French Beauty Secrets By Charlotte Ravet

Having lived in Australia for eight years and becoming an Australian citizen, I consider myself an Australian makeup artist, and I feel privileged to be a part of this fantastic community.

Living in different countries has helped me embrace and learn from each culture, and to develop my knowledge of beauty as an international artist. It is daily for me to be asked about my background and for French beauty tips! I decided to write an article about the French myths of beauty and share some more information about the French philosophy of beauty and fashion.

SKIN

The French approach to skincare is, before all, to protect the skin and keep a simple routine with a few products: cleanser, toner, serum, and cream. In France, women use skincare brands they can find in a pharmacy that their mothers or grandmothers already used. Natural and clean formulas are used to protect the skin barrier while also protecting it against environmental factors. Natural ingredients have become increasingly popular in recent years. The French use an app called Yuka to scan cosmetic tags. This app provides information and ratings about the ingredients in each product. Home-made recipes are also trendy for creating masks and creams. Aromazone, a store located in Paris that sells all-natural ingredients to create skincare and cosmetic products, has become so popular that there is often a line to get in! The good news is they now deliver to Australia. The online store Frenchbeautyco also provides a selection of the best French beauty brands and has a beauty box option that delivers a selection of products accordingly to the season.

MAKEUP

French women love new trends! And this is often how we buy new makeup products. If you live in a city like Paris, fashion is everywhere, and style and makeup are often influenced directly by fashion week. French women do not wear much makeup on the skin. BB or CC cream with a bit of concealer and powder are the usual steps to create the base. The classic French look is a red lipstick with natural complexion and a touch of mascara on the lashes. For going out, most of French women will create their own makeup. Calling a makeup artist is reserved to special events and wedding. A soft smokey eyes is always on trend for the evening and nails are often short and painted. I have also noticed a difference between the preference for foundations shades, French and European brands will prefer a complexion pink or peach based when in Australia I am using more yellow undertones to enhance a bronzy look. The key to a French makeup look is to give the illusion that it was effortless, even if you spent hours in the bathroom! Even if French love to follow trends for nail polish, lipstick, and eyeshadow colours, it is often applied with subtle touches of colours.

HAIR

Long layers and natural colours are preferred; French women are not very adventurous when it comes to changing the hair colour. To add a rock’n’roll touch, a long fringe is always in style. Some classic hairstyles you can wear to going out include braids, slick chignons, and high ponytails.

STYLE

The most popular French designers that you can also find in Australia include the Kooples, Maje and Sandro. I personally love going on eBay to find some pieces at discounted price, be careful with the sizing that is often small. In Paris you often walk a lot, so it is essential to wear shoes that are comfortable. Back a few years ago, Ugg boots were a trend. I was surprised that it was considered appropriate at home in Australia! Hair accessories and fashion jewellery are also part of the French style. I recently found a French label I love in Australia, Zag jewellery, who creates beautiful and affordable pieces.

To conclude a few places to see in Paris for all beauty lovers! Sephora Champs Elysees: A huge and busy store with a selection of the best fragrances and cosmetics brands. Fragonard: A perfume brands with a selection of homewares and accessories at affordable pricing, the perfect place to find a nice present. Maqpro: For professional makeup artists, Maqpro is a family-owned brand that manufacture makeup in France with high quality pigments and selected ingredients. Arlettie: A website where you can subscribe to receive invitation to exclusive sales. Granado: Granado is the oldest Brazilian pharmacy in Paris. I have recently discovered this place and their amazing perfumes. It is located just next door to Laduree rue du four. The perfect place to enjoy a classic macaroon and a hot chocolate after a shopping trip.