I’ve always been captivated by the idea of working with a canvas that evolves over time—shaped by care, creativity, and passion. Claude Monet, the master of Impressionism, spent decades meticulously designing and nurturing his garden at Giverny. It wasn’t just a garden, though. It was his living, breathing canvas—one that would inspire some of his most famous and celebrated works of art.
Pieces like Water Lilies and The Japanese Bridge became iconic, not just for their beauty but for the way they captured the fleeting play of light, the lush textures, and the vibrancy of nature. His garden was a reflection of his artistic soul, and the very essence of nature became his palette, each petal and ripple of water telling a story, and always with the goal of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Standing in that very garden last October, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own 35+ year journey in the beauty industry. In many ways, faces have been my canvas, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless individuals, helping them uncover their most stunning, authentic selves—capturing their glow, their light, and their essence.
A Photoshoot Amidst Monet’s Blooms
For the final photoshoot for Genuist Beauty, I dreamed of getting to Giverny to capture the beauty of that place. Just days after getting my Perennial tattoo on my arm, it would be the realization of a lifetime of work and passion, a symbol of what it means to keep blooming at whatever age you are, and be a moment where art, nature, and the Perennial philosophy could converge.
Thanks to our photographer, Mathieu Piriou, we made the trek from Paris to Giverny, and from the instant we arrived, I knew this was the perfect backdrop to bring our story and this entire trip to life. The hues, lush greenery, and timeless beauty echoed everything Genuist Beauty stands for—embracing life and beauty at every stage of one’s life.
Belinda Salazar did my makeup in a field where some cars could park in the dimly lit morning sun as the day was just waking up. The whimsical gold tulle skirt I wore had been sitting in my wardrobe for over eight years unworn, as if waiting for this exact moment to be worn and displayed on my person. Then, I entered the gardens and posed for the first photos, as I declared to the world that life gets richer with time, and beauty is something we live and not just apply.
Standing amidst the very flowers and landscapes that inspired Monet’s masterpieces, I was overwhelmed in all the best ways, a profound reminder of the beauty we can create from our lives.
As I posed for photos with the stunning fall light streaming around me and perennials all around, I felt like I was in full bloom—unafraid, unabashed, embracing every part of myself. Genuist Beauty was born from this spirit: a brand that transcends cosmetics and champions a life lived in full color, no matter one’s age.
With each click of the camera, it felt as if we had stepped into one of Monet’s paintings—alive with color and texture, the soft rustle of bamboo, the shimmer of water lilies, and the golden hues of mid-October were a dreamscape come to life.
Surrounded by tourists, many passersby stopped to ask who I was, and I happily shared the story of Genuist Beauty and the Perennial Movement with them. But I wasn’t there to model or act; I was there to show the world that beauty has no expiration date, and some of those tourists even took photos of me, intrigued by the sight of a woman in her mid 50s getting her photos taken.
Their excitement mirrored my own, reaffirming that it’s never too late to pursue your passion. And there I was, a Perennial Woman, embracing my age and stage of life, much like the perennial plants surrounding me in Giverny that bloom year after year. Being a Perennial means embracing the idea that beauty, growth, and vitality do not have an expiration date. We also find possibility in places where others see limitations.
As the day progressed, I felt like I was part of the scenery—so alive and blooming, just like the flowers around me. The final moments of the shoot were so satisfying. We captured everything we set out to do, and I was surrounded by a team that made me feel nothing short of stunning. The love and support I felt from them is something I’ll carry with me always.
How Will You Bloom Today?
Monet’s garden showed me what I've known for years as a makeup artist, salon owner and owner of a cosmetics line- that beauty isn’t fixed or formulaic—it’s a living, evolving art form that mirrors who we are at each stage of our lives.
Standing in one of the most breathtaking spaces in the world, I wasn’t just surrounded by beauty; I was embodying it, living my purpose by sharing that essence with others. In this place of quiet magic, where artistry and nature converged, I was reminded that beauty, whether on canvas or in life, is about revealing the brilliance already within us. Beauty isn’t just something we apply—it’s something we discover and nurture, day in and day out.
Just as Monet immortalized the beauty of his garden, Genuist Beauty seeks to capture the transformative power of our personal evolution. We are not bound to bloom once and then fade. Like perennials, we bloom continually, growing more vibrant season after season. Beauty knows no age, or limits—it flourishes when you step into your light and claim it.
Don’t wait for the stars to align or the “right” moment to begin. The only moment that matters is now. Claim your space, let your beauty shine, and embrace your evolution.
Like the flowers in Monet’s garden, you hold the power to bloom fully, boldly, and beautifully—on your own terms. Now is your time to uncover your brilliance. Stand tall in your truth and let your growth be fearless, unapologetic, and limitless. This is your season to bloom, not just once, but endlessly, with every new chapter you create.
So, as a perennial woman, my question for you, is how will you bloom today?
