When it comes to effortless elegance, no one does it better than the French. And lipstick? It’s the pièce de résistance in a French woman’s beauty arsenal. We’ll unlock the secrets of how to apply lipstick like a French woman, imparting that elusive touch of je ne sais quoi to your look. It’s time to pucker up, embrace your inner Parisienne, and transform your lipstick game.
Applying lipstick like a French woman involves more than just the actual application—it also encapsulates an approach to beauty that values simplicity, individuality, and an understated elegance.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a chic, French-inspired lipstick look!
Cleanse and Exfoliate
French women take their skincare very seriously. For a smooth and flawless lipstick application, exfoliate your lips to remove any dry or dead skin. You can use a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to gently rub off the flakes.
Hydrate
Moisturizing is essential in French beauty routines. Apply a hydrating lip balm and let it sink in for a few minutes before moving on to the lipstick.
Choose the right color
French women often opt for a chic lipstick shade that’s close to their natural lip color, leaning towards reds and pinks. The idea is to enhance, not to dramatically change. However, a classic French look could also involve a bold, matte red lipstick, which is considered timeless.
Apply Naturally
French women often avoid sharp lines when it comes to lipstick. You can achieve this by not using a lip liner.
Instead, apply the lipstick directly from the tube, starting in the center of your lips and blending outwards. This gives a more natural, less defined effect.
French women like Jeanne Damas apply lipstick with their fingers to give it a really natural appearance!
Blot and reapply
To make your lipstick last longer, blot your lips with a tissue after the first coat and then reapply the lipstick.
Mussed-up look
For a look that’s effortlessly chic, you might want to make your lipstick a bit smudgy. Use your finger to gently smudge the lipstick out past the lip line, especially in the center of your mouth. This creates a lived-in, subtly smudged look that’s often seen on French women.
Keep the rest of your makeup simple
To keep the focus on your lips, don’t overdo the rest of your makeup. A little bit of mascara, some light blush or bronzer, and maybe a touch of a natural eyeshadow are all you need. French beauty is all about the effortless and natural look, even when wearing a bold lipstick.
Remember, the French approach to beauty is all about enhancing your natural features and being comfortable in your own skin. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself, not to adhere strictly to a certain trend or aesthetic.
