Achieving the ‘french girl chic’ look is a fait accompli with a few simple makeup staples.
If you’ve been watching Emily in Paris, you’ll know that every season brings more than just new twists in Emily’s love life – it’s a masterclass in French fashion and beauty. Season 4 promises to deliver even more of the sartorial splendour we’ve come to expect, bringing with it a blend of modern trends and classic French sophistication. While we may not be in strolling the Champs-Élysées, we can still rock the ‘French girl chic’ look with a few classic makeup staples.
Lit from within skin
When it comes to makeup, French women – and Emily – subscribe to a simple philosophy: less is more. A fresh, glowing complexion is the hallmark of French beauty. Achieving that barely-there makeup look starts with healthy skin. In France, skincare is everything, and makeup is seen as a way to enhance, not mask, your natural beauty.
Begin with a light foundation or tinted moisturiser. If you have areas that need extra coverage, use a lightweight concealer sparingly. The goal is for your skin to look like skin – natural, radiant and never cakey. A touch of highlighter on the cheekbones, nose and cupid’s bow completes the canvas prep.
Bolder red lips
If there’s one beauty look that says ‘French chic,’ it’s the bold red lip. French women have mastered the art of wearing red lipstick in a way that feels effortless yet powerful. The trick is to keep the rest of your makeup minimal when wearing a bold lip, letting the colour stand out as the focal point.
Find the right shade of red for your skin tone. Blue-toned reds work well for fair skin, while deeper reds with orange or brown undertones complement darker complexions. Opt for a matte or satin finish to keep things sophisticated and long-lasting.
Subtle eyes
When it comes to eye makeup, forget the heavy eyeliner and smoky eyes and opt for soft, neutral tones like taupe, beige and champagne to enhance your eyes without overpowering them. A light sweep of eyeshadow, a touch of mascara and you’re done.
For a more defined lock, you can lately lying your eyes with the brown or black pencil, smudging it out for a soft finish.
Natural blush
The French girl look is all about that fresh, rosy glow, like you’ve just stepped in from a crisp walk along the Seine. Choose a peachy-pink blush and apply it to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples for a soft flush of colour.
Cream blushes are great for this because they melt into the skin and give a more dewy, natural finish. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and build up if needed. Remember, the goal is to look effortlessly radiant, not overly flushed.
