Bardot Beauty: How to Have Les Cheveux Like Brigitte Bardot

Hair is a whole thing for me.

I’m not one to experiment with new cuts and colors. You’ll never catch me trying to bring back The Rachel, or rocking an Ariana phony pony or a pink Kylie Jenner wig. Having long, healthy blonde locks has always been a part of my identity, to the point where I absolutely loathe haircuts and—against the advice of practically any hair expert—find any reason to avoid them.

In fact, my maman somehow talked me into allowing an at-home, quarantine trim a few days ago—I’m still not sure how she convinced me— and I’m not ashamed to say (well, I am a little bit) that I wept openly, watching my savagely severed ends hit the floor.

Determined to find only the best methods and products to care for mes cheveux—my hair, or my hairs, as is the literal translation—I’m pretty selective about what I allow near ma tête, as you may imagine.

Bardot Beauty: How to Have Les Cheveux Like Brigitte Bardot

That’s why my current beauty obsession du jour is Bardot Beauty—an all Vegan and cruelty free haircare line inspired by the silver screen glamour of the legendary French icon, Brigitte Bardot. Like Marilyn Monroe with a Parisian accent, Bardot put a European twist on the Hollywood jet-set glam of the 1960s—complete with a slightly gap-toothed grin, and big textured hair teased into her signature bouffant.

Bardot in the 1959 film, Come Dance With Me. We have a sort of similar vibe, right? (Just go with it, please!)

Explore this luxurious hair collection, designed in Bardot’s honor with pretty packaging paying homage to her name and likeness. The comprehensive line includes classic shampoo and conditioner, texture spray, volumizing spray, dry shampoo, and travel kits (like the one below) with mini versions to keep your tresses ready for their close up—and their next glam getaway.

Click here to shop.

Bardot Beauty
@veganbardothair

Les Vitamines | My Wellness Journey with Persona Nutrition

Deux months down, a lifetime of healthy living to go.

*Sponsored Post*

I’ve spoken many times before about hormone balance, and how it’s such a huge component of our overall wellness. So many of us aren’t aware of this, because it’s often overlooked in traditional western medicine, or considered more “alternative” to the basic advice of eating well and exercising moderately. But many essential nutrients are missing from a typical, even “healthy” diet, and other factors like stress (hello 2020!) and poor sleep can cause our hormones to fall out of whack. Additional supplements are crucial to keeping our bodies functioning optimally, which is why I always feel compelled to share this knowledge with mes femmes.

I was so relieved when I discovered Persona Nutrition, because it’s a subscription based service that delivers a supply of individual, customized packs of vitamin supplements to your door every month, based on your own particular nutritional needs. All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire about your general health, biology, lifestyle, and habits, and Persona’s team of nutritionists will customize a regimen specifically for you.

The individual packs are SO convenient—they even have your name printed on them—and you can throw them in a purse or a suitcase and easily stay on track with your daily dose while on trips, or just on the go. Personally, I find this part so exciting, because it’s so time consuming to keep up with buying each supplement individually. Before discovering Persona, I felt like i was constantly running low on one bottle or another, constantly re-ordering, keeping 10 bottles on my nightstand at a time, always adding a new one into the rotation, and always throwing one bottle away.

Persona eliminates all of the guess work and makes it as easy as possible to stay on your wellness path. I’ve been taking my supplements for two months, and I've already noticed improvement in my sleep and stress levels.

As a reminder, I only partner with brands and recommend products that I truly love, and this one has made ma vie so much easier!

Right now, you can save 30% on your first two month supply when you order here.

*Disclaimer: These are just my personal opinions and recommendations. Before starting any new health regime, it’s always helpful to talk to your doctor and discuss any concerns.

Giveaway: 5 FREE Laser Facials from Skin Laundry

Photo source: Skin Laundry

Aging gracefully is one of the cornerstones of a French woman’s lifestyle.

For those of you who tuned into my TUNDRA talk a few weeks ago, I spoke about this subject in greater detail—as well as other aspects of living a French lifestyle; including the art of dressing like a French girl, American vs French perspectives on fashion and beauty, and other comparisons between my two beloved cultures. Click here for a recap.

As une femme with an appreciation for aging the French way—read: subtly— while supplementing the process with some helpful American conveniences, I’m thrilled to offer FIVE slots for a FREE cosmetic laser facial at your local Skin Laundry.

The first five readers who sign up and book using my invitation code will receive a complimentary and safe* laser facial (worth $200) and will be eligible for other perks when you become a member.

CLICK HERE to sign up.
Code: KandaceE8B1

Just remember, the purpose of this procedure isn’t to drastically alter your appearance, it’s simply to minimize any premature aging by refining wrinkles and fine lines, stimulate collagen production, and repair sun damage that even the most potent skincare products can’t reach.

Be sure to tag @thechicamerican on Instagram from your appointment so we can bask in the glow of your peau de visage!

