Nolyne Cerda, a beauty curious' routine

Nolyne Cerda is a freelance journalist. After working for ten years as a beauty journalist for Grazia, Stylist and the Marie-Claire website, she founded her podcast "Parlons b." to talk about beauty and well-being. Today, she also hosts the podcast "Vous avez un MP", devoted to music and poetry, but not only... At the origin of her vocation as a journalist, her curiosity drives her to take a very close interest in her subjects. Now it's her turn to be interviewed about her relationship with skincare and, of course, beauty.

What is your relationship with your skin?

I'd say rather benevolent. My mother has always taken great care of it, and taught me the importance of cleansing and moisturizing my skin every night before going to bed. As it was a matter of course for her, these simple gestures have stayed with me, and I believe they shape my overall relationship with my skin. Of course, as I work in the beauty industry, I try to apply what I hear, but without ever getting carried away. I'm all for simplicity, I avoid overloading my skin, I expose myself to the sun very little... I opt for simple gestures and common sense to be cool with my skin. This approach also applies to the first marks of time I see appearing on my face: I try to be cool and welcome them with hindsight.

You created the "Parlons b." podcast. What influence has it had on your vision of beauty? Has this vision evolved?

This podcast has enabled me to discover all the work that goes into designing a product, from the scientific knowledge mobilized to the creation of an aesthetically pleasing brand universe. By looking beneath the surface of brands, I gained a better understanding of France's international reputation in the field of beauty. Our beautiful brands form an extraordinary cultural heritage that contributes to our global influence. On the one hand, this is due to the stringent laws governing product formulation, but beyond the application of these drastic rules (necessary to protect the consumer), I realized that there was a real desire to create even more responsible brands. My vision of beauty has evolved with "Parlons b.", I have a more 360 vision than when I was "just" a journalist. I'm very interested in discovering consumers, talking with them and understanding their expectations: that's why I've organized three pop-up stores.

Do you have a beauty routine?

Thanks to my job, I'm lucky enough to receive a lot of cosmetics and perfumes. I'm well aware that this is a privilege. While I test every product I receive - not necessarily all the way through, since it takes 28 days for the skin cycle to renew itself and for results to be seen, but at least always long enough to form an opinion on the sensoriality of a product - I always stick to my basic, simple routine. That is, I remove my make-up every evening and moisturize my skin with an oil or cream. I never deviate from this protocol, even when I'm exhausted, because for me it's the essential beauty gesture. The products may vary, but these actions remain the same. From now on, I try to include sun protection in my routine. I'm still not completely exemplary in this respect, but I always carry some in my bag, in case of an impromptu terrace lunch, for example. PERS protective gel, with its flat format, is very practical and I take it with me everywhere.

As someone who's always up to date on new products, how do you find your way around the cosmetics on offer?

As a journalist, I always try to look beyond the message. Of course, every brand needs to sell itself, but I like to take a closer look at the formulas and active ingredients behind the marketing promises. I also attach a great deal of importance to the sensoriality of products, their texture, their smell... Sensoriality and aesthetics are essential for me, almost as much as an effective formula or super active ingredients, because they have a real impact on the consumer.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Over and above the gestures my mother passed on to me, I'd say it's to take a holistic approach, to look after yourself as a whole. For example, getting a body massage to relax your back and shoulders is directly visible on your face. On the whole, there's no point in only taking care of your face: the body is a whole, everything is linked... I would add to this the importance of applying your skincare with gentleness, with awareness. Forcefully removing make-up with a cotton pad causes micro-lesions and, ultimately, fine lines and damaged skin. Cleansing the skin, like brushing the hair, is a moment of relaxation that doesn't need to be long, but should be gentle. Doing things consciously allows you to breathe and, ultimately, to feel better.

The one you'd like to pass on?

I'd say beware of trends. For me, the most important thing is to get to know yourself and your skin. You have to be curious about yourself, to be aware of your needs and apply the skin care products that boost and strengthen it, without overloading or irritating it.