After working at Clarins, Puig, and Dior, Clémence von Mueffling became a beauty journalist at Casas & Gente magazine. She’s now based in New York with her husband and twins, and last year she launched an inspiring website, Beauty & Well Being. I talked to her about the different approach to beauty in France, her favorite products, and balancing motherhood and a new business.

What prompted you to launch Beauty & Well Being?

After many years working in the beauty industry, I noticed that the areas of beauty and wellness were increasingly intertwined yet always presented separately, and I wanted to bring them together in an online destination. With the growing demand for digital magazines and online information, I felt strongly that it was the perfect time to launch a website that would offer a carefully edited space, one in which every article would be a must read. We cover everything from makeup trends, products that can make a difference, tips on subjects as varied as nutrition and exercise, recipes, and in-depth features—all delivered with a light touch. My work for other beauty companies in a number of different cities gave me the opportunity to meet many wonderful professionals. As a result, I have been able to gather a team that boasts contributors from New York, Paris, London, and San Francisco. Together we are committed to covering the best in natural products in each respective area. I believe that beauty is an attitude, and that a healthy lifestyle is a way of being in the world, in harmony with one’s environment.

Your mother and grandmother were both beauty editors at French Vogue—the beauty business must be in your DNA! What do you think are the biggest changes in the beauty industry since your grandmother’s time at the magazine?

Over three generations, while so much has changed, so much has stayed the same! My grandmother always tells me that when she worked at French Vogue, elegance and femininity were so important. One always had to be impeccable. Women have always been inspired by movie actresses and how they look, trying to emulate how Lauren Bacall would wear her lipstick or the way Audrey Hepburn would wear her hair. That has not changed. This love of celebrities has only become stronger today. What has changed since my grandmother’s generation is the enormous market that the beauty industry has become and the incredible choice of products that we have today. The way we define femininity has also changed. Before, less was more. Today, women have so many ways to express themselves! Lastly, women care more and more about the ingredients of the products they buy—science and research have allowed today’s consumer to better understand that not all products are created equal.

World of Aerin

As a French woman living in New York, do you see any difference in approach to beauty and wellbeing between French and American women?

Absolutely. In America, I feel that women are very educated when it comes to wellness. You will meet many women who are very dedicated to sports or meditation or yoga, love their juices, eat vegetarian diets, and practice caution in the summer sun. In general, I find that American women are more aware of all these things than French women. In terms of beauty, French women are well educated at a young age in terms of how to take care of their skin. Many mothers teach their daughters to impeccably clean their faces before going to bed, to have a balanced diet (avoiding sodas, too many processed foods, and added sugars) and, in order to keep healthy skin, to avoid too much foundation. However it seems that the world is getting smaller, and we are learning from each other across the ocean!

We recently added the Rose Bath & Body Collection to our beauty range. The rose is a recurring ingredient at AERIN; from its fragrance to its beauty benefits, it’s definitely a favorite of mine. Are there any products or ingredients that you favor above all others? And do you have any favorite products from the AERIN line?

The entire AERIN line is totally divine! Not only are the products themselves exquisite, but the packaging is so feminine and elegant that it is a pleasure to have them in one’s bathroom! I do not see a better way to start my day than using the Rose Body Wash and the Rose Body Scrub in the shower. The scent is delicate and the whole product makes me feel special!

Your interest in holistic health and natural beauty products is evident throughout Beauty & Wellbeing. Do you have a favorite spa that also follows that ethos?

There are many fantastic spas to visit, but on a more regular basis, I see professionals here in New York for different things. I see facialists specializing in face massages such as Shu Rousseau. Carmel O’Neill at Renew has a unique technique that uses light current for terrific results. When I have questions about nutrition, I always discuss them with the wonderful Dr. Penelope McDonnell, and for the body I train with both Katherine Greiner (cardio dance), and Kristen, a great instructor at Erika Bloom Pilates studio.

All working mothers recognize the difficulties of balancing children and career, and twins must add to that challenge. Any advice for making it work?

I think everybody has a different way to make it work. Being very organized for me is key, and when I am at the office I am 100 percent at my work. Morning and afternoon snacks such as dark chocolate, almonds, and lovely teas help me stay focused and keep my energy level up. It is hard to balance everything, especially when you like to do it all: work, children, cooking, and spending time with friends, but thankfully I can count on a wonderful husband who helps me a lot!

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