makeup in french

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Do you know what characterizes the iconic French makeup style? – I give you the answer with makeup words in French:

  • Le naturalisme
  • La simplicité et l’élégance
  • La subtilité et le raffinement

But is that enough? …mmm… I’m not sure.

I invite you to read this article because you’ll know EVERYTHING about this subject.

Maybe now you don’t know anything about le maquillage français or le maquillage parisien. After reading the several parts of the article and the ‘to remember’ sections, you’ll know the SECRETS.

I’m Thomas Ricomard, this article will be read by you (well done) and the +5000 members of Fast French Learning.

French girl making up - The french words are 'Une fille française est en train de se maquiller'.

The best color in the world is the one that looks good on you.

Coco Chanel

Essentials of French makeup style

Understanding the key elements of French make-up style

  • Naturalism
  • Simplicity and elegance
  • Subtlety and refinement
Le naturalisme
French make-up emphasizes simple, natural facial features. The approach is to create a complexion that gives the impression of healthy, well-maintained skin. Naturalness is achieved with soft color nuances, among other things.

La simplicité et l’élégance
Elegance is a central point in French make-up. Women value quality over quantity.

La subtilité et le raffinement
Subtlety translates into gentle transitions between colors and textures. This creates balance and harmony.

The minimalist look

The minimalist look, as far as make-up is concerned, has spread thanks to the French women. The approach is to use few products to produce natural beauty.

So you won’t have that much to put in your make up bag 🙂

Here’s how minimalist make-up is defined in France:

  • La simplicité
    • The aim is to create a style that looks almost makeup-free, highlighting natural features. This implies the minimal use of products.

  • Le teint naturel (the natural complexion)
    • Use light foundations. The complexion is evened out, leaving a few imperfections to reveal the skin’s natural texture.

  • Les yeux au naturel (eyes au naturel)
    • Don’t wear too much eye makeup. A simple stroke of eyeliner and sometimes a little mascara are enough to highlight the eyes.

  • Lips subtly highlighted
    • In general, French women use light lipsticks. Highlight lips with a little color, but without losing their natural look.

  • Multi-use products
    • The idea is to reduce the number of products, for example a lipstick that doubles as a blush.

  • Putting skin care first
    • By taking care of their skin on a daily basis, French women don’t need to apply a lot of make-up afterwards.

    Signature French makeup products

    Make-up products: from drugstore to luxury goods.

  • Les eaux micellaires (Micellar waters)
    • These are gentle, moisturizing solutions for removing make-up.

  • Les BB crèmes et les CC crèmes
    • French women often prefer products to achieve a light complexion. BB creams (Blemish Balm) and CC creams (Color Correcting) give a natural, luminous, even complexion.

  • Les rouges à lèvres (Lipsticks)
    • French women’s favorite lipsticks come in nude, pink or classic red tones.

  • Les mascaras
    • Some mascaras are prized for their ability to dramatically lengthen, volumize and curl lashes.

  • Les poudres translucides (Translucent powders)
    • Translucent powders set make-up. These light, fine powders are used to control skin shine.

  • Les parfums (Fragrances)
    • Fragrances are not part of make-up, but add a touch of sophistication.

  • Pre-make-up care products
    • These are used to prepare the skin before applying make-up. Moisturizing creams, for example.

    To remember

    • The essentials of French makeup style
      • Naturalism
      • Simplicity and elegance
      • Subtlety and refinement
    Click here → Premium French Course
    French woman - French beauty / The French words are 'Une femme française' - 'Une beauté française'

    Your eye makeup says so much about you and your style.

    Laura Mercier

    How to achieve the perfect French makeup look?

    Here are the steps for creating the perfect French makeup:

    1. Préparation de la peau (Preparing your skin)
      2. 1 – Cleanse your face to remove impurities.
      2 – Apply a moisturizing cream to keep skin as smooth as possible.

    2. Un fond de teint léger (Light foundation)
      3. Choose a light, natural foundation. Apply evenly, stretching from the center of the face outwards.

    3. Correcteur et cache-cernes (Concealer)
      4. For imperfections and dark circles.

    4. Les sourcils définis (Defined eyebrows)
      5. Brush brows and fill in light areas with eyebrow pencil or powder. Remember to keep a natural look.

    5. Fards à paupières neutres (Neutral eye shadow)
      6. Put a light shade on the eyelid, add a dark shade in the crease for depth. To keep the French style, keep it simple.

    6. Eyliner
      7. Draw a thin line of eyeliner along the lash line.

    7. Du mascara
      8. Mascara lengthens and curls lashes. Keep the quantity low to maintain the style of French make-up.

    8. Du blush rose pâle (Pale pink blush)
      9. A pale pink blush to add a touch of brightness to your cheeks. Apply to the top of cheekbones for a natural look.

    9. Du rouge à lèvres nude (Nude lipstick)
      10. Choose a nude lipstick or a soft pink lipstick.

    10. La fixation du maquillage (Setting make-up)
      11. Set your make-up with a setting mist to make it last all day.

    Foundation & skin preparation

    How to get the iconic French ‘barely-there’ skin?

