Summer Travel: Let’s Go to Paris!
Nichole Robertson, Amala’s Creative Director, is no stranger to the allure of Paris. She began working with Amala as a copywriter fifteen years ago while living in Paris and shooting Paris in Color, her bestselling book with Chronicle Books. We’ve tapped Nichole for her top travel and beauty tips - perfect whether you're planning a visit to the City of Light or simply wish to channel some of that ineffable Parisian je ne sais quoi.
Travel Light
When I travel to Paris, I pack laughably light, sticking to a minimal, comfortable wardrobe in a coordinated palette. Despite what you may think, women don’t traipse along the Seine in 5 inch heels, and often opt for casual sneakers like the French brand Veja. I leave my more robust skincare ritual at home and simply pack a cleanser, moisturizer and oil, but reserve space for two travel size masks for after hours indulgence of the non-French-wine variety.
Prioritize Self Care
I think of travel as a reset. Time away from home sharpens your senses, calms your mind, break routines, and makes room for self care that often takes a backseat to mental loads, errands and housework. That’s where the travel size masks come in. After spending all day walking (which I highly recommend!), nothing beats returning home to a relaxing shower, a 20-minute mask and people watching from the terrace. I alternate the Collagen-boosting Peptide Mask (smooths and firms) and the Retexturizing Gel Aqua Peel (exfoliates and refines) to maximize glow and plump the skin.
Embrace Local Living
I've read this advice countless times, yet it's rarely followed. My Parisian friend Lindsey Tramuta, author of The New Paris and The New Parisienne has lived in Paris for 15 years and has mastered the art of ferreting out good coffee and lingering over it. You don’t see many to-go cups in Paris for a reason. Other local tips: If you see a line at a boulangerie, get on it because the locals know when the fresh bread comes out of the oven. Shop for your favorite French treats and kick back on the grass in Place des Vosges or score a bench at the Palais-Royale, which is often more fun than eating at the latest buzzy restaurant. The moments of local interaction and Europe-paced leisure are where you experience the soul of the city.
Wander Aimlessly
One of my cherished Parisian activities is to stroll without a destination in mind. Let your mood determine the initial destination (bustling street, quiet garden, fragrant market) and let your instincts lead the way. The serendipitous pedestrian pleasures and charming details, which are often overshadowed by iconic monuments, tend to create the most vivid memories. Don’t forget to snap photos.
Bonus Beauty Tip: Stash the Illuminating Pro-Retinoic Treatment Oil in your purse and dab a few drops on your cheeks for a midday refresh. The 23K gold flecks and glowy oil are a natural highlighter and radiance booster.
