Paris has a way of enchanting you the moment you step into its streets, but this time, the city held something more. As the early morning sun crept over the rooftops on the second day of our photoshoot, we didn’t just aim to capture stunning photos; we set out to embrace the essence of what Genuist Beauty truly stands for—timeless beauty, authenticity, and a playful, blooming Perennial spirit.
In this blog, you’ll find yourself immersed in the magic of Paris, where elegance meets spontaneity and beauty is defined by the joy of living fully at every stage of life. Whether it’s the fun of a carousel ride near the Eiffel Tower or the quiet grace of strolling along the Seine, this journey is about more than makeup. It’s about capturing the strength of women who support each other, the freedom to live with intention, and the beauty that deepens with time.
Let this story inspire you to embrace your own beauty, live boldly, and find joy in the unplanned moments.
Awakening Inspiration: A Morning at the Arc de Triomphe
The journey began with an early morning wake-up call—far earlier than I would’ve liked. But there we were, on a quiet Sunday morning, venturing toward one of the most iconic spots in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe. The streets were empty, and the usual rush of traffic had yet to begin. The Champs-Élysées stretched out before us like a grand stage, and the soft glow of sunrise made everything look and feel surreal.
Standing under the towering Arc, the beauty of the moment struck me. The sunlight was rising perfectly in the middle of the avenue, casting a golden light that seemed like it was meant for us. We were racing against time, trying to capture those first rays before the city fully woke up. There was a sense of urgency, but it only added to the excitement. This was the shot I had envisioned—the one inspired by a photo Quinn, my daughter had taken on our first trip to Europe a few years prior. Now, I wanted to recreate that same magic but infuse it with the spirit of Genuist Beauty.
In my white pants and sage green top, I stood in front of the Arc de Triomphe as the first light touched the city. The quiet streets felt like they were holding their breath for us, as if this moment, this snapshot in time, was meant for something bigger.
Matthieu Piriou, our brilliant photographer, kept us all laughing, encouraging me to “make love to the croissant” during those early hours and the laughter and lightheartedness were exactly what we needed.
From the Arc to Sacré-Cœur:
With the first location in the bag, we raced to our next stop—Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. The Basilica is another Parisian icon, perched high above the city, offering sweeping views that take your breath away. We knew we had to move quickly before the streets filled with tourists, so we started capturing images as soon as we arrived.
The weather was perfect with an autumnal crispness in the air that made everything feel fresh and alive. I changed into a gorgeous raspberry suit, and the contrast of my bold look against the soft white stone of Sacré-Cœur was stunning.
But, as it always happens in Paris, the city began to wake up, and the peaceful streets turned into a bustling scene of street performers and markets. It was time to move on, but not before we captured a few more moments of quiet beauty.
Effortless Elegance
For the next part of the photoshoot, Maureen Chatelain joined us and we prepared for the day in her beautifully curated Parisian apartment, using Genuist Beauty products, sharing stories, and soaking in the joy of the moment and the joy of launching Genuist Beauty, because this company is more than makeup; it’s about celebrating the journey of women who, like Maureen, are constantly blooming—defining beauty on their own terms.
I couldn’t have imagined a better person than Maureen as our first cover model to embody the spirit of Genuist Beauty. Living her best life in France now, Maureen radiates that effortless Parisian style that we all admire. At 60, she’s the epitome of authenticity—living with intention, care, and simplicity. As she’s building a new life with her husband in France now, restoring an old tower, and recently becoming a grandmother, Maureen is proof that beauty, like life, gets richer with every chapter.
Supporting Each Other
One of the most fulfilling parts of this experience was connecting with women like Maureen and reflecting on the power of women supporting women. Who are the women in your life that inspire you? Who uplifts and mentors you? For me, being in Paris with Maureen was a reminder of how much beauty lies in these relationships. It’s not just about makeup or fashion; it’s about the stories we share, the strength we find in each other, and the confidence we inspire together.
Walking Along the Seine: The Heart of Paris
We began the next part of our day with a stroll along the Seine, the very soul of Paris. There’s an undeniable romance to the riverbanks—their historic bridges stretching across the water, the open skies reflecting the beauty of the city. This was where we wanted to capture the essence of a Parisian woman living her best life—a woman who lives beautifully, effortlessly, and with intention.
Maureen, in her final outfit of the day, was perfect for this scene. Her elegance and natural beauty shone through as we wandered along the river, capturing candid moments that felt like scenes from a classic Parisian film. With Genuist Beauty products in hand, we touched up our makeup on the go, showing how real beauty is both simple and stunning. This was a true reflection of the Perennial spirit—timeless beauty at every stage of life.
The Carousel Near the Eiffel Tower: Playfulness Meets Parisian Elegance
After our walk by the Seine, we headed to a more playful part of our journey—the carousel near the Eiffel Tower. It’s something I had always wanted to capture, having seen it on Pinterest boards. But reality was far more chaotic than the dream! When we arrived, the carousel was packed with children, and getting the perfect shot proved tricky.
Yet, that chaos turned out to be part of the charm. Matthieu, our photographer, had us laughing as we tried to hop on and off between rotations, seizing moments to capture Maureen’s playful elegance. Amid the laughter and spontaneity, we got exactly what we needed: a reflection of Genuist Beauty’s values of fun, grace, and adventure. Maureen embraced it all, her laughter blending with the carousel’s vibrant colors—a true celebration of life and beauty at every age.
The Unexpected Joy of Flexibility
What I learned throughout the day was that sometimes, no matter how much you plan, the best moments come from the unexpected. The weather was supposed to be rainy, but we ended up with perfect skies. We had a rigid plan, but we found joy in being flexible, adjusting to the rhythm of Paris, and capturing moments we hadn’t even thought possible. The impromptu carousel ride, the laughter, the moments in between—those are what made the day unforgettable.
There’s a saying, “Wanna make God laugh? Make plans.” That couldn’t have been truer for us that day. We let go of expectations and embraced the beauty that unfolded naturally—celebrating the playfulness, joy, and elegance that come when you live life on your own terms.
It wasn’t just about getting the perfect photos—it was about capturing life in its most beautiful and playful form. Whether it was dodging traffic, slipping into cafes, or finding joy in unexpected moments like riding the carousel (yes, we played like children on that thing), it was a reminder that beauty is as much about fun as it is about elegance.
Paris also reminded me of an important life lesson: no matter how much you plan, sometimes you have to let go and allow the universe to surprise you.
Our itinerary changed with the sunlight, the crowds, and even a spontaneous carousel ride, but what unfolded was more beautiful than anything we could have planned. It’s the same with beauty—sometimes, the most stunning moments happen when you embrace playfulness and let life unfold naturally.
