Ep 04: Caudalie Founder Mathilde Thomas

Mathilde Thomas in L'Appartement Caudalie in New York

Mathilde Thomas in L'Appartement Caudalie in New York

Listen here:

Parisian women are world-renowned for having that je ne sais quoi—rumpled hair that lands just so, barely there makeup and healthy-looking skin synonymous with classic beauties like Francois Hardy, Brigitte Bardot and modern day muses like Lea Seydoux and self-taught makeup artist and YouTube star, Violette. When you think about the French lifestyle (noshing on cheese and croissants and drinking red wine daily) without ever gaining a pound, you know they're on to something. 

In this episode, we explore that very French Paradox with Mathilde Thomas, co-founder of Caudalie Paris.  (The woman has literally written a book on the subject!) For the uninitiated, Caudalie is an all-natural skincare line started in 1995 at a centuries-old vineyard that Thomas' family owns in Bourdeaux, France called the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte.  The star ingredient, a polyphenol called resveratrol, is extracted from the seeds and skin of grapes. A natural antioxidant, the active has been proven to be even more powerful than vitamin E (whoa!). Much the way drinking a glass of reservatrol-rich red wine a day has been known to help stave off heart disease, so too does applying the cream have benefits for your skin.

Twenty years after its birth, Caudalie's most iconic product, Beauty Elixir, sells every 30 seconds around the globe. Discover why celebrity makeup artists have been relying on it to create a dewy glow for the past 20 years (they basically built a cult following.) Editors and fans clamour for the brand's luxe spa services, too, like the cabarnet body scrub. Available on almost every continent, Thomas is now launching a new concept spa that will re-invent the treatment experience. Titled L'Appartment Caudalie, the first location, in the Upper East side of Manhattan, is a four-cabine skincare sanctuary where you might even brush shoulders with a supermodel. Find out who we encountered on our day at the spa, what Jill did to mortify herself during the interview and more inside secrets in episode 4.

Products Mentioned in this episode: Caudalie Beauty Elixir  Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum; Caudalie Concentrated Brightening EssenceProvince Apothecary Custom Facial; Skinceuticals Resveratrol B E; Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick.

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

The stunning interior of L'Appartement Caudalie in New York

The stunning interior of L'Appartement Caudalie in New York

Mathilde's book "The French Beauty Solution."

Mathilde's book "The French Beauty Solution."

L'appartement caudalie

And Now, A Word From Our Interns

Olivia Nashmi and Damjana Simic

Today we bid adieu to the lovely Olivia (left) and Damjana (right).  Without these two hotshots, we probably wouldn't have even launched (or at least not for another three months anyway). You are both EVERYTHING! Thank you for all of your TLC on helping to launch Breaking Beauty, and we mean that from the bottom of our glitter-bedazzled hearts. 

Who: Olivia Nashmi, student at Ryerson University

Favourite Podcasts: Freakonomics (one of the first podcasts I ever listened to); Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids; GRTTWAK (I'm bias because I know the creator, but it's still fun and entertaining!) 

Podcast You’d Like To Launch Someday:  I would looove to launch one all about why people are so passionate about the music they're listening to!

Where You’d Like To Be In 5 Years: I hope to be a podcast guru! I really think audible stories are going to be the next big thing!

When You’re Not Podcasting: I'm on the Dragonboat team at Ryerson and it's become a big part of my life!

Dream Dinner Party Guest (Living or Dead): The inspiring, badass founder Coco Chanel. Growing up, my grandmother gave me a Chanel bag and it's one of my most prized possessions.

Who: Damjana Simic, student at George Brown College

Favourite Podcasts: On The Mic Stand Up ComedyExtra Pack of Peanuts Travel Podcast

Podcast You’d Like To Launch Someday: Obvious Observation, about how we make all the simple things around us super complicated. 

Where You’d Like To Be In 5 Years: On stage at the Sony Centre delivering my stand up special!

When You’re Not Podcasting: I'm travelling, schooling and doing my nails 💅🏻 

Biggest Takeaway From Your Internship Experience: Sooner or later, hard work pays off.