As the birthplace of some of the world’s most iconic beauty trends, France has become synonymous with effortless glamour. From bold red lips to tousled hair and a smokey eye, the French have a timeless, elegant style that has inspired women around the globe for decades.
But achieving the perfect Parisian look doesn’t have to be difficult. In this blog, we’ll break down 10 easy steps for mastering the chic French aesthetic with makeup. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find plenty of tips and tricks to help you unleash your inner Parisian beauty.
Introduction
Before we dive into the specifics of French makeup, it’s important to understand the philosophy behind the look. French women are known for their effortless style, and this approach extends to their makeup as well.
Instead of trying to mask flaws or create a perfectly polished look, the French embrace their natural beauty and enhance their best features with subtle touches of makeup.
So, when you’re working on your own French makeup look, keep in mind that less is often more. Focus on creating a healthy, radiant glow that celebrates your unique beauty – not hiding it behind heavy layers of foundation or contour.
How to Do French Makeup: Step-by-step Guide
So how, exactly, do you achieve that coveted French girl look with your makeup routine? Here are 10 easy steps to get you started:
Use a lightweight foundation for a natural finish
French women are known for their natural, glowing skin. To achieve this look, start with a lightweight foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. Opt for a formula that provides minimal coverage, such as a tinted moisturizer or BB cream, and use a light hand to apply it evenly across your face.
Accentuate the eyes with eyeliner or bold lipstick
The French approach to eye makeup is all about enhancing your natural features. You don’t need heavy eyeshadow or false lashes – just a touch of eyeliner or a bold lipstick can make all the difference. For a classic French look, try a winged cat-eye with liquid liner, or opt for a bold red lipstick to make a statement.
Apply blush for a healthy flush
A touch of blush can give your complexion a healthy, youthful glow. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone, and use a large, fluffy blush brush to apply it with a light touch. Focus on the apples of your cheeks for a natural, flushed look.
Add definition with bronzer
To give your face some sculpted definition, add a bit of bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and across your forehead. Choose a shade that’s one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone, and blend it well using a large powder brush. Avoid going too heavy – the idea is to create a subtle, natural-looking contour.
Master the art of natural-looking brows
French women are all about embracing their natural beauty, and their approach to eyebrows is no different. Instead of going for the heavily penciled look, opt for a product that fills in your brows subtly and naturally. Use short, light strokes to mimic the look of real hair, and use a spoolie brush to comb them upward and outward.
Choose the right shades for eyeshadow
When it comes to eyeshadow, French women prefer shades that enhance their natural eye color. Try neutral, earthy tones like brown, beige, or taupe, and add a touch of shimmer to the inner corner of your eye for a brightening effect.
Highlight the cheekbones for a radiant glow
To really make your features pop, add a touch of highlighter to the high points of your face. This can include the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the inner corners of your eyes. Use a small, fluffy brush to apply the highlighter, and blend it well for a natural, seamless finish.
Opt for a classic red lip
There’s no denying the power of a bold red lip – it’s a classic French look that never goes out of style. Choose a shade that flatters your skin tone, and apply it with a lip brush for a precise, long-lasting finish. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let your lips do the talking.
Enhance natural features and embrace imperfections
Rather than trying to cover up flaws or create a completely perfected look, French women focus on enhancing their natural beauty and embracing their unique features. Whether you have freckles, moles, or a distinctive nose shape, let your natural beauty shine through instead of hiding behind heavy makeup.
Confidence is key in French makeup
Ultimately, the key to mastering the French makeup look is to embrace your own style and feel confident in your own skin. Whether you’re going for a bold statement lip or a natural, no-makeup look, own it and wear it with confidence. After all, that’s the true Parisian way.
French Makeup Brands: Discover the Best Products
Of course, achieving the perfect French makeup look also requires the right products. French beauty brands have become synonymous with chic, high-quality makeup and skincare products, and there are plenty of amazing options to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. High-quality French makeup brands to consider
- Chanel
- Dior
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Lancôme
- Guerlain
2. Recommended products for a French makeup collection
- Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Foundation
- Diorshow Liquid Eyeliner
- Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick
- Lancôme Blush Subtil Palette
- Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer
French Makeup Tutorial: Follow Along
If you’re new to French makeup techniques, don’t worry – there are plenty of tutorials available online to help you. Look for step-by-step guides with visual aids, which will give you a better idea of how to apply makeup in the French style. You’ll also find plenty of expert advice from professional makeup artists, who can offer tips and tricks for perfecting your application skills.
