Bonsoir, guys! Are you wondering how to do French evening makeup? I’ve got you covered, if so. French makeup is known for its simple elegance, focusing on enhancing natural beauty rather than covering it.
For an evening look, you might add a bit more drama, while still keeping the overall effect understated and classy. Here are a few French girl evening makeup look tips.
French Evening Makeup Look Steps
Here’s a guide on how to do French evening makeup:
1. Skin Preparation
Proper skin care is crucial for achieving the effortless French look. Start by cleansing your face thoroughly, then apply a toner for your skin type, and finally a good moisturizer. This will provide a hydrated, smooth canvas for your makeup.
2. Primer
A makeup primer will help your makeup last longer and appear smoother. Apply a small amount all over your face, focusing on areas where your makeup tends to wear off first, such as the nose and forehead.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer is an amazing primer known for its radiant, smoothing effect and luxurious formulation.
3. Foundation
French women usually opt for a lighter, more natural finish. Choose a face foundation that closely matches your skin tone. Use a makeup sponge, brush, or your fingers to apply it evenly across your face. Don’t forget to blend it into your neck to avoid a mask-like appearance.
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is highly acclaimed for its versatile coverage and long-wearing formula.
4. Concealer
Use a concealer to cover any imperfections such as blemishes or under-eye circles. Remember, the goal is to look natural, so avoid heavy coverage.
YSL Touche Éclat High Cover Radiant Concealer is a makeup artist favorite that is a take on the classic Touche Éclat, this version offers more coverage while maintaining the original’s radiant finish.
5. Powder
Lightly dust a translucent powder over your face to set your foundation and concealer. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder is a fantastic French face powder that is well-regarded for providing a natural, luminous finish.
6. Bronzer/Blush
Instead of a heavy contour, opt for a bit of bronzer on the high points of your face for a subtle, sun-kissed look. Apply a soft blush on the apples of your cheeks for a fresh, natural glow.
Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder is a classic bronzer loved for its ability to create a natural, sun-kissed glow. Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush offers a variety of shades with a silky, long-lasting formula.
7. Evening Eye Makeup
For a French evening look, keep your eye makeup relatively simple. Use a neutral eyeshadow palette. Apply a lighter shade on your lids and a slightly darker one in your crease for depth. A thin line of eyeliner can add drama, but avoid a heavy, overly done look. Consider smudging the liner slightly for a softer effect.
Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette in Amber Neutrals is an excellent palette that offers a range of warm, rich shades suitable for evening looks.
8. Evening Mascara
A couple of coats of volumizing mascara will make your eyes pop without looking overly dramatic.
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara is highly rated and provides a great volume, perfect for a dramatic evening look.
9. Nighttime Lips
French women often use lipstick to make a statement. For an evening look, you might opt for a classic red or burgundy. If you prefer a softer look, a nude or pink shade would also be appropriate. Remember to apply a lip liner in a matching shade to keep the lipstick from bleeding.
YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick is a good pick here. YSL lipsticks are known for their intense color payoff and luxurious packaging. Look for deep shades for evening wear.
10. Eyebrows
French women often keep their eyebrows natural and full. Simply brush them into shape and fill in any sparse areas with an eyebrow pencil or powder that matches your brow color.
Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Gel is an amazing eyebrow gel that has a transparent formula and it’s popular due to its ability to tame and shape the brows without making them stiff.
Remember, the key to French makeup is to enhance your natural beauty rather than transforming your look completely. Keep it simple, elegant, and always classy.
French Evening Makeup Tips
Now that you know how to apply a French girl evening makeup look, here are some words of advice for wearing it well!
When to Actually Do French Evening Makeup
What kind of makeup does a French girl wear for a dinner or special occasion? What about French holiday party makeup? There are definitely special occasions that warrant an extra bit of effort when it comes to doing your evening makeup. How do the French approach such evening situations?
French women might add a little sparkly eyeshadow to their look for special occasions, do a black smokey eye with nude lips, or they might go for a classic, bold red lip. It all depends on the mood.
The truth is that even for special events, French women don’t overdo their makeup. Ce n’est pas la classe.
How do you do a French smokey eye?
French smokey eyes are more subtle and less defined than the typical smokey eye. Start with a light neutral shade across the entire lid, then add a medium tone in the crease. Apply a darker color on the outer corners and blend well. Finish with a smudged eyeliner and mascara.
What are some tips for French evening makeup?
For French evening makeup, less is more. Enhance your natural features and don’t cover them. Opt for a bold lip if the rest of your makeup is subtle, and vice versa. Keep the skin looking fresh and dewy, not overly matte or powdery. Smudge your eyeliner for a softer look.
What are some French makeup looks for evening events?
French makeup looks for evening events often feature a subtle smokey eye, lightly bronzed skin, and a bold red or nude lip. The focus is on enhancing the natural beauty, not covering or dramatically changing one’s features. It’s all about looking effortlessly chic.
What are the essential products for French evening makeup?
Essential products for French evening makeup include a good primer, light foundation or BB cream, concealer, translucent powder, subtle bronzer/blush, neutral eyeshadows, mascara, a soft eyeliner, bold lipstick, and a setting spray.
How do you do French red lips for evening events?
To achieve French red lips, start by exfoliating and moisturizing your lips for a smooth canvas. Outline your lips with a red lip liner to prevent bleeding. Apply a classic red lipstick with a brush for precision, blot with a tissue, then apply a second layer for longevity. Keep the rest of your makeup understated for balance.
