Skin

I’ve never really been a foundation person. I’m much more of a skin tint girl, partly because I’m lazy, partly because I just prefer seeing skin, even when it’s not perfect. I love products that multitask, which is why Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is always in my rotation. I use shade ST8 Shela. It gives just nice healthy coverage, but most importantly has SPF 30, and genuinely feels like skincare.

If I’m looking a little more tired and need a bit of a pick-me-up, I’ll reach for the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick. I wear 2N in winter and 2.5N in summer so it never looks too perfect. I never apply it straight onto my skin, I usually mix a little on the back of my hand with a milky toner. In winter I love Rhode’s Glazing Milk, but in summer it’s a little too rich for my acne-prone skin, so I use something lighter like Celimax’s barrier toner.

I also use the Dior stick as concealer from time to time because, in true French-girl fashion, I don’t mind a little darkness under the eyes. It makes me look alive. Ask me again in a few years.

Another forever favourite is Glossier Stretch Concealer. It’s been around for years, but every makeup artist still seems to carry one. I’ve probably been using it for a decade.

I don’t particularly love foundation. I do, however, love blush.

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush is probably my most-used. Mine is the Warm pink, a rosy brown shade.

In a slightly nostalgic mood but also , there’s Benefit Benetint. Yes, the packaging is still wonderfully tacky, but the product remains brilliant. Tiny enough to fit anywhere, impossible to overdo, and equally pretty on cheeks and lips. Victoria Beckham’s Colour Wash in Flushed gives a similar watercolour effect if you’re after a more luxurious version.

Speaking of Victoria Beckham (clearly I’m a bit obsessed), her new Blush Stylus is probably the most practical blush I’ve carried in a while. The shade Fiore bright pink just-pinched flush and the pencily format is perfect for touch-ups throughout the day.

Finally, needless to say Rhode’s Pocket Blush in Tan Line is the perfect warm, melty sun-kissed flush. The shade sits somewhere between blush and bronzer, which is exactly where I like it in summer. One product, two jobs, my favourite kind of makeup.

Bronzer

I’m fairly loyal here. Hermès Plein Air H Trio in Sahara has been living in my makeup bag for years. If I want something a little fresher and glowier, not powdery finish, I recently tried (and love) Refy’s Water Bronzer, very sheer, like water. It seems to have disappeared from every shelf in the country, but in simliar fashion, I’ve heard very good things about SimiHaze Beauty’s Skin Suede Melting Bronze Balm.

I almost forgot what might actually be my favourite!!! Chanel Les Beiges Eau de Teint, I wear shade Medium plus. It’s expensive, but one of the few products I consistently repurchase. On a good skin day, this is all I’ll wear. I’d actually recommend going one shade deeper than you think, you can get away with it because it’s so sheer, and it gives the nicest healthy warmth.

As for tools, I’m still very much a less-is-more person. I only own two brushes: Victoria Beckham’s Buffer Brush No. 12 and Powder Brush No. 15, and I use them for almost everything. The wooden handles are beautiful and the brush quality is exceptional. Exactly the kind of object I like having around : pretty and useful.

Brows

I almost always carry a clear brow gel. I genuinely believe that after a certain age, brows that droop ever so slightly can make the whole face look more tired.

Victoria Beckham’s FeatherFix Brow Gel is my favourite, but L’Oréal’s Infallible Brow Lamination Mascara bought on Amazon does a surprisingly good job for a fraction of the price.

If I’m feeling particularly motivated, I’ll fill a few sparse areas with Victoria Beckham’s BabyBlade. It’s the only brow pencil I’ve found that doesn’t immediately make me look like I’ve… drawn on my eyebrows.

Eyes

I wear very little eye makeup, especially in summer. Mascara is usually enough.

My lashes are naturally very blonde, so I usually tint them before going on holiday. Sadly I didn’t have time this year, so I packed the most natural mascara I know: Trait d’Hermès in brown (shade is called Brun Bistre). I always prefer brown to black, especially in summer.

In winter, though, I become mildly obsessed with their red terracotta shade “Rouge-H”. It sounds strange, especially with blue eyes, but trust me, it somehow makes them look even bluer.

If I want a little more definition on the lid without venturing into eyeshadow territory, I’ll usually reach for Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal in Bronze (yes… again). I smudge it with my finger so it melts into the lash line rather than looking like eyeliner. Most days, though, I simply run a little bronzer, or my Westman Atelier contour stick in Biscuit, on the lid. It’s almost imperceptible, which is exactly the point.

I’ve never really liked myself in obvious makeup.

