Mona Chollet's new book on skincare

Mona Chollet, a journalist and feminist essayist, has published Soigner sa peau. Exploration d’une obsession (La Découverte), a book that is more personal than her earlier work Beauté fatale (2012), in which she analyzed the pressures of beauty standards.

Exploring contradictions in beauty practices

In her new book, Chollet examines the tension between criticizing the cosmetics industry and the personal satisfaction of using beauty products. She highlights how societal expectations push women toward routines that may not be beneficial for their skin.

The early onset of aging fears

Chollet notes that the fear of aging begins much earlier than commonly believed, often starting in youth. She points to early interventions like Botox and "Sephora Kids" as examples of how beauty anxieties are instilled from a young age.

Normalizing aesthetic procedures

The journalist criticizes how celebrities normalize aesthetic procedures, often presenting them as effortless or miraculous. She argues that this normalization hides the pain, cost, and ongoing nature of such treatments, which often require frequent repetition.

The shift from collective to individual beauty

Chollet reflects on the move from shared beauty rituals, like hammams, to individual skincare routines. She notes the loss of communal experiences and the impact of unrealistic beauty standards promoted by the media.

Criticizing the industry without blaming consumers

Chollet emphasizes that her critique is directed at the beauty industry, not at women who choose to use cosmetics. She acknowledges the manipulative power of advertising and the societal pressures on women to conform to certain standards.

Personal reflections on skincare routines

In her book, Chollet admits to still using cosmetics and enjoying them but has become more cautious. She now focuses on minimal care, avoiding products with long ingredient lists and embracing the simplicity of basic skincare.

The role of media in beauty discourse

Chollet comments on the media's evolving role in discussing beauty standards, noting that some past articles on the topic would not be published today. She sees this as a positive change, though she acknowledges the ongoing tension between advertisers and editorial content in women's magazines.