    Here are the 3 tips

    • Choosing the right foundation
    • Preparing the skin
    • Applying foundation
    Choosing the right foundation
    Use a natural, lightweight foundation. Liquid or powder foundations generally don’t create an overloaded look.

    Make sure the shade perfectly matches your skin tone. The aim is to harmonize your make-up with your skin rather than to lighten or darken your complexion.

    Use one with a moisturizing texture to create subtlety and keep make-up from being too visible.

    Preparing the skin
    Foundation adheres better and looks more natural on well-moisturized and exfoliated skin. It’s important to look after your skin on a regular basis.

    Applying foundation
    It’s easier to add product than to remove it, so start with a small amount and work your way up.Use a brush, sponge or fingers to apply light layers. Tap gently instead of spreading, to achieve a more natural look.

    Apply to the areas you need, not the whole face.

    Set foundation with a light, transparent powder to avoid too much shine, and at the same time preserve the skin’s natural appearance.

    Eyes & lips – balance in beauty

    Here are 3 techniques for accentuating the eyes and lips

    • Enhancing the eyes
    • Enhancing lips
    • Maintaining balance
    Enhancing the eyes
    Use eyebrow pencil, powder or gel to follow the natural curve of your eyebrows. The idea is to achieve eyebrows that frame the gaze.

    Choose shades that enhance your eye color. Neutral or slightly iridescent shades are perfect for an everyday look.

    Define your eyes with eyeliner: a thin line close to the lashes for a light look.

    A good mascara to enhance eyes and lashes.

    Enhance lips
    Remove dead skin from your lips and apply a moisturizing balm.

    Choose a lipstick that goes well with your complexion and matches your eyes.

    Maintaining balance
    If the lips stand out a lot, be more sober on the eyes, to produce a balanced effect, and vice versa.

    Get to know your features and identify what works best for you. Some people may prefer to emphasize the eyes, while others may favor the lips.

    Click on the video to know what she has in her makeup bag and learn how to do a parisian makeup!

    To remember

    • 6 tips
      • Choosing the right foundation
      • Preparing the skin
      • Applying foundation
      • Enhancing the eyes
      • Enhancing lips
      • Maintaining balance
    Click here → Premium French Course
    Luxury French woman and makeup / The French words are 'Femme française de luxe et maquillage'

    French makeup trends

    Her are the French makeup trends

    • A luminous, natural complexion
    • Minimalist makeup
    • A natural look
    • A bold lipstick
    • Natural eyebrows
    • Multifunctional make-up products

    Latest color palettes

    Color palettes for French beauty icons often reflect dynamic and versatile make-up trends.

    Here’s a list of shades and how they’re worn by these icons:

  • Neutral, earthy hues
    • Palettes feature hues such as warm browns, taupes and terracotta tones. French beauty icons often opt for shades of brown to highlight their eyes.

  • Powder pink and peach tones
    • These shades are used a lot. French beauty icons often use them to create light, natural looks.

  • Bold lipsticks
    • Classic red, burgundy and bright orange-red. French beauty icons don’t hesitate to wear intense lipstick for a touch of glamour.

  • Subtle pastels
    • Like lavender, light blue and soft pink. French beauty icons use pastel shades on eyelids or blushes in soft tones.

    Innovation in makeup

    The world of make-up is evolving, products and techniques are improving. 

    Here are some innovations:

  • Environmentally-friendly products
    • Companies are developing products that are biodegradable, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and with natural ingredients. They also make sustainable packaging.

  • Improved foundations
    • Long-lasting foundations that adapt to skin tone. Some also protect against the sun.

  • Connected make-up and augmented reality
    • Virtual make-up applications and smart mirrors enable users to virtually see themselves wearing a particular make-up product before making a purchase. It’s an interactive shopping experience.

  • Make-up customization
    • Companies are offering consumers the opportunity to create their own products. This allows them to create their own unique style.

    Watch this video to know the beauty predictions in 2024!

    Exercise

    Write in a few sentences (in the comments below) what improvements you would make to make-up products. I’ll correct your French.

  • …………………………………………………………………..

  • …………………………………………………………………..

  • …………………………………………………………………..
    • Click here → Premium French Course
    FAQ for makingup in France

    FAQ

    What are the essential makeup products every beginner should have?

    Every beginner should have in her makeup bag:

    Foundation or BB cream
    Concealer
    Translucent powder
    Blush
    Neutral eye shadow palette
    Eyeliner
    Mascara
    Lipstick
    Basic brushes
    Makeup remove

    What is the best way to remove makeup without damaging my skin?

    1 – Choose the right makeup remover
    2 – Wash your hands
    3 – Remove eye makeup first
    4 – Cleanse the face
    5 – Rinse or use a gentle cleanser
    6 – Apply a toner
    7 – Moisturize your skin
    8 – Be gentle with your eyes
    9 – Avoid harsh makeup wipes
    10 – Be consistent

    What is the French word for ‘makeup’?

    The French word for ‘makeup’ is maquillage.

    You’ve read it all the way through, bravo!

    Don’t hesitate to let a comment!

    Thomas 🙂

    Resources

    https://www.psychologies.com/Beaute/Visage/Maquillage/Articles-et-Dossiers

    https://www.marieclaire.fr/maquillage,20037.asp1

    https://www.elle.fr/Beaute/Maquillage