Natural Beauty and Self-Care Tips by Clémence von Mueffling, Third Generation Beauty Editor

Clémence von Mueffling. Photo by Pamela Berkovic

Men: These natural beauty and self-care tips apply to you as well!

I was so excited to learn the natural beauty and self-care tips that Clémence von Mueffling would reveal. Not only is Clémence a beauty expert, but her mother and grandmother were beauty editors at French Vogue. What natural beauty secrets does Clémence wish more people—men and women—knew? Read on to find out. They are free and nontoxic!

Sophia Ruan Gushée

Q1. Please share your background in beauty

Beauty has always been an important foundation of my upbringing. Both my mother and grandmother were beauty editors at French Vogue, so they began teaching me the ultimate beauty tips alongside my ABCs. I later worked for various beauty companies, such as Clarins, PUIG, and Dior.

Q2. What is your beauty approach? For example, does it include more than just great products?

My mother and grandmother taught me that there is a certain discipline required for beauty. Self-care is not a form of vanity, but rather a ritual and regular part of your life. If you look good, you feel good. In turn, you will have more self-confidence in your everyday life, in everything from your work to your relationships.  

I also learned that good skin is the result of good hygiene. This involves cleaning your face well at night, staying away from heavy foundations that clog pores, sleeping well, and eating healthy. If you can add a smile to it, even better!

Q3. How has your beauty approach evolved over your life? Did becoming a mother influence your beauty approach?

I only began paying more attention to health and well-being when I had my children. I started becoming much more conscious of the ingredients going into my products and foods. Since then, I have always valued organic products, clean formulations, and brands with eco-friendly philosophies.

Q4. As author of Ageless Beauty the French Way: Secrets from Three Generations of French Beauty Editors, you share a guide of beauty tips and wisdom that you've learned for generations of women. What are impactful tips that most people don't know, that you wish more women knew? 

Here are my top five tips:

1. Don’t over-scrub or exfoliate too often. Treat your face as you would treat your favorite silk blouse; care for it delicately like a precious, sensitive object.

2. People underestimate the power of massage. You can drastically improve the quality of your face by massaging your face regularly. Massaging tones the skin, improves circulation, and minimizes lines. Best of all: it’s free!  You can also improve the appearance of skin on other parts of the body through massage, such as your legs, your feet, and your décolleté. In my book, I teach a very easy facial massage technique that can be done at home.

3. Two words: double cleanse. This is one of my favorite tried-and-true beauty rituals from Ageless Beauty because it guarantees the skin an ethereal glow. Double cleansing doesn’t have to be a chore! Think of it as a relaxing nightly treat for yourself, especially if you find products with a fragrance you love.

4. Enhance your best features, and work with what you’ve got! Everyone has something to be proud of!

5. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Even the smallest changes to your beauty routine can make a difference, and that’s something to feel good about. 

Q5. What is unique about how French women approach beauty? How natural is the French approach?

In both starting my online magazine Beauty and Well-Being and writing my book, Ageless Beauty the French Way, I really had the opportunity to take a dive into the world of beauty and see differences between one side of the Atlantic and the other. 

In France, women don’t fight their age, but rather try to become the best possible version of themselves. Instead of trying to look younger, they take measures to look their best for where they are in life. French women are a bit kinder to themselves. They believe in maturing gracefully and tend to be more accepting of their age. French women are not looking for perfect skin, just great skin. In America I see more of a quest for perfection, and that can be unattainable and frustrating. French women just want to enhance their best features.  

French women know that it is about the whole package, about feeling your best self.  

Q6. What are your thoughts on the more high-tech beauty offerings now, like laser treatments, Botox, and fillers?

My personal view is to avoid all harsh treatments, as well as Botox and fillers. The reality and existence of wrinkles are not as important as the quality and health of the skin, which needs to be perfectly plump and soft. Well-hydrated skin will glows with a dewy shine and reflect light in a flattering way. To me, good skin quality is paramount and does not need injections. 

Q7. Is there anything you wish you knew sooner about beauty?

Absolutely! I wish I had used more sun protection growing up, especially in my teenage years. I would have probably been able to avoid sun spots, for example.

Q8. How has your perception of beauty evolved as you have?

At 40 years old now, I can definitely say that my goal is simply to become the best possible version of myself, outside and in.

Q9. What are your favorite products for cosmetics, hair, skin, or bath?

1- Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil: To start my cleansing routine, I first use a cleansing oil. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Oil is incredibly silky and smells so wonderful. It is a great way to relax after a long day at work. 

2- Camelia and Rose Hydrating Cleanser by Pai: This milky cleanser is perfect for my cleansing routine because it is very gentle and perfect for sensitive skin. Rinse with a wet piece of terry cloth et voilà!

3- By Terry Hydra-Bronzing Tinted Serum: The light texture melts instantly into the skin and immediately gives me a luminous tan. I use a sponge to apply it evenly.

4- Sisley-Paris Instant Éclat Primer: I usually mix and match products that give me the best results. Mixing products with a complexion enhancer, such as the Sisley Instant Éclat, adds a sheen to my skin that gives me more luminous radiance. 

5- Alexandra Soveral Midnight Oil: Alexandra Soveral is a famous facialist based in the UK who makes her own line of skincare from 100% organic ingredients. The Midnight Oil is one of my new favorite beauty products. I massage it thoroughly into my face in the evening and always wake up with a healthy glow. 

6- Kure Bazaar: These natural nail polishes are “formulated with your well-being in mind.” I am always impressed with how beautifully and effortlessly their polishes last. My favorite color for the spring & summer seasons is Vinyle.

7- La Roche-Posay Hand & Foot Cream: Hands always look so much better and younger when they are well hydrated!

8- Soapwalla Deodorant Cream: After recently trying this brand, I’ve fallen in love! The smell-good deodorant is made of totally natural ingredients that are actually effective in combatting sweat and body odor, unlike many organic deodorant brands.

9- Mason Pearson Hairbrush: This is my ultimate "can't-live-without" product. Quality makes all the difference. For several years, I have been using a brush with a mixture of nylon and natural boar bristles, both of which are completely smooth to prevent friction or breakage.

10- Le Volume de Chanel Black Mascara: This mascara has never failed the 3 generations of beauty editors in my family. It is definitely a beauty-editor-approved must-have!

11- Tuberose Le Jour by AERIN: It is the perfect daytime scent with a delicate mix of neroli, orange flower, and cool jasmine. I find it feminine and luminous at the same time. 

Q10. Do you have favorite products for toothpaste and mouthwash?

I prefer to stay away from too much fluoride, so I like to use Tom’s of Maine toothpaste.