French Beauty

Christine d’Ornano knows beauty. In fact, as the second generation of the d’Ornano family (who founded the privately owned global beauty brand Sisley - Paris), she is certainly an expert. “I believe in good skin and less makeup,” says d’Ornano, who is a big advocate of layering her skincare. “This way of thinking has been instilled in me from my mother and grandmother – French women have always looked after their skin.” Christine’s morning skincare routine may sound complex, but she has managed to hone a regimen that is as effective on her complexion as it is with her time. “I cleanse in the morning using Lyslait Cleansing Milk and use Floral Toning Lotion all over the face, throat and around the eyes. I then follow with Sisleÿa L'Integral Anti-Age Concentrated Firming Serum and leave it to saturate the skin while I get ready,” she explains.

As a believer in layering skincare, d’Ornano follows her morning steps with the one product she cannot do without: Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age Cream. “I always use this cream without fail – it gives my skin everything I need. It’s a true multitasker, targeting aging from environmental aggressors and genetic causes, smoothing fine lines, firming skin and reducing signs of fatigue. It’s my hero product,” she reveals. And that’s what Sisley - Paris does so well – marrying high-tech, Nobel Prize-winning science with the power of plants, coupled with the finest ingredients. “With over 50 plant actives, this cream – which comes in two textures for the winter and summer months – works to kick-start collagen production, boost hydration and reboot skin from within. I never leave home without applying it,” says d’Ornano.

According to the expert, how you apply products is one of the biggest secrets to better skin. “Stimulating skin through massage and boosting circulation helps to enhance the efficacy of any skincare you use afterwards,” d’Ornano says. And she practices what she preaches – every morning, she spends three minutes massaging around the delicate eye area with Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age Eye and Lip Contour Cream, using its accompanying cooling massage tool. D’Ornano’s other insider trick is to bring her day cream down to her neck in an upward massage motion, leaving skin firm and supple.

As with anything in life, d’Ornano believes that balance is essential. “The best beauty advice I have ever received was from one of our Sisley scientists, who divulged their recipe for amazing skin: moderation is essential. The skin and body don’t like to be shocked, so extremes are to be avoided. Sleep is another non-negotiable, for skin to repair at night from all the damage that we do and are exposed to during the day.”

Skincare aside, d’Ornano wears the same elegant makeup uniform as so many other French women: “My look is quite natural, almost no makeup and a bold lip. If I need to cover any imperfections, I strategically place Sisleÿa Le Teint Anti-Aging Foundation in the center of my face and work outwards, but sparingly, to even out the skin tone where needed. I often wear lipstick and tend to opt for pink, such as Phyto-Lip Twist Tinted Balm in Candy, during the day, and a strong red lip at night; I can’t stop wearing the Le Phyto Rouge lipstick in Paris at the moment – a perfect velvety finish with a hint of sheen.”