Notes from Paris is a series of posts from Valerie Nahmias, Beauty Editor of Femina Magazine in Paris as well as running Beauty Kid (love it). Brought together by our mutual friend and fashion photographer, Franco Lacosta, her posts are featured on beauty as it relates to a discerning demographic, kiddies! Last time, Valerie talked about L'Occitane and how this scent was perfect for kids and their parents! Today she continues with her Beauty Kid focus and shares some fab cosmetics and I'm loving the Wonder Woman collection from MAC.

Two skin care products and a small red jar provides their talent in the service of our beauty. This is not only reserved for wonder women and great moms, but also for all those who want to irradiate in a quick gesture.

I speak about two exceptional formulas, one, from Avène, full of fresh thermal water, is formulated for sensitive skin. It manually exfoliates dead cells without assaulting the skin. A bit of product, drop of water, a mini hand massage and it is done, the skin is purified! The next product, Carrefour, is the Beauty Kid favorite within skin care! A very interresting innovative concept. Its high tolerance formula contains organic honey, hydrolat of organic camomile and calms the skin but especially, it is sterilized UHT, (Ultra High Temperature)... same as milk!!! This is how it includes no preservatives. As a result, all the family can use it. This is the most natural proposition of Summer 2011. Say "ciao" to paraben and natural replacement preservatives and welcome UHT!!!

What about the lip colored Balm form MAC Cosmetics? This is the ally of mat complexions! I also apply it to the top of my cheekbones, at the level of the bone, by tapping the skin with the fingertip. Contrary to what you may think, its texture is more glowy than glossy. Although it may seem thick, it illuminates the skin like a baby's face.

My final word - forget about mascara! Let's take control over our beauty and be real, simple or nothing at all!

Valerie is the Beauty Editor of Paris' Femina Magazine and it's blog Redaction Beaute and has spent her years in the fashion/beauty industry. She was an assistant at French Elle Magazine for Carine Roitfeld (who recently left French Vogue as Editor in Chief) and wrote the book, Pour Etre Belle.

YSL's No 27 Rose Paris - Valerie's Favorite!

Valerie Nahmias, Beauty Editor @ Femina Magazine

Notes from Paris is a new series of posts from Valerie Nahmias, Beauty Editor of Femina Magazine in Paris. Brought together by their mutual friend and fashion photographer, Franco Lacosta, her posts will be featured each month bringing us her insights on beauty from products to fabulous tips! Today she lets us in on beauty's true power - Freedom!

Today is my first post...when Kimmie asked me to contribute to her already fabulous blog, I said to my self: Let's talk about the power of lipstick and the freedom that we get from it.

After all, this is what I do... My name is Valerie , I work as a beauty editor in Paris and lipstick is to me what candies are to children;"YUMMYS"

Never underestimate the power of beautiful lips! A well define mouth with rich sumptuous lips can get you what you want! Remember that the skin of the lips is very delicate, the perfect care routine involves gently exfoliating, a nourishing balm and getting into the habit of drinking enough water to hydrate it from the inside.

I love color that makes you feel empowered. A dab of lipstick on your cheekbone gives a natural blush - Grandma's secret! The best way to create a natural glow? To apply the color just after the skincare cream, on a well hydrated skin. Without this, the make-up is dull.

Lipstick…is every woman secret weapon!! We must choose them by love and necessity. Formulas that nourish your lips, color that enhances your skin tone and illuminates the pupil of your eyes:That's Magic!!. I am a fan of the « YSL Rouge Volupté », because of his nutri-protective vegetal complex, his delightful texture saturated of pigments, his golden metallic packaging and his YSL logo. The « Red Muse » color is out of stock? No probleme, the new trend color is the N°27« Rose Paris », just the perfect hue!! A super fresh coral, elegante and young, the same color as the cabochon of the perfume “Paris”, a fabulous fragrance of Yves Saint Laurent that was presented at the Autumn-Winter’s 1983 Fashion shows.

Color is always the way to express how we feel at any moment.... For me, Coral Lipstick is sublime, strawberries macaroon from "Ladurée" inspires me as well… but the real questions goes out to you.. What is the right color for you ? « With what color do you feel is your best? What is your favorite flower ? Do you really love that spécific « Paris » pink or are you an « Unconditional Red »?

Just be all of you ...or nothing at all!!!

Valerie is the Beauty Editor of Paris' Femina Magazine and has spent her years in the fashion/beauty industry. She was an assistant at French Elle Magazine for Carine Roitfeld (who is now French Vogue's Editor in Chief) and wrote the book, Pour Etre Belle.