Month: March 2023
Escape to France with some of our favourite French films available on Australian streaming services.
The best way to enjoy a film is with a Biologique Recherche face mask and a cup of Love tea, of course!
Amélie (2001)
Romance/Comedy
Apple TV, SBS on Demand, Prime Video
Despite being caught in her imaginative world, Amelie, a young waitress, decides to help people find happiness. Her quest to spread joy leads her on a journey where she finds true love.
The Intouchables (2011)
Comedy/Drama
Google Play, Ritz at Home
An unusual friendship develops when Driss, a street smart immigrant, is hired to take care of Philippe, a quadriplegic French nobleman.
Priceless (2006)
Romance/Comedy
Prime Video, Apple TV
Jean, a shy waiter who works at a high-end hotel, is mistaken for a young millionaire by the beautiful and intriguing fortune hunter Irene.
Blue is the warmest colour (2014)
Romance/Drama
Google Play, Apple TV
Adèle’s life is changed when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire and to assert herself as a woman and as an adult. In front of others, Adèle grows, seeks herself, loses herself, and ultimately finds herself through love and loss.
The Dinner Game (1998)
Comedy
Google Play, Apple TV, Prime Video
Follow the life of Pierre, an editor, who, every Wednesday, attends a dinner for idiots where everyone brings the dumbest person they could find as a guest
Hate (1996)
Crime/Drama
ACMI
In the hours after a riot that has left their friend comatose, three ethnic youths from a housing project in the Paris suburbs seethe with anger.
A Prophet (2009)
Crime/Drama
Google Play, Apple TV, Prime Video
This acclaimed crime drama follows Malik El Djebena, a delinquent young Muslim man, who is struggling to get by in a French prison.
The swimming Pool (1969)
Crime/Drama
HBO Max
Set in a magnificent villa near a sun-drenched St. Tropez, lovers Jean-Paul and Marianne are spending a happy, lazy summer holiday. Their only concern is to gratify their mutual passion – until the day when Marianne invites her former lover and his beautiful teenage daughter to spend a few days with them. From the first moment, a certain uneasiness and tension begin to develop between the four, which soon escalates in a dangerous love-game
Here are two of my favourite films, which I’ve seen dozens of times!
The Big Blue is poetic and almost hypnotic. The diving, the ocean, the anxieties, the taste of risk… it’s intense and heavy but also a wonderful ode to freedom. Without forgetting the landscapes and the music. If you like this director, Luc Besson, don’t miss the movies The Professional andThe Fifth Element.
In a completely different genre, my second favoyrite movie is Hey Good Looking! A comedy that makes me smile, my anti-depression film or just to have a good time. The scenario is simple but effective, we laugh, we cry, we sing. These 4 Parisian women are endearing and funny. A beautiful image of the modern woman who does what she can despite the obstacles of everyday life.
The Big Blue (1988)
Apple TV, SBS on Demand, Ritz at Home, Prime Video
The rivalry between Enzo and Jacques, two childhood friends and now world-renowned free divers, becomes a beautiful and perilous journey into oneself and the unknown.
Hey Good Looking! (2006)
Four fun-seeking Jewish women in Paris share their lives between love affairs, a beauty institute under fiscal control, children to raise, an undocumented Moroccan nanny to marry, repeated diets, family and religious holidays to honour, but before being beautiful, their biggest challenge is to be themselves.
Bon film!
Did you know that your scalp is one of the fastest aging areas on your body?
If your hair is weak, dull, greying, or thinning, it may be a sign that your scalp needs care. Your scalp is where your hair grows from, so having a healthy scalp is crucial for nourishing the hair root and achieving thick, healthy, and shiny hair. However, that does not mean you should neglect the lengths and ends of your hair. By improving your scalp hygiene, you can balance the scalp’s microbiome, nourish the follicles, improve blood supply to bring nutrients and oxygen to the roots, and ultimately result in thicker, fuller, and shinier hair.
The scalp can be subject to a variety of disorders and problems, such as:
- Dandruff: forms when scalp cell renewal accelerates, resulting in white or yellowish flakes on the scalp and hair.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: appearance of red, scaly patches, often associated with itching, crusting and irritation. It may be linked to overproduction of sebum or an inflammatory reaction.
