The beauty industry has long been associated with France, from the emergence of iconic French cosmetics houses such as Lancôme and Yves Saint Laurent to the modern-day luxury makeup brands that are now dominating the market.
It is no surprise then, that the French beauty and makeup industry has seen a surge in the production of luxury makeup brands, as well as a rise in the demand for these products.
I live in France and today I’ll share the history of French luxury beauty and makeup, the current state of the industry, and the impact of luxury makeup brands from France on the worldwide beauty and makeup scene.
The History of Luxury Makeup in France
The history of luxury makeup in France can be traced back to the 13th century when the first cosmetics were created. In the 19th century, Paris became the center of the luxury makeup industry, with the first high-end makeup products being created.
During the Belle Époque period at the turn of the century, makeup was seen as a symbol of wealth and status, and many of the most iconic luxury makeup products were created during this time, including Guerlain’s iconic perfumes and lipsticks.
In the 20th century, the luxury makeup industry in France continued to flourish, with the introduction of new technologies and products that paved the way for more sophisticated and high-end makeup. Today, France is still a leader in the luxury makeup industry, housing some of the most iconic and luxurious makeup brands in the world.
Guerlain
The Guerlain brand was founded in 1828 by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain in Paris, France. Having initially opened a small perfume store, Guerlain quickly made a name for himself among the elite of Paris, and soon established the iconic brand. Throughout the years, the Guerlain makeup brand has become one of the most renowned and respected luxury perfume and cosmetics companies in the world.
Guerlain has many best-selling beauty products, with its iconic fragrances being among the most popular.
Notable Guerlain fragrances include Shalimar, Mon Guerlain, and La Petite Robe Noire.
The brand also offers a range of skincare products, makeup, and body products designed to nourish and protect the skin.
The Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil is a Guerlain skincare best-seller worldwide.
The Terracotta Light Healthy Glow Bronzer is beloved by French girls everywhere for the sun-kissed glow it offers year-round.
Guerlain has become a cultural reference in many countries, with many celebrities and public figures wearing the brand’s fragrances and cosmetics. Some of the brand’s most notable fans include Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. Other celebrities such as Kate Moss, Angelina Jolie, and Julia Roberts have also been seen wearing Guerlain products.
Chanel Beauty
The Chanel brand was founded in 1910 by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in Paris, France. Coco Chanel was a fashion designer and had a strong sense of style and luxury. She used her consumer product experience and know-how to create Chanel Beauty in 1924, a brand of perfumes, skincare, and cosmetics. Chanel was one of the first fashion brands to expand into beauty in the 20th century, a move that was unheard of! The Chanel brand has become a global leader in both fashion and beauty, and its iconic products are some of the most recognizable in the world.
Chanel Beauty is known for its best-selling fragrances such as No. 5, Coco Mademoiselle, Gabrielle Chance, and Allure. Coco Mademoiselle is a classic fragrance that is a blend of citrus, jasmine, and patchouli. Chance is a light, floral scent that is perfect for everyday wear. Some of the best Chanel perfumes were created decades ago and still have a loyal following.
Les Beiges is a line of gently highlighting foundations by Chanel that is specifically designed to brighten the skin. Le Volume is a best-selling volumizing mascara by Chanel.
The Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Ultra Light Sunscreen with SPF 15 is a top-rated tinted moisturizer that protects the skin from sun damage.
The Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Color is a fantastic lipstick by Chanel.
Chanel Beauty has many cultural references such as movies, television shows, and books. It has also attracted many celebrity fans such as Rihanna, Blake Lively, and Emma Watson. These celebrities regularly use Chanel products and are ambassadors for the brand. Chanel Beauty has become an iconic symbol of luxury and style and is beloved by many.
Lancôme
Lancôme was founded in 1935 by Armand Petitjean in France. Petitjean was a visionary and an innovator in the world of beauty. He believed that beauty was a source of confidence, joy, and power for women. He set out to create a brand that would bring these ideas to life. In the 1930s, Lancôme was one of the first luxury cosmetics brands to create products specifically for women.
Lancôme’s best-selling products span many beauty categories. It is widely distributed internationally including at retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Sephora, Ulta, and Saks.
