A French Woman and Her Makeup: Au Naturel

To women in France, one of the biggest beauty sins one can commit is that of wearing too much makeup. The too-made-up look is synonymous with the woman trying too hard, who is hiding from her true beauty, and from herself. What is a French woman’s relationship with her makeup? The phrase “le no makeup look” captures it all. It’s not that French women don’t wear makeup… it is that they just pretend not to.

Beauty is skin deep. French women’s top beauty secret? They are incredibly committed to their skincare regimen. Facials are routine, as well as investing in good quality cleansers, toners and creams. A healthy diet also does wonders for skin (but never sacrificing cheese, wine and the occasional baguette). For French women, glowing skin is the foundation of our beauty regimen. When your skin is healthy and taken care of, you’ll feel beautiful even when the makeup comes off at the end of the day.

Makeup Minimalism. I believe that wearing less makeup reflects French women’s innate confidence. For instance, there is something supremely seductive about a woman with gorgeous, bare skin and a bold lip color. It makes a statement that you are comfortable in your own skin, and yet unafraid of owning your sensuality as a woman. Here are some of my tried-and tested makeup tips, from Paris to New York:

1. Toss the foundation and replace it with a little under-eye concealer only.
2. Mascara, mascara, mascara!
3. Blush is a must… and crème blush is more natural-looking.
4. Eyeliner OR eye shadow… never both!
5. Make a statement with a fabulous red or pinkish-nude lipstick.
6. Emphasize either the lips or the eyes.
7. Try a hint of bronzer for a “just returned from Saint Tropez” glow.
8. Always protect your skin with SPF sunscreen.
9. Liquid eye liner is always in style…and supremely seductive.
10. For glowing skin, wear tinted moisturizer and dot a nude shimmer eye shadow on the inside corners of the eyes.

Because truly, the most beautiful makeup a woman can wear is confidence