- Scalp psoriasis: As on other parts of the body, on the scalp psoriasis can cause thick, red patches of skin covered with silvery scales.
- Alopecia: also known as hair loss. There are several types: androgenetic alopecia (baldness), alopecia areata (loss of hair in circular patches).
- Fungal infections: such as ringworm (caused by a fungus), which causes itching, redness and scaly patches.
- Eczema: can also affect the scalp, causing redness, itching, flaking and sometimes crusting.
Scalp types differ in texture, sebum secretion and sensitivity. There are 5 types:
- Normal: scalp that has a balanced production of sebum. Not too greasy, not too dry, with trouble-free hair growth. Normal hair is not subject to any imbalance. It is the result of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. It is well kept, soft to the touch and not static. It is shiny and attracts the light. It is important to know how to maintain it and choose adapted products.
- Dry: scalp produces less sebum, which can lead to itching, irritation and dandruff. Hair is dull and lacks vitality.
- Greasy: scalp produces excess sebum. Hair is greasy and looks shiny. Dandruff and heavier, less voluminous hair may result. Greasy hair is flat, sticky, shiny and difficult to style. This is due to excessive sebum secretion, a phenomenon known as seborrhea, which can have the following causes:
▪ Dysfunction of the sebaceous gland (see 1.a. – The hair follicle)
▪ Poor diet: excessive consumption of lipids
▪ Excessive combing
▪ Stress and overwork
▪ Frequent use of irritating shampoos - Sensitive: scalp that reacts to hair care products, environmental conditions or pH imbalance, causing itching, redness and discomfort.
- Mixed: when different parts of the scalp have different characteristics. Example: one part is dry and another greasy.
Scalp type must be identified in order to choose the right hair care products.
Biologique Recherche offers a range of products for hair and scalp care. Suitable for both men and women, and customized to the needs of every Scalp Instant, Biologique Recherche hair care products, combined with the technique of our skin care experts, recondition hair to restore its suppleness, softness and shine.
Lotion P50 Capillaire is a gentle, non-drying treatment that can be used daily to improve the health of the scalp and hair. This product is designed to be used in conjunction with other Biologique Recherche products to achieve optimal results.
Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy scalp:
- Keep your scalp clean: Exfoliate your scalp with Lotion p50 Capillaire
- If you have a sensitive and/or irritated scalp, apply Masque Dermo Apaisant. It provides instant relief and significantly reduces the reactivity of dry skin.
- Wash your hair regularly with a shampoo adapted to your scalp instant to remove dirt, oil, and product build-up. Avoid SLS and silicones on your hair care products like Shampooing Sébo-rééquilibrant , which regulates sebum and purifies the scalp to maintain its balance and health, Shampooing Nutri-K, it repairs, protects and revives dry or damaged hair providing intense nutrition, protection and shine. You can also use Shampooing Dermo-Apaisant, an ally for irritated scalp, it soothes sensations of discomfort and relieves itching, or Shampooing VIP O2, which eliminates the particulate pollutants from the scalp and hair. Its plant cleansing base does not attack the scalp and hair, the hair regains its shine and original strength.
- Use Crème de Soin conditioner after your shampoo. Combining the nourishing, repairing action of a mask with the detangling action of a conditioner, this treatment coats the hair fibre to
strengthen hair, smooth cuticles and reseal ends. The hair texture is transformed and shine is visibly enhanced. - Use a scalp treatment: Consider using a scalp treatment to nourish and moisturize your scalp. Look for Complexe Cegaba-Bioproline a anti-hair loss serum that contains all the nutrients to improve scalp health.
- Protect your scalp from the sun: Just like your skin, your scalp can also get sunburned. Wear a hat or use a sunscreen spray specifically designed for the scalp when spending time in the sun. You can also spray Keractive all over dry or damp hair. The hair is protected against external stressors, frizz is tamed and styling is made easier.
- If your hair is curly or prone to frizz or flyaways you can use Huile Fondamentale to smooth, nourish and tame lengths.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and heat styling: Avoid using products with harsh chemicals that can damage your scalp and hair. Look for natural and organic products instead.
