How to Wear Makeup the French Girl Way
I don’t quite know when I became fascinated with French girls’ beauty. I think it was around the time I was turning 30, and my makeup tastes were changing.
I was getting cranky about the thickness of full coverage. I’d got tired of thick, heavy eyelashes. But I still loved makeup and wanted to wear it while still looking like it was barely there.
I knew one group of women who knew how to achieve this look flawlessly. The French girls! More specifically, the Parisians.
Embracing a natural, understated look, Parisian makeup is less about masking your features and more about enhancing them while maintaining a sense of elegance.
Here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you master the art of Parisian makeup and embody the timeless allure of French beauty.
Skin First
Parisian women are renowned for their dedication to skincare. We can’t talk makeup without having a great base, and a great base starts with skin.
If you’ve ever visited a French pharmacy, you would know the importance placed on maintaining and taking care of their skin and prioritising it above all else.
They believe that a good skincare routine is the key to a flawless complexion.
To achieve radiant skin, French women follow a dedicated skincare regimen to ensure makeup applies smoothly and their skin stays well-nourished and hydrated.
And here’s how you can do the same:
Start by gently cleansing your face using a mild cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture.
Then, choose a moisturiser formulated for your skin type, whether it's dry, oily, or combination.
This helps to replenish the skin's moisture and keep it supple and youthful-looking.
But that's not all.
French women believe sun protection is key. Without a good SPF, all their hard work will be undone.
Which no one wants.
They know that exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to premature ageing and other skin damage. That's why they never forget to apply sunscreen with a high SPF before stepping out into the sun.
Keep it Natural
Because the ‘French Girl Makeup’ look celebrates and embraces your unique natural beauty, it’s important to play with your features rather than hide or alter them.
After taking care of your skin with a skincare routine, choose a tinted moisturiser that lets your skin's natural radiance and texture show through.
This will give you a fresh, youthful and luminous complexion. Apply the foundation or moisturiser with your fingers for an effortless and natural finish.
Next, use a small amount of concealer sparingly and strategically to cover any blemishes or dark circles that may still be visible.
Instead of caking on product under your eyes, which can make you look much older, use just enough to even out your skin tone without fully erasing your natural beauty marks.
This helps you maintain a youthful appearance.
Emphasise the Eyes
French women love to make their eyes the focal point of their makeup.
Keep your eyeshadow subtle with neutral tones such as browns, taupes, or soft pinks.
Avoid heavy eyeliner and instead opt for a thin line, winged if you are skilled enough, and close to the lash line to define your eyes. Finish off with a coat of mascara to lengthen and separate your lashes.
Soft Rosy Cheeks
A natural flush is a signature of the Parisian look.
Apply a soft, natural-looking blush to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy, radiant glow. Stick to shades that complement your skin tone.
Effortlessly Chic Lips
French women often go for a "your lips but better" look.
To achieve this, choose a lip colour that closely matches your natural lip shade, such as a brownish pink or soft pink.
By choosing a lip colour similar to your natural shade, you can enhance your lips' beauty without making it too obvious.
As with skincare, keep your lips hydrated and healthy.
Apply a nourishing lip balm or a sheer lipstick that adds a touch of colour while also providing moisture.
By following these simple steps, you can effortlessly achieve the desired "your lips but better" look that is popular among French girls
It’s also no secret that when French girls choose colour, a bold red lip is the first choice. To stay in line with this aesthetic.
Keep eye makeup to a minimum when wearing a bold red lip so you don’t look overdone.
Less is More
The key to mastering the Parisian makeup look is to keep it minimal.
Parisian women prefer a fresh, effortless look, so avoid heavy contouring, bold colours, and excessive layers of makeup. Remember, the goal is to enhance your natural features and embrace your natural beauty.
By following these tips and embracing the French Girl approach to makeup, you can achieve a timeless and elegant look that exudes confidence and sophistication.
Embrace your natural beauty and let your inner ooh la la shine through!