The legendary La Vie Est Belle fragrance continues to be one of the best-selling luxury perfumes in the world.
The cult classic Advanced Génifique anti-aging serum keeps Lancome as a beloved skincare resource for Parisians. The Hydra Zen skincare line works wonders for dry skin types.
When it comes to makeup, the best-selling Lancome cosmetics include the Blush Subtil, L’Absolu Rouge Cream lipstick, the skin-smoothing Teint Idole ultra-long wear foundation, and Lash Idôle mascara.
Lancôme is known for its innovative cosmetics that are designed to help its diverse customers look and feel their best.
Check out our picks for the best Lancôme beauty products for women.
Lancôme has been featured in numerous cultural references, such as the films Pretty Woman and The Devil Wears Prada. It has also been a favorite of many celebrities, including Julia Roberts, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and recently Lily Collins of Emily in Paris fame. Lancôme continues to be a leader in the beauty industry, offering innovative products and inspiring campaigns that promote beauty and confidence.
Dior Beauty
The iconic French brand Dior was founded in 1947 by Christian Dior, who based his fashion house in Paris, France. The brand quickly became known for its luxury and sophistication, as well as its ability to capture the spirit of the times. Christian Dior’s focus on femininity, elegance, and glamor has been the cornerstone of the company for over 70 years, and this take has been reflected in his cosmetics line as well.
Dior Beauty, also known as Christian Dior Parfums, is a subsidiary of the luxury fashion brand Christian Dior. It was founded in 1947 by the French fashion designer Christian Dior, who revolutionized the fashion world with his “New Look” style.
The luxury brand quickly expanded into the world of beauty and fragrance, launching its first fragrance, Miss Dior, in 1947. Dior named the fragrance for his sister, Catherine Dior!
Dior Beauty is renowned for its high-end luxury French cosmetics, including the Diorskin Forever Foundation, a makeup artist-approved buildable foundation that lasts up to 2 days.
The Dior Addict Lip Oil is a celebrity favorite hydrating lip gloss.
Supermodels can’t get enough of Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm, which gives a soft, rosy tint to the lips while hydrating them.
The Diorshow Mascara gives women eye-catching lashes with just a few strokes.
These makeup products combine a perfect blend of luxury and elegance with modern innovation to create products that are both fashionable and comfortable to wear.
Dior Beauty has been referenced in popular culture and has gained a large following from celebrities. From the iconic “Diorama” look to Beyoncé’s use of the brand’s lipsticks, Dior Beauty has become a popular choice among the fashion-forward. Other celebrity fans of the brand include Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Emma Watson.
Clarins
Clarins was founded in 1954 by Jacques Courtin-Clarins and his sons, Christian and Olivier, in Paris, France. The company was initially founded as a beauty institute offering exclusive face and body treatments and grew to become a leading manufacturer of luxury skincare products. Clarins has since become renowned for its use of natural ingredients and its pioneering approach to innovation.
Clarins’ best-selling products include its cult favorite anti-aging Double Serum, its moisturizing Multi-Active Day Cream, the age-defying Total Eye Lift Firming Eye Cream, and its Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. Clarins’ products are designed to be effective and luxurious, with formulations that combine science with natural ingredients.
On the cosmetics front, Clarins is known for its Lip Comfort Oil which hydrates while tinting the lip color, and its Shimmer oil.
Clarins has been referenced in popular culture and worn by well-known celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Jessica Alba. The brand has also been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.
YSL Beauty
YSL was founded in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé in Paris, France. The brand quickly gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of fashion, art, and culture. In 1964, YSL expanded into the beauty industry with the launch of its first fragrance “Y” described by Saint Laurent himself as a “lush, heavy, and languid perfume.”
The brand is known for its signature golden 70s packaging and its commitment to using high-quality ingredients and innovative formulas in its products.
The YSL Beauty brand has created several staples in the beauty industry.
YSL Beauty’s best-selling makeup products include Touche Éclat, the iconic illuminating pen, and the YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks. These products have become cult favorites in the makeup world, with their long-lasting formulas and beautiful colors.