*Rest assured that all treatments are performed by a registered nurse, and that all Covid-19- related protective measures are in place.

Disclaimer: Results may vary. Please schedule a consultation and discuss with your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you.

OOTD: Le Workout en Blanche

It’s Monday, and I’m starting la semaine off right with some mind and body work in this gorgeous set from Pretty Little Thing.

There’s something about an all-white ensemble that really says “summer” to me, and there’s something about a matching set that just really gets me in the mood to work out.

Gyms are still closed, the closest I can get to my beloved Hot Pilates is through a computer screen, and some days my longest walk is to the mailbox, so any motivation to work out these days is a win in my book!

Bon lundi et bonne journée mes amours.

La Belle Espirit | Spiritual Guidance with Ainslie MacLeod

Me in my early days, circa 1945. (Photo credit: Pretend Pictures)

Have you ever felt an instant connection with a person or a place, but couldn’t explain why?

These feelings aren’t coincidences, they’re profound moments that are directly connected to things we’ve experienced in our past lives.

Spiritual Guidance with Ainslie MacLeod

Since first discovering renowned spiritual advisor Ainslie MacLeod, I’ve been fascinated by his writings, which describe the evolutionary journey that each of our souls are collectively navigating, as described by the spirit guides, with whom he works as a conduit. We design these human experiences ourselves. We create specific missions for each lifetime here on earth, in order to learn unique lessons that will challenge us to expand our spiritual understanding and develop empathy for our fellow souls through firsthand human experiences over the course of hundreds of lifetimes.

The wisdom and insight I’ve acquired from Ainslie and his Soul World community, while perhaps perplexing or even ridiculous sounding to the everyday skeptic, has resonated more with me than any of the religious ideologies I was raised with, although they indeed can go hand-in-hand with the beliefs of most faiths. It adds a contextual layer of passion and purpose to our often mundane seeming lives, that I feel compelled to share with other like-minded old souls.

Don’t believe me? Ask Oprah, who invited Ainslie for a remarkable personal reading on one episode of her Super Soul Sunday sessions.

I had my own private session with Ainslie over the weekend, and as it turns out, I’m a VERY old soul—a level 10.

In fact, I only have a lifetimes left on my spiritual journey! My deep connection to France is based on my soul’s recognition of this familiar place that I’ve called home over the course of many lifetimes. By exploring some of these past lives, Ainslie and I discovered that the root of some of my own personal traumas can be traced back to a heartbreaking lifetime in 1950s Denmark, and a painful one in 19th century Hungary!

More than just your typical “psychic,” Ainslie uses his gifts of connection to the soul world to act as sort of a “spiritual chiropractor”—as I like to call him—to keep our souls on track and aligned with the life it truly intended, outside of the conditioning imposed upon us by society.

I was truly amazed by this deeply personal and profound experience with Ainslie (who asks for no personal information prior to a session), and if you’re an Old Soul like me, I highly encourage you to read his mind-blowing book, The Instruction, to learn more about the level system our souls pass through on this incredible journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

While some might be skeptical when introduced to this abstract way of thinking and seeing the world, I encourage you to keep an open mind and pay attention to your intuition, because it’s always guiding you to be your best self. Anything that you feel called to do has a purpose. As Ainslie says—your destiny is not a secret.

The Instruction by Ainslie MacLeod

The Old Soul’s Guidebook, by Ainslie MacLeod

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links, but this post is not sponsored. As always, my commitment to you is to provide quality, thought provoking content that’s entertaining, informative, and 100% genuine.

Santé | To your Health with S'moo

Let’s take a break from all things public health and talk about personal wellness. One of the most important components of our overall physical—and emotional—wellbeing is balanced hormones. I personally have struggled with hormone imbalances, including low thyroid function, which can wreak havoc on the body and be a catalyst to all kinds of metabolism issues.

Meet the S’moo brand, designed specifically to promote women’s health. I’ve been adding a scoop of S’moo Ovary Good powder to my morning protein shake in order to support:

• Reproductive health

• Balanced hormones

• Weight management

• Egg quality and fertility

• Improved skin and mood

Designed by les femmes for les femmes, this added smoothie boost is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, sugar free, and unflavored, with only 30 calories per scoop. Use my code LACHIC for 10% off, and you’ll also support a female-founded, small and local business, which is a win for everyone.

Click here to shop.

Disclaimer 1: This product is a gifted item, but as always, I only promote brands and products that I love, and those that align with my personal standards and beliefs.
Disclaimer 2: This post only reflects my personal opinions, it’s not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Please be sure to address any health concerns with your doctor before using.

Le Marque | St. Valentin with Gitanne Skincare

St. Valentine’s Day self care with Gitanne Skincare.

This year my St. Valentin self-care practice includes chocolate and luxurious organic French skincare products. I’m pleased to introduce you to Gitanne Skincare—a French botanical beauty brand based right here in Santa Rosa, California.

