Your Go-To Guide to French Beauty

Image Courtesy: Vogue

Bonjour! So, you want to do your makeup like a French “It Girl”? Well, look no further. You have come to the right place. French makeup is all the rage right now as it is minimal and chic. Here is your go-to guide to doing your makeup like the French “It Girl.”

Step One: Skincare is your best friend.

French beauty is all about that “lit from within” glow. Having a good skincare routine helps cut down your makeup routine and lets your skin breathe in the process. Ultimately, the goal of French beauty is to accentuate your natural features- to be the best version of yourself. French women take skincare very seriously.

Here are some tips for getting your skin to have that je ne sais quoi glow to it.  

Tip One: Always take your makeup off before bed. No matter how tired you are, it is essential to remove your makeup before you go to sleep, allowing your skin to breathe and renew itself overnight.  

Image Courtesy: Byrdie

Tip Two: Skin prep before makeup is necessary! It is vital to use hydrating serums and moisturizers to properly prep your skin. During the winter, French women use a thicker moisturizer to help keep the skin hydrated and glowing. They also set their skincare with a facial mist to help lock in all the moisture and to allow the products to seep into the skin.  

Tip Three: Never forget your sunscreen!  Sunscreen is extremely important regardless of the UV index. It helps prevent aging and reduces dark spots from previous blemishes.

Step Two: Keep your makeup to a minimum.

French makeup is all about looking like you are not wearing any makeup, not about hiding your features. French women tend to opt for a light BB cream or tinted serum. They put on a little concealer here and there, but never so much that you notice the makeup before the woman. 

Step Three: Choose one feature of your face you wish to draw attention to.  

Pick the feature you love most about your face and make it stand out. A red lip is a cult classic in French beauty as it can be dressed up or down and is often worn with little to no makeup. If a bold lip is too much, there is always the option of a dramatic smokey eye. Use a gel liner, as it is easier to smudge. Remember, less is more.

Image Courtesy: Eliza

Step Four: Seize the messy makeup look.

The key to French beauty is embodying the effortless look. We all have flaws, so embrace them! Your French makeup should look “lived in” and never perfect. You want to give the illusion that you woke up, put a little makeup on, and left your house. Highlight your features in a way that makes you look natural and healthy.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to all things French beauty. Remember, less is more, messy makeup is your best friend, and a bold red lip never hurts anybody. Bonne chance!  

Strike Out,

Writer: Lauren Butrum

Editor: Jayna O

Tallahassee