YSL Beauty also has plenty of celebrity fans, including Hollywood stars like Blake Lively, Selena Gomez, and Cara Delevingne. These stars are often seen wearing YSL Beauty products on the red carpet and in their daily lives.
Sisley
Sisley is a leading French cosmetics and skincare company founded in 1976 by the d’Ornano family. The company was founded in Paris, France, and is still headquartered there today.
Sisley has become a leader in luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrances. The company is known for its innovative formulations and a commitment to using plant-based ingredients. Its main focus is on anti-aging and anti-pollution solutions.
Sisley’s best-selling skincare products include its Sisleÿa Global Anti-Aging Cream, the Black Rose Face Mask, and its Eye Contour Mask.
For makeup, Sisley customers are loyal to the Phyto-Lip Twist Tinted Lip Balm, and Phyto Cernes Eclat Eye Concealer.
For haircare, try the beloved Sisley Hair Rituel Precious Hair Care Oil.
These products have become cult favorites among beauty aficionados and have been featured in magazines and blogs. The brand has expanded its offerings to include luxury products, body care, and even men’s grooming.
Sisley is a well-known French luxury brand in the beauty industry with many celebrity fans. Celebrities including Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Selena Gomez, and Jennifer Lopez have all been spotted wearing Sisley’s products.
Givenchy Beauty
The Givenchy brand was founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy in Paris, France. Givenchy was a renowned French couturier, who decided to launch a line of beauty products to complement his fashion designs. Since then, Givenchy Beauty has become one of the top luxury beauty companies in the world. The French makeup brand strives to express creativity, elegance, and modernity.
Givenchy Beauty is renowned for its high-performance makeup products. It offers a wide range of products, from foundations and primers to lipsticks and eyeshadows. Its best-selling makeup products are Prisme Libre Loose Powder, L’Interdit perfume, and hydrating Rose Perfecto Lip Balm.
Givenchy Beauty has a large list of celebrity fans, including Emma Stone, Cate Blanchett, and Alicia Keys. These stars have all been spotted wearing Givenchy Beauty makeup products on the red carpet and during their public appearances. In addition, Givenchy Beauty has recently collaborated with a number of influential celebrities, such as Ariana Grande and Kendall Jenner, to create limited-edition makeup collections.
Hermès Beauty
Hermès Beauty is quite new to the luxury French beauty scene. The Hermès luxury leather goods and fashion brand is quite old, yet the company did not take its first steps into beauty and cosmetics until the spring of 2020. The Greek makeup artist Gregoris Pyrpylis is currently the creative director of the luxury cosmetic company. He will report directly to Agnès de Villers, the President and CEO of Hermès Parfum et Beauté.
Some of the best-selling makeup products from Hermès Beauty include their Terre d’Hermès line of fragrances, their Rouge Hermès matte lipstick, and Infused Lip Care Oil. These products are known for their luxurious ingredients, stylish packaging, and long-lasting formulas.
Hermès Beauty has a large following of celebrity fans, including famous models, actresses, and other high-profile people.
Chantecaille
The Chantecaille brand was founded in 1997 by Sylvie and Olivier Chantecaille in New York City. The brand was created in response to Sylvie’s desire to bring luxury to fragrance and cosmetics, with a focus on natural ingredients and advanced technology. Chantecaille has since become a leader in the beauty industry, offering innovative products with a focus on protecting the environment. The brand launched with four original scents based on essential oils. It was a pioneer of botanical beauty in France.
When it comes to makeup, Chantecaille offers a wide range of best-selling products, from foundations to eyeshadows, blushes, and lipsticks. Their iconic Lip Chic lipsticks are a favorite among beauty lovers, as is their Future Skin Gel Foundation, which is known for its lightweight, natural finish. Try the Luster Glide Silk Infused Eyeliner for boldly lined eye makeup.
Chantecaille has a number of celebrity fans, including actresses like Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, and Jennifer Garner. The brand is also a favorite of beauty influencers and makeup artists, who often rave about its luxurious formulas and natural ingredients.
There you have it, the best luxury French makeup brands responsible for our favorite cosmetics from France!
