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SOPHIE CARBONARI • Sophie Carbonari Skincare

WORK • Friday Routine

SOPHIE CARBONARI • CEO • Sophie Carbonari Skincare
Neighborhood you live in: Oberkampf (11th arr)
Neighborhood you work in: Jardin du Palais Royal (1st arr)

It’s Friday afternoon. How are you rolling into the weekend?
I start my morning early with a meeting at artisanal coffee shop and roaster The Beans on Fire in the 11th. I take time to sit with my notebook, writing down thoughts, plans, and inspirations for the day ahead. From there, I walk toward the vibrant Marché d'Aligre, letting the energy of the market set a lively tone. I settle in at Chez Charlette, a welcoming café where I can work quietly while observing the gentle flow of Parisian life.

Lunch is at Le Square Trousseau, a beautiful place to enjoy a moment of calm in the middle of the city. In the afternoon, I take a break by the river — a necessary pause to recharge — and stop by Beaubourg or wander into a gallery in Le Marais to reconnect with art and fresh perspectives. As the week winds down, I love to cross the Jardin du Palais Royal on foot — it’s a moment to breathe. I usually head straight for a glass of wine at Verjus Bar à Vins, where I start planning the weekend with friends.

What’s on the agenda for today?
Each morning, I begin by refreshing my skin with a fine mist of Evian facial spray, awakening and hydrating my complexion. I follow this with a generous application of Rohto Mentholatum's Lotion Premium Hada Labo Gokujyun, a deeply moisturizing essence that preps my skin. Next, I smooth on The S Serum by Sophie Carbonari — a concentrated formula that brings an immediate glow and firmness to my face. To lock in moisture and nourish my skin, I massage in my own custom blend of precious oils, creating a spa-like moment that feels both restorative and indulgent.

Before heading out, I complete my routine with a layer of SPF 50+++ from Korean skincare brand Benton, to shield my skin from the sun. A sweep of mascara and a touch of Glossier highlighter add the perfect finishing touches, giving me a fresh, luminous look to carry into the day. After my morning routine, I head toward my studio near Palais Royal. It’s a little ritual: a first takeaway coffee at Caféinoman on Rue Saint-Maur, then another stop at Calibré on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Once I reach the studio, I swap into work shoes and prepare to welcome my first client.

My studio is perched just above a design gallery on the Jardin du Palais Royal, surrounded by remarkable pieces of contemporary art. It's a setting that constantly inspires — a space where creativity and elegance meet. I'm a devoted admirer of Diptyque candles and Perfumer H fragrances, both of which subtly perfume the studio, adding layers of warmth and sophistication. The design of the space is intentionally minimal, allowing every object — and the surrounding garden — to breathe. The garden itself feels like a living sculpture, an ever-evolving creation that becomes part of the studio’s serene atmosphere. It’s a peaceful, contemplative context that grounds and elevates my daily work. My morning is starting off with a soin sur-mesure, a custom facial for one of my regulars, a Parisian actress who trusts me to refine and restore her glow.

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
For lunch during the week, you’ll often find me at my go-to spots like Il Fico, Takara, and Cibus. After hours, dinner is a real treat: I love Jean-François Piège’s Le Grand Restaurant, Langosteria at Cheval Blanc Paris, and Caviar Kaspia. The weekend calls for neighborhood gems like L'Ami Pierre or Le Dauphin.

How about a little leisure or culture?
I always carve out time for culture. Some of my favorite escapes are Bourse de Commerce — Pinault Collection, Beaubourg, and the Musée d'Orsay — each offering their own kind of magic.

Any weekend getaways?
If I can sneak away, Champagne or the painters’ village of Barbizon (at the edge of the Fontainebleau forest) are my preferred destinations — both just close enough to feel like a proper escape, yet worlds away from Parisian pace. Most recently in Champagne, I ate at Au Carillon Gourmand and did a Champagne tasting at iconic maison Ruinard.

What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
Tickets to the Opéra Royal at Château de Versailles — it’s an unforgettable experience.

What store or service do you always recommend?
Julhès is an absolute must for anyone who loves beautiful, thoughtfully sourced products. I love picking up everything from cheese to dessert at the specialty food shop.