One last little trick I shamelessly stole from TikTok (yes, yes… this old lady is on TikTok): Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Boy dabbed across the eyelids. It’s the perfect balmy taupe and somehow makes you look more awake without looking like you’re wearing eyeshadow.

Lips

Same philosophy here: I never want lips to look too “present”. I also have quite a big mouth, so restraint generally works in my favour. I just like a hydrating balm with the slightest hint of colour to make me look a little more alive.

My all-time favourite was Hermès Rouge Brillant in Beige Croisette. It has sadly been discontinued. Hermès, if you’re listening… please bring it back!

In the meantime, Victoria Beckham’s Posh Balm is permanently in my handbag. Cannelle is my everyday shade, while Cassis gives a slightly moodier, berry-stained lip without ever feeling heavy.

I’ve also stolen (permanently, I think) my friend Jeanne’s lip balms from Les Filles en Rouje. I usually mix BB and Chéri.

Fragrance

I don’t think I’ve ever been complimented more on a perfume than when I wear Diptyque Orphéon. It’s woody and powdery yet incredibly soft.

In summer, I also love Frédéric Malle’s Musc Ravageur Hair & Body Mist. It’s a lighter, airier interpretation of the original Eau de Parfum that I wear usually, with the same musky warmth but without feeling overwhelming in the heat. Divine.

Clqssique, August ‘26.

Then for the more refined. Oscalito makes the silk tank and cotton long-sleeve we reach for constantly, the rare basic that reads chic and behaves practically (we have genuinely never worn one without a compliment). They run a little sheer, which we love, but if you want more coverage the trick is to layer one over another, colors mixed.

Stills in the basic…. controversial but delivers. It pains us to say it, but Brandy Melville is still hard to beat. Cheaper alternative, nicely cut, more basic but still good cotton. The one-size model means it won’t work for everyone, and the brand isn’t without controversy, but for the bodies it fits, the basics stay among our favorites.

And then there’s also Paloma Wool of course. Less of a basic, more of a statement. We tend to pick up one piece every season. Love this sheer one also in brown here, or this top with its very chic neckline is great for summer evenings. This one is their perfect jersey basic, often on the waitlist, but never disappoints. Says the person who owns 3.

A few more sophisticated options

This draped top from TOTEME, is also rotating as a favorite.

A more night alternative is the St Agni tank with thin straps. St Agni overall is a great summer-essentials resource. Their ballerina top is also a strong basic in our summer closet.

And this fun Courreges, made the perfect shoulders. More dressy, less basic for sure, but till monochrome though.. can’t escape ourselves.

That’s all for our classic Tops and Tanks, for now. We’ll be back soon with more from our Clqssique wardrobe, starting with summer shoes…!

Clqssique, July ‘26.

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@lechene, the finesse of French food has finally landed in New York. Chic, on the pricier side, but genuinely delicious. The semi-circular bar at the entrance is beautiful, the dirty martini is perfection, and the art deserves a mention. Three gorgeous Basquiats on the walls. Little discloser though expect .

• @wildcherrynyc, the hottest new opening in town right now, tucked behind the iconic Cherry Lane Theatre. The food is american-diner nostalgic, the cheeseburger is a standout. Very much of the moment.

Practical Details

Address: 38 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Tuesday—Sunday, 5pm—11pm

• @bridges.nyc, a retro-futurist gem by @billycotton blending art deco, brutalism, and futurism. Art deco inspired lamp by @willcottonnyc. The food is creative, the atmopshere perfect. Special mention to my friend James Henry (from Le Doyenné in Paris) and his former kitchen accomplice Sam Laurence, now the owner. Their takeover night back in June was one of those rare meals that brought me back to the best creative joints in Paris.

Practical Details

Address: 9 Chatham Square, New York, NY 10038, USA

Opening hours: daily, 5:30pm-10pm

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• Chez Savy

Chez Savy sits quietly a few streets away from the Champs-Élysées, unchanged and unconcerned by trends. Opened in 1923, it was first a canteen for local workers before becoming a regular stop for nearby ministries and fashion houses. The décor is still the same: wood paneling, leather banquettes, brass details worn smooth by time. And the menu as well.

Practical Details
Address: 23 Rue Bayard, 75008 Paris
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, lunch & dinner

• Le Voltaire

Pressed against the Quai Voltaire, Le Voltaire might be our favorite terrace during summertime. Favoured by publishers, gallerists, and the occasional film star.

An anecdote worth noting: Jean d’Ormesson, the Académie française immortal, reportedly lunched here so regularly his table was practically a piece of permanent furnishing.

