5 Timeless Beauty Habits of French Women
When I started this blog, I pictured my favorite French fashion icons, Anna Karina and Jane Birkin, with their natural glow and effortlessly tousled hair and thought: if there was a style that embodied me, well, yes! It's the French style.
French women are famous for their timeless beauty, often described as effortlessly chic and naturally radiant. While genetics play a role, the key to their allure lies in their lifestyle choices, skincare rituals, and a certain je ne sais quoi attitude.
My best friend moved to Paris a few years ago, and I could finally spend time there like a real Parisian girl when I visited her.
I looked through her beauty cabinet and wardrobe and studied the girls we spent days at the cafes with, to bring you these five beauty habits and tips that have made French women synonymous with grace and sophistication.
How My First Trip to Paris Transformed My Approach to Fashion and Beauty
I went to Paris for the first time when I was starting college. My dad worked for a French company, and he visited there often (and still does), and I would accompany him for a week or so. We would stay in a small French hotel and have carefree, sunny adventures.
We did all the touristy things, like taking a boat ride on the Seine after drinking too much champagne the night before, spending hours in museums and gardens, and then taking a train to the countryside for a few days. That trip changed my approach to fashion and beauty forever.
Years later, I started this blog to incorporate travel and style inspiration from the girls I met while collecting perspectives from worldwide. I would take inspiration from their fashion sense and put their beauty tips to the test.
Fast forward to today, and the French approach to beauty - easy and low maintenance, optimistic and glamorous, with clever signature accents - remains a style I adore.
french Beauty Habit #1: Skincare as a Ritual, Not a Chore
French beauty is built on a foundation of daily skincare rituals. French women prioritize quality over quantity in their products, investing in effective skincare that enhances their natural beauty. Their routines always include cleansing, toning, and moisturizing as non-negotiable steps.
They understand the harmful effects of sun damage, and a glowing complexion is something they have valued long before wellness gurus in LA.
The emphasis is on nourishing the skin rather than masking imperfections. This reflects the French belief that beauty should be an extension of good health. French women have a subtle creamy sun-kissed glow, which is most definitely from a bottle.
They rarely spend time under the UV rays and always take precautions when traveling to the Riviera by packing the widest-brimmed hats, oversized sunnies, scarves, and SPF.
They believe a healthy canvas is essential for any makeup application. In French pharmacies, you can find amazing skincare products such as Micellar water, thermal spring water sprays, and gentle cleansers that are staples for French women.
french Beauty Habit #2: The Art of Subtle Makeup
French women believe that makeup should enhance their natural features rather than mask them. The typical French look involves minimal makeup, focusing on radiant and natural-looking skin.
The routine usually comprises a BB cream or moisturizer, a cheek tint to give a fresh glow, mascara, and a rose-flavored lip balm.
For an evening look, a bright red lip, considered a timeless symbol of French beauty, can be added to elevate the style. However, even when going for a bold statement, the rest of the makeup is kept understated to achieve a confident and effortless look.
french Beauty Habit #3: Skip The Blowout
French women are famous for their effortless, tousled hair that looks chic and natural. They sometimes visit salons to enhance their hair color, but unlike other women, they don't go for stick-straight blowouts or perfect waves.
Instead, they prefer a low-maintenance approach, avoiding overly styled hairdos and celebrating their natural texture. They know slightly mussed-up hair combed with fingers is the best approach, even on the second or third day after washing.
Loose waves, messy buns, and bedhead styles are all celebrated, reflecting a carefree attitude towards beauty. During her travels, the writer either wrapped her hair in a low chignon during the day and then shook it out at night for some volume or tied it up in loose braids and undid them for an evening look.
French women also swear by quality hair care products, favoring nourishing shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks to keep their hair in top condition. The writer also found that a sprinkle of dry shampoo was the only product she needed.
french Beauty Habit #4: Balanced Lifestyle Choices
French women prioritize balance in all aspects of life, including their beauty habits. They maintain a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which helps them maintain healthy hair and glowing skin. To keep their skin elastic, they drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
In addition to a healthy diet, French women incorporate regular exercise into their daily routines. It helps them maintain physical health and mental well-being. Whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a dance class, staying active is crucial to the French approach to beauty.
french Beauty Habit #5: Confident je ne sais quoi
French beauty is a complex and intangible quality that is difficult to define.
It is characterized by self-assurance and the ability to embrace one's individuality while recognizing the subjectivity of beauty. Instead of following the latest trends, French women focus on what makes them feel good, such as lip color, statement accessories, signature fragrances, or how their eyelids glow at night.
French girls have a certain je ne sais quoi, a unique way of putting things together. They are not bound to the beauty industry and use products and techniques that enhance their natural features rather than conforming to external standards. This confidence in their individuality is a magnetic quality beyond physical appearance.
I remember standing outside a café while some of the most beautiful girls I had ever seen walked to a table.
Each one had a standout feature: one had her hair piled on top of her head and tied loosely with a vintage ribbon, and another had the dewiest eye makeup application, as if she had mixed glitter with her kohl liner and dabbed it on without a mirror (and it somehow worked!). The third had the most beautiful red lip color that hardly faded even as she sipped her espresso.
As I get ready in the mornings, I often think: what will be my signature look for today?
TL;DR — French Beauty Habits
French women have always been admired for their timeless beauty, and their beauty secrets run deeper than skin-deep. From skincare routines to makeup philosophies, embracing natural hair, and adopting a balanced lifestyle, French beauty is all about being holistic and mindful.
It's about celebrating individuality, practicing self-care, and believing that true beauty comes from within. So, as we take inspiration from French women's beauty tips and habits, let's remember that the most beautiful version of ourselves is the one that feels authentic and confident.