Link: French Makeup Look in 10 Minutes
French Makeup Looks for All Ages
French makeup styles can be adapted to suit all ages and skin types. Here are a few tips for achieving the perfect French look at any age:
1. Adaptations for different age groups
- For teenagers: Keep the French makeup minimal and age-appropriate; focus on enhancing natural features without going too heavy.
- For young adults: Embrace bold looks, like a bright lip or a smoky eye, and experiment with different colors and textures.
- For mature women: Use makeup to enhance and brighten up the complexion, and choose products that won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.
2. Makeup tips for women over 50
- Opt for a lightweight, natural-looking foundation to avoid emphasizing fine lines or wrinkles.
- Choose creamy formulas for blush and eyeshadow to avoid dryness or crepey texture.
- Focus on hydrating the skin with products like face oils or moisturizing serums to maintain a healthy glow.
3. Classic French makeup styles
- The cat-eye: A winged liner look that elongates the eyes and adds drama.
- The red lip: A bold, classic statement that never goes out of style.
- The smoky eye: A sultry, smoldering look that adds depth and dimension to the eyes.
Achieving the French Maid Makeup Look
For a playful twist on the classic French look, try incorporating elements of the French maidservant style into your makeup routine. This might include black and white accents, flirty details, and unconventional makeup combinations. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Tips on creating the iconic French maidservant style
- Referencing the classic French maid aesthetic for inspiration.
- Incorporating elements of the maid’s uniform into your outfit and makeup.
- Playing with black and white accents and flirty details.
2. How to incorporate the French maid look into your makeup routine
- Adding white eyeliner to the lower waterline for a doll-like effect.
- Experimenting with black lipstick or eyeshadow for a bold statement.
- Adding playful polka dots or stripes to your makeup using a liner brush and black or white eyeshadow.
French Tip with Makeup Sponge: Nail Art Tutorial
For a final touch of French sophistication, try adding a French tip manicure to your nails. But instead of the usual white tip, try using a makeup sponge to create a gradient effect. Here’s how:
1. Step-by-step nail art tutorial using a makeup sponge
- Apply a base coat to your nails and let it dry completely.
- Paint the tips of your nails with a pale pink or nude polish and let it dry.
- Use a makeup sponge to dab a slightly darker shade of pink or nude polish onto the tips of your nails, starting at the base and fading out toward the tip.
- Finish with a topcoat to protect your nails and give them a shiny finish.
2. Achieving the French tip manicure with a twist
- Experiment with different colors besides pink and nude; try gradients of red or blue for a creative twist.
- Add a metallic edge to your French tip manicure by adding a strip of silver or gold polish to the tips.
- Play with glitter or rhinestone accents for a playful, glamorous effect.
Parisian Celebrities that Rocked the French Makeup Look
1. Marion Cotillard:
Marion Cotillard is like the ultimate French beauty. When it comes to makeup, she keeps it simple and classy. Her skin looks all glowing and healthy. She might add a bit of rosy color to her cheeks and make her eyes a little smoky. Marion’s style is like saying, “I woke up like this, and I look amazing.”
2. Audrey Tautou:
You know Audrey Tautou, right? The “Amélie” star? She’s a master of timeless beauty. Her makeup is all about that fresh and glowy look. She likes a subtle touch on her eyes and then boom—a classic red lip. Audrey’s style is like a mix of elegance and a touch of movie-star glam.
3. Léa Seydoux:
Léa Seydoux is the cool French girl who adds a bit of a modern twist. She loves playing with bold choices, especially when it comes to her lips. You might catch her rocking a deep red or a cool berry shade. Léa shows us that French makeup can be both classic and trendy.
4. Vanessa Paradis:
Vanessa Paradis is a French icon. Her beauty is timeless, and her makeup is all about keeping things fresh. Picture a simple yet defined look—mascara on the lashes, a touch of blush, and maybe a natural lip color. Vanessa’s style is like saying, “I don’t need much, but I look fabulous.”
5. Clémence Poésy:
Clémence Poésy is all about that understated elegance. Her makeup is minimal but oh-so-chic. Think a hint of mascara, a bit of blush, and a lip color that’s just right. Clémence shows us that sometimes, less is more, and confidence is the secret ingredient.
Fun Facts
Usually it assumed that people with almond shaped eyes tend to be passionate, yet they also tend to be grounded and calm, which makes them a wonderful companion or romantic partner.
It’s all about looking effortlessly chic. So, there you have it—the French makeup secrets from these amazing Parisian celebrities!
Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Parisian Beauty
With these 10 easy steps and tips, you can now master the chic Parisian look with makeup. Remember to focus on enhancing your natural beauty, keeping your French makeup subtle, and feeling confident in your own skin. From the classic red lip to the playful French maid look, there’s no limit to the possibilities of French makeup style.
