Less is more, and no one has embodied it quite like the French. French girl makeup is making a grand comeback; the kind of beauty that feels aspirational but also achievable, perfectly blending fun with ease. It’s all about looking effortlessly put together like you woke up refreshed and threw on a pair of vintage Levi’s.
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This beauty aesthetic isn’t about piling on products or achieving the perfect contour lines. It’s about embracing the undone—flaws and all. It’s about freedom; from trends, freedom from pressure, and freedom to celebrate beauty on your terms. A little smudged liner? Très chic. A rosy blush that looks like you’ve been kissed by the wind? Even better. French girl makeup says, “I woke up like this,” but with just enough polish to make you look unforgettable. And the best part? It requires minimal effort without sacrificing personal style.
How to embrace French girl minimalism in 2024
With the revival of this aesthetic, there’s also a move toward sustainability in beauty. Many French-inspired makeup lovers are swapping out bulky beauty kits for a few versatile, high-quality products. A hydrating lip balm that doubles as blush? Oui! Multipurpose products are also a must.
Effortless beauty as a lifestyle
The rise of clean girl beauty: a perfect pairing
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The rise of clean girl beauty reflects a cultural shift toward wellness, sustainability, and self-care; because beauty routines shouldn’t feel like work. French girl makeup has always embodied that carefree spirit, but the clean girl trend adds a new level of discipline: skincare-first routines, fewer but higher-quality products, and a focus on looking healthy rather than glamorous.
The essentials of French girl makeup
The French girl avoids heavy foundation. Instead, a tinted moisturizer or light coverage skin tint is all she needs. Think “your skin but better,” with freckles and slight imperfections peeking through. Dewy, fresh, and breathable skin is key. To achieve this effortless look, try the newly launched RLGxAnitaBrows Skin Is In Foundation. While it’s technically a foundation, it delivers a natural finish that shows the essence of French makeup.
Barely-there brows
Bushy, over-sculpted brows? No, merci. A light swipe of brow gel to keep them neat, but still natural, is the way to go. The goal is to look like you didn’t try too hard (because you didn’t). For brows that stay in place without looking too “done,” I recommend the MAC Eye Brows Big Boost Fibre Gel. It offers just the right amount of tint and hold, giving you fuller, natural-looking brows.
Messy eyeliner = masterpiece
Forget the perfect winged liner. The French girl uses a pencil liner to smudge just above the lash line—something that hints at “I stayed out too late”, but in a way that looks charming, not disheveled.
Softly blushed cheeks
French girl blush is subtle but effective. A cream or liquid formula blended into the cheeks and sometimes across the nose adds that romantic flush, as if you’ve just been on a brisk walk or bumped into your crush.
The iconic red lip (or the nude alternative)
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A red lip is the crown jewel of French girl makeup, powerful yet unpretentious. The red lipstick is blotted for that “worn-in” look as if your lips have already lived through an espresso or a stolen kiss.
Mascara with restraint
A little mascara goes a long way. The trick is to define the lashes without making them look clumpy or too intense. You want just enough length and volume to look awake—but nothing over the top.
You should try the French girl beauty aesthetic
It’s not just makeup, it’s about lifestyle. Clean beauty encourages intentional habits, from double cleansing to drinking water (lots of it!) and curating routines that work for you. The influence of this trend has elevated the French girl aesthetic—focusing not only on he perfect smudge of eyeliner but also the perfectly radiant skin underneath it.
It’s a beauty philosophy that works whether you’re on the cobbled streets of Paris or navigating a busy day in hectic Lagos. No makeup bags overflowing with products, just a curated selection of essentials.
Put away the heavy contour palettes, grab your favorite tinted balm, and walk out the door with confidence—because chic is a state of mind. Who knew minimalism could feel so luxurious?