Practical Details
Address: 27 Quai Voltaire, 75007 Paris
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, lunch & dinner

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So, without further ado. The second edition of The Gifts (I Would Give Myself). The New York edition. (Paris edition here)

Fashion

• Sabah slippers are the obvious New York gift, and for good reason. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t wear slippers here. At home, outside, proudly, sometimes both in the same hour. Sabah is slipper heaven. A completely different proposition from Charvet. Chunkier, funkier, merrier. Leopard, navy, pink, satin. I collect them by the dozen and everyone in my family has been gifted a pair at this point.

• A monogrammed LL Bean Tote is the obvious local staple that never goes out of style. Though I prefer when it looks like it’s already lived a little. It’s what my Parisian friends ask me to bring back every single time, to the point where it’s almost become a side business.

• Socks matter in New York. Everyone wants you to take your shoes off when you come into their home, which means proper etiquette starts below the ankle. CommeSi does the best ones. Qualitative, smart, and colorful. I also love their men’s underwear, which I buy shamelessly for myself.

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Starting with… Fashion & accessories

A mousseline scarf (pocket square or long) is my ideal entry point into the magic of Charvet. If you want to go higher, their iconic suede slippers make for the most delicate present, currently eyeing the baby blue ones. You can also venture all the way into made-to-measure shirting, but I’d suggest saving that indulgence for yourself.

A pyjama or gown from Sabbia Rosa is one of the most delicate gifts you can offer. For pyjamas only, Rubirosa in Paris is doing some very good ones (inspired, quite literally, by the iconic Schostal in Rome). Even the pyjama shirt (without the bottom) recently worn by my very stylish friend Alex Carl is a testament to their cut and charm.

Don’t think you can ever go wrong with an iconic Fortuny silk scarf in crêpe satin. One of those pieces that never goes out of style. I lean toward the classic black or Ivory tones. I’m thinking of getting the blue-grey this season.

One gift that never falls flat: anything from Charlotte Chesnais, but maybe better to start with a bracelet. A ring feels too personal unless it’s a romantic gesture, but the Biseau bracelet is perfect, the timeless jonc, intimate enough, without demanding commitment. I also love the Lips in silver. For a more extravagant but iconic piece, the Ivy is the one.

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Celine hosted us in the Parc de Saint-Cloud, where there use to stand a Chateau that no longer exists due to a fire caused by the Franco-Prussian war in 1870. History apart, the show’s playlist was a very good one, including this track from Fiona Apple that we loved, worth watching the clip directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, here.

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While you are here, you are in luck because for high-end vintage, it’s mostly Preclothed (complemented by a side of les Puces, Drouot and Vinted ofc). Everything here feels delicate, calm, beautifully presented. Temptingly edited. Well-priced. I miss it just writing this.

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Charvet is no longer a secret, Instagram killed that, but the experience is still unmatched. Rumor says LVMH is circling, which feels depressing. If you can’t justify the shirts, though upstairs is worth it for the theater alone, leave with a mousseline carré handkerchief (I collect them by the dozen) or a pair of slippers. My electric blue ones make me absurdly happy.

Museums are my solo ritual. I can’t go with friends or family; the rhythm is too personal. My top three never change: the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Jeu de Paume, and Musée Zadkine. Together they reset my eyes, my mood, my inspiration.

What New York can’t replicate is a proper treatment that doesn’t require an expense report. In Paris, it’s Biologique Recherche for facials, Suisen for body. A massage there is also the most elegant gift, experience and format (proof in picture below) you can offer, to someone else or yourself.

Afterwork drinks are improvised by text at Moulin de la Vierge, the quietest humble little terrasse in Paris. The wine is what it is, the servers are sometimes nice, sometimes rude, the atmosphere perfect.

For dinner, there are two moods. Chez Georges for steak au poivre, baba au rhum, and the waitresses in aprons that make the whole thing feel like a scene from Claude Sautet. Or Le Voltaire, if I’m feeling like something chic. I try t keep it to three friends at most; everything here is compressed, the tables, the space, the talk that swings from appropriate to not. I order the avocado-pamplemousse, then the sole with fries and carrot purée. Dessert depends on mood. If Titi, the legendary waiter, is on duty, you’re in luck, the room suddenly hums differently.

That’s it for my 9 Paris Clqssiques (and yes, we drifted past nine). A tough exercise, because there are so many more I could share. But consider this our introduction, our first Memo. And without further ado: welcome to Clqssique. A place to share what endures, addresses, rituals, objects, stories, that prove value is in time, not trend.

For our complete Clqssique Paris guide, you’ll find it here.