Tousled hair, airbrushed skin, long lashes—all features that come to mind when we picture the modern French woman. What is it about a French woman’s certain je ne sais quoi that makes her beauty seem so effortless, yet completely refined?
Be a makeup minimalist. Choose one feature to emphasize, and keep the rest of your makeup to a minimum. For example, highlight your eyes with a sweep of eyeliner and mascara, but keep your skin and lips bare. I also think there’s something very seductive about a woman with bare skin, a hint of mascara, and a bold lip color. It shows that you are comfortable in your own skin.
Rule #3: Wear Your Perfume Like You Wear Your Lingerie
“Each morning, I choose my perfume much like I do my lingerie, based on what I’m doing that day, what I’m wearing, my mood, and the season. Spritz it on before getting dressed and you’ll have a soft halo of fragrance that makes a subtle, sensual statement.”-Adrienne Coléon Gaskell of Oh So French
Don't touch your face, and wash you hands every time you can! Your hands get dirty really quickly, as you're holding yourself in the subway and things like that.
“My beauty secret is to always moisturize my skin properly and avoid exposing it the sun. I always put a SPF 50+ sunblock on and wear a hat, or bring an umbrella with me—it may be quite extreme, but I think it's the best way for my skin to stay healthier and younger.
”-Tokyobanhbao of The World Of Tokyobanhbao
Rule #6: Find Your Beauty Staples—And Stick With Them
“I use Avène Cleansing Gel ($23) every morning and night to keep my complexion clear. Avène is a French beauty staple—and the one I only really discovered when I moved to Paris! It’s truly an amazing brand!”
-Audrey Rogers of Be Frassy
“I brush my hair before I shampoo, let it dry naturally, and never use a brush until the next shampoo. It gives a very natural wavy movement.”
- Aurélia of Absolutely Glamorous
“During summer, all the fun goes on my toes! As my pedicures get more colorful, my manicures remain very neutral. It’s a balance!”
-Aurélia of Absolutely Glamorous
Rule #9: Find Multiple Ways To Use Your Favorite Product
“My favorite product is argan oil. I brought it from Morocco and I regularly apply it on the lengths of my hair, several hours before I shampoo. In winter, when I have dry skin, I also like to mix it with my face cream or apply it on my feet and wear a pair of socks at night. It moisturizes so well!”
-Kenza Sadoun-el Glaoui of Le Revue De Kenza
