basically, a good 1/4 of the book is an advertisement for the authors sub par (and rather expensive for what you get) skincare brand.
However, it gets 3 stars because there’s definitely some useful and interesting information in the book. If there was less Caudalie advertisement and information that doesn’t link up to the latest understanding science has of beauty ingredients, it would get a much higher mark. But for this fact alone, I can’t give it more than 3 stars. Good book, but not without its flaws.
My main issue with this book, as well as the brand and author is that she, in fact, doesn’t have out of this world exclusive knowledge of the beauty industry, and a lot of the information that she gives actually contradicts the current scientific understanding of what is good and isn’t good for the skin. As a simple example - she states that essential oils are incredible for the skin. Not true, actually it’s the complete opposite. A lot of essentials oils are extremely irritating to the skin as they’re highly volatile. Yes, they may have some antioxidant benefits as she suggests. That doesn’t cancel out the damage they cause, however. There’s a lot of other bits and pieces she raves about, ending the rave with “buy this product from Caudalie and you’ll get all these benefits!”. The benefits stated often have little to no scientific research to truely back them up, and it just reeks of self promotion. Basically, a good 1/4 of the book is an advertisement for the authors sub par (and rather expensive for what you get) skincare brand.
However, it gets 3 stars because there’s definitely some useful and interesting information in the book. If there was less Caudalie advertisement and information that doesn’t link up to the latest understanding science has of beauty ingredients, it would get a much higher mark. But for this fact alone, I can’t give it more than 3 stars. Good book, but not without its flaws.
March 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, even though some review I’d read before hand made me skeptical. What American woman doesn’t occasionally want insight into what makes French women so effortlessly glamorous? I especially enjoyed how the author made sure to list what French women find appealing about American women! She did it in kind of a self deprecating way, like “French women love how American women look so put together, were just so lazy we could never look that good!” But still a nice touch.
I appreciated her discussion of ingredients in skincare products, even though I don’t share a lot of her opinions. I enjoyed learning how to work with your own hair texture and color (“oh, French women are just too lazy to use a lot of heat styling!”) bc she was also promoting how to embrace what makes you unique. I also thought her discussion of makeup was cool bc I actually do share many of her philosophies here- who knew I was doing minimal French woman makeup all along?!
This was a quick and easy read. I think most people would get something out of it. Even if it’s just a cool DIY recipe for a face mask you can make in your own kitchen!
I appreciated her discussion of ingredients in skincare products, even though I don’t share a lot of her opinions. I enjoyed learning how to work with your own hair texture and color (“oh, French women are just too lazy to use a lot of heat styling!”) bc she was also promoting how to embrace what makes you unique. I also thought her discussion of makeup was cool bc I actually do share many of her philosophies here- who knew I was doing minimal French woman makeup all along?!
This was a quick and easy read. I think most people would get something out of it. Even if it’s just a cool DIY recipe for a face mask you can make in your own kitchen!
August 6, 2019
Although this book took me a while to get through, I think it was very well done. For skincare junkies like myself, it’s always good to be brought down to earth from the mystical lands of marketing to read more about the science and ingredients that power the products. It’s one of those books that is fun but grounded in the science. I think it’s a great book to read from before bed.
Looking through some of the other reviews, I did want to point out that while this book of course plays into the myths of French beauty “secrets” (which if you know the French author and her French skincare line, is inevitable), I don’t think it looks down on American traditions or hails the French as the last and greatest word of the subject. The author speaks to what she knows and what she grew up with. Historically many Americans have been fascinated with French beauty traditions, so she includes that, but isn’t shy to say when some things aren’t the best way or when Americans have a stronger skill set in one area or another.
I would recommend this book for lovers of Caudalie, French beauty, and skincare. Great read!
Looking through some of the other reviews, I did want to point out that while this book of course plays into the myths of French beauty “secrets” (which if you know the French author and her French skincare line, is inevitable), I don’t think it looks down on American traditions or hails the French as the last and greatest word of the subject. The author speaks to what she knows and what she grew up with. Historically many Americans have been fascinated with French beauty traditions, so she includes that, but isn’t shy to say when some things aren’t the best way or when Americans have a stronger skill set in one area or another.
I would recommend this book for lovers of Caudalie, French beauty, and skincare. Great read!
December 16, 2022
I picked up this book on sale and thought it would be an interesting read since I’ve never been into health and beauty and self-help books.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I learned much about skincare and beauty from reading the French Beauty Solution. The book contains information on the history of French skincare, DIY skin care recipes, and a breakdown of what you want in your skincare products versus what you don’t want in your skincare products.
I learned so much, and in return, I sadly have spent way too much on new skincare products, haha.
The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was that the book highlights a 3-day grape detox which essentially is promoting you to starve yourself by only eating grapes and drinking grape juice for three days to improve the way your skin looks, which I doubt. The discussion of this detox didn’t come until the very last chapter of the book, so if I could remove that one chapter, I would be perfectly content with this book.