- Don’t sleep with wet hair: This can harbour bacteria and the hair is weakest when wet
- Avoid tight pony tails: Tight pulled back hair styles can cause traction alopecia, hair loss and breakage. Use a silk scrunchie or claw clips instead.
By taking care of your scalp, you can help promote healthy hair growth and achieve the thick, shiny, and healthy hair you desire
In conclusion, seborrheic dandruff, dandruff, itchy scalp, thinning hair, and dry brittle hair are common hair and scalp conditions that can be managed with the right hair care products. Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50 Capillaire is a highly effective treatment that can help to regulate sebum production and improve the health of the scalp and hair. This product is formulated with ingredients like salicylic acid and vitamin B5, which work together to provide optimal results. If you are looking for a high-quality hair care solution, Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50 Capillaire is definitely worth considering.
Women’s Day is the opportunity to learn about some French Women who made history.
Modern French women grew up with historical heroine and took a little bit of each one. Perhaps this leads to this very French “Je ne sais quoi”
The Warrior
Joan of Arc, or Jeanne d’Arc, is a figure of French history, she became famous for leading French troops to several important victories during the Hundred Years’ War. Much more than a military leader, she was a woman of extraordinary courage and faith who defied the expectations of her time and became an inspiration to generations of feminists.
Joan of Arc’s story is often seen as a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice, and her life has inspired countless women to stand up for their rights and fight for equality. She defied gender norms and societal expectations by leading an army into battle, and she refused to be silenced or intimidated by the men who tried to undermine her authority.
“I am not afraid… I was born to do this”. Jeanne d’Arc
Never be afraid to speak your truth and fight for what you believe in.
The Businesswoman
Veuve Clicquot, also known as Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, was a woman ahead of her time. She was a French businesswoman who took over her husband’s champagne company after his untimely death, and turned it into one of the most successful champagne brands in the world. At the time, the champagne industry was male-dominated, and it was almost unheard of for a woman to run a business, let alone a champagne house.
She expanded the business by developing new distribution channels and improving the production process.
One of Barbe-Nicole’s most significant contributions to the champagne industry was the invention of the riddling table. This device made it possible to remove sediment from champagne bottles, resulting in a clearer and more refined product. The riddling table is still used in champagne production to this day.
Barbe-Nicole believed that women should have equal rights and opportunities as men, and she actively supported causes that promoted gender equality.
“I drink champagne when I win, to celebrate… and I drink champagne when I lose, to console myself.” Veuve Clicquot
Celebrate your success, but don’t give up in times of difficulty
The Writer
George Sand was the pen name of French author Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin. She was one of the most prominent and prolific writers of the 19th century and is considered a trailblazer for women in literature. Throughout her life, she challenged societal norms and expectations for women, both through her writing and her personal life.
She wore men’s clothing, smoked cigars, and had numerous romantic relationships. Her unconventional behavior scandalized society, but she refused to conform to their expectations for how a woman should behave. Instead, she lived life on her own terms and became a symbol of female empowerment.
In addition to her literary contributions, Sand was also an advocate for women’s rights. She believed that women should have the same rights as men, including the right to education and the right to vote. She was a feminist before the term was even coined, and her activism paved the way for future generations of women.
“There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” George Sand
The Scientist
Despite facing significant barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field, Marie Curie went on to become one of the most influential scientists of her time. Her discoveries and innovations in the field of radioactivity not only revolutionized science but also challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for future women in science.
She was a trailblazing feminist who believed that women had the same intellectual capabilities as men and deserved the same opportunities to pursue their passions and contribute to society.
“We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” Marie Curie
Believe in yourself, you are amazing.
The Philosopher
Simone de Beauvoir was a feminist trailblazer, she was a vocal critic of patriarchal society and fought for women’s access to education, employment, and political power.
In addition to her philosophical and feminist work, Simone de Beauvoir was also a celebrated literary figure, known for her novels and memoirs. Her most famous novel, “The Mandarins,” won the Prix Goncourt, France’s highest literary prize, in 1954.
“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman” Simone de Beauvoir
Define yourself on your own terms
The Politician
Simone Veil’s fight for women’s reproductive rights was grounded in her belief in the importance of personal autonomy and the right to make one’s own decisions about their body and their life.
