The Americans and the French are very fond of beauty in their hearts. In terms of makeup, both cultures have distinct beauty trends.
Unlike most American makeup trends on social media, a “no makeup look” is much more popular in French regions. In New York, makeup is all about bold colors, eyes covered in glitter, and finished with cat-eye style wings, but in Paris, understated sophistication reigns supreme.
What are the differences between French vs American makeup routines? Let’s find out.
Difference Between French and American Makeup Routines
Generally speaking, the French tend to focus on natural beauty, while Americans focus on looking very polished and put-together. Let’s dive into the major differences between French vs. American makeup.
French women don’t want to look perfect
French women want to look like themselves, just a little better. When it comes to skincare, they focus on prevention and a good skincare routine. French women also don’t want to look like they’re wearing a lot of makeup, even if they are. They want their makeup to look natural and like they’re not wearing any at all.
French women don’t want to look perfect, they want to look like they’re human. French women are also more likely to stick to a nude or light pink lip, while American women go for a bolder color.
American women want to stand out
American women, generally speaking, want to look perfect and make a bold impression. They’re more likely to use foundation to cover up imperfections, and concealer to cover up dark circles.
American women want their makeup to look perfect, so they’re more likely to use contouring and highlighting to create an immaculate complexion. American women tend to go for bolder lips, with bright colors and glossy finishes.
Americans want to look younger
When it comes to makeup, the goal is always to look younger for Americans. French women don’t focus on looking more youthful. French women want to look their best at any age. French women are also more likely to use skincare products that focus on anti-aging, rather than just preventative measures.
American women take their time
American women don’t apply their makeup quickly, while the French like to put it on and be done with it.
American women take their time to apply their makeup and focus on creating a flawless complexion. French women prefer to take their time removing their makeup at night so they can properly cleanse their skin.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
(as of February 4, 2026 03:11 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Bioderma Sensibio H20 micellar water, a gentle cleansing and makeup-removing solution is especially favored in France.
American women are more likely to use drugstore products
French women are more likely to invest in high-end beauty products, while American women are more likely to use drugstore products. French women believe that you get what you pay for when it comes to makeup, and they’re willing to spend more money on luxury makeup products that they know will work well. American women are more likely to try a new product if it’s affordable.
Note that French pharmacy skincare should not be confused with the American concept of ‘drugstore’ as in France, pharmacies are stocked by dermatologist-backed products.
French women focus on the quality of their beauty products
French women focus on the quality of their makeup products, rather than the quantity. French women would rather have a small collection of high-quality makeup products that they love than a large collection of beauty products that they don’t use.
French women believe in the savoir-faire of their country’s artisans so they don’t mind paying more for less. American women are more likely to load up on cheap products and wear a full face of makeup.
French women don’t believe in makeup trends
French women don’t follow makeup and beauty trends, they create them! French women believe in classic beauty, and they stick to timeless looks. French women believe that you should wear whatever makes you feel confident, regardless of what the current trends may be.
American women, are more likely to follow celebrity makeup trends and wear whatever is popular at the moment. French women have their own sense of makeup, perhaps learned from their mother, and they stick to it.
French women focus on skincare
French women believe that good makeup starts with good skincare. They believe that skincare is always the foundation of a good makeup look.
They tend to focus on finding the right skincare products for their skin type and then they use them religiously.
French women believe in preventive skincare, so they use products that protect their skin from potential sun damage and signs of aging.
American women, on the other hand, are more likely to focus on makeup and they don’t always use sunscreen.
French women don’t wear a lot of makeup
French women believe that less is more when it comes to makeup. French women don’t tend to wear a lot of makeup, and they focus on creating a natural look. French women also believe that you should only use makeup to enhance your features, not to cover them up.
American women, conversely, are more likely to use makeup to cover up imperfections. They’re more likely to use contouring and highlighting to create a perfect complexion. French women believe that makeup should be used to enhance your natural beauty.
French women focus on the lips
French women believe that the lips are the most important feature on the face. French women focus on creating a perfect pout using lip gloss or lipstick. French women also believe you should use a good French lip balm often to keep your lips hydrated.
American women, on the other hand, are more likely to focus on the eyes and use mascara and heavy eye shadow. French women focus on the lips and they invest more time on this part of the face.
French women believe beauty also lies in food
French women believe that beauty lies not only in the products you put on your skin, but also in the food you eat. French women focus on eating healthy foods that are good for their skin. French women also believe that drinking plenty of water is essential for good skin.
American women are more likely to focus on the products they put on their skin and they’re less likely to pay attention to what they eat.
Typical Makeup Routines in France vs. the United States
Both Americans and the French start their daily makeup routines by using concealer. However, the similarities end there!
Tinted Moisturizer vs. Liquid Foundation
The French prefer to use a tinted moisturizer instead of a liquid foundation. French women believe that a tinted moisturizer like Laura Mercier’s will give their skin a healthy glow. French women believe that liquid foundation can look cakey and heavy on the skin.
American women are more likely to use heavy, liquid foundations. American women believe that a liquid foundation provides better coverage than a tinted moisturizer.
Highlighter vs. Contouring
French women believe that highlighter is the key to creating a natural-looking complexion. French women use the cult favorite YSL Touche Eclat highlighter on their cheekbones, brow bones, and Cupid’s bow.
French women tend to believe that contouring can look harsh and artificial. American women are much more likely to use contouring. American women believe that contouring can help to create a flawless complexion.
Bronzer vs. Blush
French women believe that bronzer is the best choice to create a naturally bronzed complexion. French women use the bestselling Guerlain terracotta bronzer on their cheekbones, forehead, and nose for a sun-kissed glow.
French women believe that too much rosy blush can look artificial and overdone. American women, on the other hand, love to use blush for a feminine makeup look. American women believe that blush can help to create a youthful and fresh-faced look.
Mascara vs. Eyeliner
French women believe that mascara is all they need for beautiful eyes. French women use lengthening and volumizing mascaras to create long, thick lashes. It’s the only necessary eye makeup they need.
American women love using thick black eyeliner. American women prefer eyeliner to help to create a bold smoky eye or cat eye look.
Tinted Lip Balm vs. Lipstick
French women are more likely to reach for a tinted lip balm than a thick lipstick. This is because they want their lips to look natural and moisturized. The Dior Lip Glow balm is a French girl favorite!
American women absolutely love wearing bold and thick long-wear lipstick. French women would rather leave their lips au natural or with a slight tint. The only time they wear a bold red lip is in the evening.
Face Mist vs. Setting Spray
To finish up, French women will use a pharmacy face mist like the bestselling Avène Eau Thermal face mist throughout the day to keep their skin dewy and hydrated. American women tend to use a setting spray to keep their makeup in place.
The ‘No makeup’ makeup look
In conclusion, Frenchwomen are known for their trademark “no makeup” makeup look. This says a lot about how they think about makeup. They want to look like they’re not wearing any makeup, even though they are. With a focus on natural beauty, you too can get the French girl makeup look!
What do you think about these French vs American makeup differences?
