Beauty
Russie Blanche
Julia Lemigova interviewed by Evelina Khromtchenko. © evelinakhromtchenko.com
Beauty queen in 1991 and ex-model Julia Lemigova successfully launched her own beauty care line in Paris – cosmetics with a nice Russian accent.
Top-model and Numero
fashion editor Irina Bondarenko gave me the secret contact of a good manicure artist in Paris. You know, it is good fortune, addresses like this are revealed in whisper. The girl was not Russian and it surprised me. But they talked Russian to me here, though: it was a beautiful salon-owner. Gradually we’ve discovered that we know each other – we made an article about Julia Lemigova 13 years ago when she just opened her beauty-salon Joiya on rue de la Renaissance – in the 8th arrondissement of Paris – a few steps from avenue Montaigne. Now Julia has something new to boast: her cosmetics line Russie Blanche is a worthy neighbor to such prestigious brands as La Prairie in Ritz and Bristol hotels.
E.K.: What is happening when we use this oil?
J.L.: This is Baniya Detox oil for bath and shower. All products aim at detoxaction, loosing weight, rising of energy effects.
E.K.: For example, you are tired after the working day and have to go the presentation. How to use this product?
J.L.: You simply take shower. Before leaving shower cabine you put a half-of-a-cap of the oil on the palm and apply on solar plexus. In a moment you feel aromatherapy effect – the oil interacts your brain, so you feel yourself in spa atmosphere. For energizing effect first apply the oil on the upper body (up to neck), then on the lower part.
E.K.: How to apply it?
J.L.: The same way as you apply crème with circular massage movement. Then you use shower just for 3 seconds, wipe the body with a towel. You are ready to put on clothes, your skin is moisturized but not greasy.
E.K.: So the product for shiny skin is not necessary as the skin already has this moisture shine…
J.L.: Yes. The skin is satinee. We do not recommend using crème after oil not to mix product and to prolong aromatherapy effect of our formulas.
E.K.: You produce all your products in the south of France but using some typically Russian ingredients. How did you choose them?
J.L.: After a long term research we found adaptogenic herbs. First they were described in 60-th by academician Lazarev. These herbs help to resist aggressive factors of environment, they are strong natural relaxants. Soviet cosmonauts were given these herbs before flight as they produce good effect on nervous system. Soviet sportsmen also took these herbs during preparation for competitions. Siberian ginger and Siberian golden root are included in all our formulas. This is our know-how. Plus aromatherapy and secret of Russian beauty.
E.K.: I think you know everything in the field of beauty.
J.L.: After the contest in 1991 I came to France for the first time to work as a fashion model. After 10 years I started to learn chemistry and cosmetology. 2 years ago I introduced my brand Russie Blanche to the French market. We position our brand in 5 stars hotel Ritz, in Courshevel as well.
E.K.: What do French people think of secrets of Russian beauty?
J.L.: They like the name of my brand, they are inspired by Russia. They appreciate the quality, the level of luxury. We use only natural ingredients and dyes, neither paraben, silicon, nor mineral oils.
E.K.: My congratulations! Your cosmetic products go along with La Prairie. As far as I know this is the first Russian experience in creating luxury cosmetic brand for skincare.
J.L.: Yes, this is a new but exclusive brand, our formulas respond to the world standard. We did everything by ourselves. 8 years ago I opened Spa Joiya in Paris. All my therapists are still working with me, we are inventing together beauty rituals for professional cosmetics. We have a laboratory in Paris where we produce everything. So Russie Blanche is produced in France but inspired by Russian beauty and history.
