It’s no secret that we have an obsession with the mythical French woman—perpetually put together—and effortlessly so. From the French capsule wardrobe to her pantry staples and parenting tips, she has it all down to pat. The secret? Simplicity. To figure out exactly how this happens, I tapped my friend, Manon, who hails from the Champagne region of France, and asked her about the essentials French women keep in their bathrooms. Below are just eight picks—but pick them well, and you’ll find that low-maintenance elegance can be yours, too.

10 Essentials That Build a French Capsule Wardrobe, According to a Parisian Woman

2. A Good Candle

If living in France taught me one thing, it’s that the French have an unadulterated appreciation for beauty. (I’ll never forget when my host family decided against a paint color with the sole justification that “it’s not beautiful.”) Combine this with a rich history of craftmanship and it’s no surprise that the French appreciate a good candle and its soft, calming glow. There are two powerhouse French brands that absolutely knock it out of the park in terms of scent and design: Diptyque and Trudon. Baies ($46), Eucalyptus ($76) and Roses ($46) are a few Diptyque fragrances I’ve liked over the years, while Trudon’s beautiful handcrafted Tuscan glass (inspired by Champagne buckets) are a thing to behold. But in line with the French ethos of simplicity, my friend was quick to add that you can’t go wrong with locally made candles with a soy wax.

4. A Tried-But-True, No-Frills Face Cream

The French pharmacy is legendary for its affordable, effective skincare—from Avène to La Roche-Posay—and at the heart of that legacy is a great face cream. Enter Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré ($17), the multitasking cult classic beloved by everyday Parisians and backstage makeup artists alike. As one Redditor writes: “I was born in France and my entire family has used the Embryolisse moisturizer.” It doesn’t hurt that it was also reportedly a favorite of Jane Birkin’s.

When my friend was pregnant, this was the only product she would trust on her skin. It can function as a day cream, overnight mask and makeup remover—among its many other uses. No wonder Americans buy this in droves when they come to France.

6. A Really Good Hand Cream

French women place an emphasis on quality skincare over makeup and cosmetic treatments, and that ethos extends down to their hands. Many famous French beauty brands offer hand lotions, including La Roche-Posay’s renowned Cicaplast line. Manon raves about L’Occitane ($33), saying it’s the best she’s ever tried. Over the years I, too, have been smitten with the beautiful scents and packaging. The tubes are easy to slip into your handbag, while the jars are a lovely addition to the bathroom counter. And though she professes a love for the classic Provençal brand, my friend added that I couldn’t leave out Crème Nivea (was $11, now $10).

8. A Good Bordeaux Nail Polish

Like their lipstick, French women appreciate a good red nail polish. It’s that or a neutral tone—no acrylics, loud colors, stickers or crazy rhinestoning here. I wasn’t surprised when Manon said that Chanel was the red nail polish brand of choice. (Try Rouge Noir, $33.)  But what did surprise me was that French women will also keep a nude shade of the American brand Essie on their vanity. And here’s one thing American women get right: Essie’s neutral Ballet Slippers ($9) is a cult fave.

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