Gitanne founder—and fellow American French Girl—Kate-Alexandra infuses this eco-sophisticated line with her Parisienne taste for elegance and beauty, and the primary values of sustainability and organic ethical practices. Pictured below, the La Vie en Rose collection—mildly scented and specially designed for sensitive skin—couldn’t be a more perfect way to indulge in some serious Valentine vibes.

Formulated with the finest ingredients found in nature, including plant elixirs, extracts and oils to nourish, hydrate, and tone the complexion, this fully artisanal plant-based collection of rejuvenating creams, mists, serums and scrubs is Vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% chic.

Click here to shop the collection and show some support for a local, female-run small business.

Les Cheveux | 5 Products for Healthier Hair

Imagining that the Beverly Hills Hotel lounge is my private salle de bain.

I’ve spoken recently about one of my self-care goals for this year, which is improving the health of my hair. Mes cheveux always tends to feel drier in the winter months, and I’m always keen to mitigate unnecessary damage from years of coloring and styling.

I recently partnered with Nutrafol to improve the strength of my hair and promote growth from the inside out. Click here to save $60 on your first 3 month supply—using my code, GIFT20—and read on to discover the retail products I’m using right now for an extra boost of va va voom.

1. Nutrafol
Since collaborating with Nutrafol, I’ve been taking my daily supplements for the past few weeks and I’m already seeing less stray hair in the shower. Click here to read my previous post and learn more.

2. Revlon One-Step Volumizing Styler
One of my favorite Christmas presents, this has been a total game-changer—allowing me to dry and style my damp hair at the same time, without the need for a standard hair brush. It saves me so much time, the dense bristles actively de-tangle, and the ions leave my hair so smooth and silky. Plus, having tried the comparable—and way pricier—Dyson Air Wrap styler, I can honestly say that I much prefer this product.

3. The Dry Bar DETOX dry shampoo
I’ve honestly never been a big fan of dry shampoo, but after being gifted this Dry Bar version, I gave it a fair shot and now I’m officially hooked. The whipped mousse blends into my hair so much more easily than traditional dry powders and sprays, keeping my hair looking—and smelling—fresh in between washes, and cutting down on my hot tool use.

4. Olaplex Hair Perfector #3
My hair stylist always uses Olaplex products in between coloring and toning, so every few weeks I use this one as a leave-in conditioning treatment. To repair split ends with optimal results, work the product into damp hair, let it sit for ten minutes, and then rinse and shampoo.

5. Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment
I’m making an effort to use hair masks more often, and this brand makes one of the absolute best. The whole line uses clean ingredients, and is known to be a secret weapon for celeb fans like Jennifer Aniston.

Les Cheveux | Healthy Hair with Nutrafol

New Year, better hair.

One of my biggest self-care goals for 2020 is to grow and improve the health of my hair, which is why I’m so excited to add Nutrafol to my daily routine.

Packed with an array of vitamins and nutrients that may be missing from the typical busy girl’s diet, these specially formulated supplements are designed to strengthen and repair hair from the inside out, with a boost of all-natural ingredients to support optimal hair health and growth.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress, and if you want to join me on this journey towards longer and stronger hair, right now you can take $60 off your first 3-month supply using my code GIFT20.

Click here to shop—and save.

Disclaimer 1: This product is a gifted item, but as always, I only promote brands and products that I love, and those that align with my personal standards and beliefs.
Disclaimer 2: This post only reflects my personal opinions, it’s not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Please be sure to address any health concerns with your doctor before using.

Le Re-brand | Ladurée Goes Green

The pièce de résistance of Ladurée is its traditional St. Honoré dessert (front) and signature pastel china.

Did you know that our beloved Ladurée has rebranded as a fully Vegan restaurant, with an entirely reimagined, plant-based menu? In participation with Vegan chef Matthew Kenney, both full-menu Los Angeles locations, including Beverly Hills and The Grove, have made the shift. (Note: A third kiosk location at The Americana at Brand in Glendale offers to-go beverages and pastries only)

While I absolutely respect and understand the need for dietary restrictions and fully support the informed personal decisions that come with choosing a Vegan lifestyle, as a fierce defender of the preservation of French culture, including its historical integrity and the deep-seated roots of French cuisine, I’m sorry to say that I’m not excited about eating a Croque Monsieur made with tofu instead of the traditional jambon and gruyère cheese.

Offering Vegan-friendly options or substitutions (some of which are already available in French locations, and will be rolled out to the nearly 80 worldwide destinations) is a wonderful way to accommodate alternative dietary choices, but a fully meat-less menu overhaul here in the States feels extreme.

The 158 year old pâtisserie, known especially for its gold-standard macarons and dreamy desserts served upon the brand’s signature pastel green, pink, and blue rimmed dishware, is a world renowned French institution and an unofficial cultural landmark.

What do you think of these changes?

Ladurée Beverly Hills
311 N. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills

Ladurée The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles