French girl beauty rules
As the world’s fashion press made its way over to Paris for the final instalment of next season’s catwalk collections, we found ourselves utterly envious of those chic French girls once more. Just how do they look so cool all the time? How can we get ourselves some of that je ne sais quoi?
In essence, the look is simple but sexy. Minimal makeup, just enough to enhance the features without obscuring them, and mussed-up bed hair. Paris-based makeup artist Violette told Vogue: “What we want is to be ourselves - not a better version of ourselves. We feel like it’s better to be used to something than to try to change it.”
#1 Skin
A French girl’s beauty routine begins with the skin. The logic is there: if you have fantastic skin, there isn’t much need to pile on the makeup. Use SPF all year round. Cleanse, tone and moisturise, morning and night - even if you come home late and exhausted after a night of partying, take the time to remove your makeup and apply a night serum.
#2 Face
Forget contouring. Contouring changes the shape and sculpture of the face, which is so not French girl chic. Instead, add some subtle highlights to catch the light on the cheekbones and Cupid’s bow and a light sweeping of blusher. And forget foundation, too; skin should look as natural as possible. Use a concealer to hide any imperfections, or a BB cream if you absolutely must have a little more coverage.
#3 Lips
French girls love a bold red lip - but only if the rest of their makeup is toned down. Violette says: “Red lipstick is a fashion accessory. So we won’t wear any other makeup with it. Then our hair has to be messy, our skin has to be perfect, and we’ll just wear jeans and heels because the lipstick makes the statement.”
#4 Eyes
The French girl’s smoky eye is a quick, messy affair. There’s no need for an arsenal of makeup brushes and different products: all you need is your finger, a pencil liner, and a pot of Vaseline. Dip your finger into the Vaseline and blend in the liner, et voilà.
#5 Nails
A typical French manicure is actually to opposite of what a French girl would consider chic, so avoid it. Opt for short, tidy nails and leave bare or paint a nude-based colour.
#6 Hair
French girls tend to stick to their natural hair colour, only dyeing it to add subtle highlights or to cover up any greys. And for that mussed-up, lived-in look, avoid blowouts and hair dryers. Air or towel dry your hair after washing, and wash it in the evening so you don’t have to go out and about with wet hair.
#7 Fitness
Good hair and skin is less about what you put on it, and more about what you feed it with. Eat fresh, natural, organic products whenever possible, and avoid sugar. French girls lean towards pleasure rather than a punishing gym regime. Try out an aerobics class or ballet-inspired workout instead of an hour on the treadmill.
#8 Confidence
Cherish your imperfections. A strong nose, prominent eyebrows, a gapped tooth: these are all part of you, they’re a sign of your character and what makes you uniquely beautiful. Because for the French girl, beauty isn’t about perfection, but about individuality.