We caught up with the founder of the award-winning beauty brand Caudalie to find out how she stays looking youthful
It’s hard not to sound like you’re gushing when you talk about Mathilde Thomas. Successful, intelligent, environmentally-conscious and beautiful, she’s achieved great things as the co-founder of French skincare brand Caudalie  and author of The  French Beauty Solution . But at the heart of all her triumphs is a simple and holistic philosophy based on enjoying life and living beautifully, inside and out.
“Beauty   is considered an art de vivre in France,” she says. “It’s the  art of living and it doesn’t always have to involve the most  expensive products – just products with natural ingredients that work  well for each individual.” 
        At 44-years-young, we were desperate to discover her secret. Does she drink the blood of newborn baby lambs and bathe in asp milk like Cleopatra? Thankfully no. It’s a good dose of red wine and her following anti-ageing routine.
        “The key for me is keeping it simple, with an emphasis on the best skincare rather than make-up. In the morning, I double-cleanse my skin with my Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil . You put it on your skin and emulsify it with water. I follow this with my Instant Foaming Cleanser  which I love, or if I am in a rush or travelling then I opt for the Micellar Cleansing Water . Then, I always like to spritz my Beauty Elixir  before using a serum.”
        Mathilde’s choice of serum is dependent on her skins need and where she is in the world. “I change my serum depending on the year and what my skin is crying out for. Sometimes it needs hydrating, other times it’s in need of a brightening boost or help with firming. When I’m in Hong Kong, I use the S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum , although in the summertime, my complexion is in need of more brightening and correction, so I use the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum . And in New York, and in the wintertime, I like the Premier Cru The Elixir . 
        
        “For my eyes, I use Premier Cru The Eye Cream . It’s the best. I apply it all the way around my eye with my ring finger and also around my lips. 
        “For daytime, I apply my Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturizer  with an SPF20 or my Premier Cru The Cream  that is the perfect three-in-one product to hydrate, brighten, firm, and smooth. 
        “At night, I always remove my make up and clean my skin with our Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil  – I simply love its natural almond scent. Then I go to sleep with the Resveratrol Lift Night Infusion Cream , this is like a true herbal tea for my skin.”
        But of course, those in the know are aware that beauty starts from within and what you put into your body greatly affects the condition of you complexion. “It’s important for your skin is to have a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts to help bring vitamins and minerals to the skin. Drink a lot of green tea throughout the day and a glass, or two, of red wine loaded with antioxidants with dinner,” Mathilde adds. Well, I mean if you insist. Where’s the Malbec?
            
            
                
                
                
                
                    
                      
                      
                          Article by 
                          Lauren Godfrey
                          Content Writer 
                          
                                                                                                                                                                      
                          
                       
                     
                    
                                     
                
                
                    
                      
                      
                          Article by 
                          Lauren Godfrey
                          Content Writer