Are you looking for a self-help book? Want to improve your skincare routine? Check out Mathilda Thomas’ the French Beauty Solution.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I learned much about skincare and beauty from reading the French Beauty Solution. The book contains information on the history of French skincare, DIY skin care recipes, and a breakdown of what you want in your skincare products versus what you don’t want in your skincare products.
I learned so much, and in return, I sadly have spent way too much on new skincare products, haha.
The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was that the book highlights a 3-day grape detox which essentially is promoting you to starve yourself by only eating grapes and drinking grape juice for three days to improve the way your skin looks, which I doubt. The discussion of this detox didn’t come until the very last chapter of the book, so if I could remove that one chapter, I would be perfectly content with this book.
Are you looking for a self-help book? Want to improve your skincare routine? Check out Mathilda Thomas’ the French Beauty Solution.
June 3, 2019
I have been using Caudalie’s vinoperfect radiance serum. It was introduced by a good friend of mine when we were travelling in Paris. Ever since, I fell in love with it. When I first saw this book, I went on google to check all the reviews and find some readers find it quite boring. But I still give it a go because I’ve been very into french beauty. I think it really depends on the person, for example if you’re looking to know more of her life, background, french culture, or philosophy of beauty that made her started her own brand, I would say this book is very interesting to read. Some people disagree with her idea of putting less make up etc etc. Like I said, it’s just different culture. I’m very much open about it and looking to gain valuable beauty secret from anywhere. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and managed to finish it within a week time everyday after work. So yeah, you can give it a go if you want to be spontaneous! :) Also, I did try some homemade ingredients she shared for face mask, me and my friend love it so much! It was so fun for experiment!
December 27, 2017
I was bought this as a Christmas present by my French mother and demolished it within a day. I’m not a particularly girly girl but I found the information within, such as chemicals and agents that are good and bad for you, ingredients that can help and the general french approach to beauty, quite interesting.
The only downside to this book is that given she is the founder of a major beauty company, she spends a great deal of time trying to subtly plug all her products and spas to the point it becomes quite tiresome. If having bought the book wasn’t enough already you are forced into reading about how great her company is.
Another negative is that this book feels like it’s solely aimed at the American market because the parallels presented are only done so in a “French vs American” market. Doesn’t quite help when you live in the UK.
I do like this book a lot though and will be keeping to pass onto my daughter when she’s much older.
The only downside to this book is that given she is the founder of a major beauty company, she spends a great deal of time trying to subtly plug all her products and spas to the point it becomes quite tiresome. If having bought the book wasn’t enough already you are forced into reading about how great her company is.
Another negative is that this book feels like it’s solely aimed at the American market because the parallels presented are only done so in a “French vs American” market. Doesn’t quite help when you live in the UK.
I do like this book a lot though and will be keeping to pass onto my daughter when she’s much older.
June 8, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Yes there's a lot of "cultivate an air of simple sophistication like the French!", but it also contains a lot of useful information on topics like common skincare ingredients, how the skin ages, sun damage and antioxidants. The nutrition stuff is nothing new, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains etc, but I did like that she goes into the details of what foods contain large quantities of which vitamins. I also thought the section on the benefits of various oils and how they could be used in your skincare was great.
Though it ultimtely left me unconvinced, even the chapter on the "three day grape cleanse" explained the history and the reasoning behind it. I was expecting a lot more pseudo-science and was glad that wasn't what the book turned out to be.
Though it ultimtely left me unconvinced, even the chapter on the "three day grape cleanse" explained the history and the reasoning behind it. I was expecting a lot more pseudo-science and was glad that wasn't what the book turned out to be.
January 16, 2018
Rounding up from 2.5. There's nothing technically wrong with this book, but it wasn't as insightful as I was hoping. Seemed like pretty obvious information, given that I already follow a multi-step face cleansing routine and try to eat healthy. I also grew up trying homemade face mask recipes from magazines, so that section was meh. There's a lot of overlap between French and Korean approaches to makeup, skincare, and beauty, so not really her fault that I've heard all of it already.
I do love the way that Thomas breaks down chemicals in beauty products and emphasizes the importance of using what works for you, not just expensive products. She mentions her products once in a while, but they're always presented as an option, never as the product you must buy to be beautiful. I also love perfume, so I feel validated that she has a huge section on its importance. All in all this book served as validation for what I currently do, and didn't offer me any new tips.
I do love the way that Thomas breaks down chemicals in beauty products and emphasizes the importance of using what works for you, not just expensive products. She mentions her products once in a while, but they're always presented as an option, never as the product you must buy to be beautiful. I also love perfume, so I feel validated that she has a huge section on its importance. All in all this book served as validation for what I currently do, and didn't offer me any new tips.
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