Anyone who has spent time in France knows that French beauty standards are much more relaxed than those in America. There is an emphasis on celebrating the unique features that make the individual beautiful in France. Let’s explore some of the French ideals of beauty.
Historical Beauty Standards in France
Beauty standards in France have certainly changed over the years. What made a woman or man beautiful centuries ago is certainly not the same as what makes a French person beautiful today!
17th Century French Beauty
During the times of Louis XIV, beauty standards were quite the opposite of what they are today.
- Pale skin: Back then, having pale skin was a sign that you were wealthy enough to not have to work outside. Women would use lead and arsenic-based powders to achieve a paler complexion.
- Thin lips: A small mouth was considered to be more aesthetically pleasing during this time. Women would often use lemons to shrink their lips.
- High cheekbones: To create the illusion of high cheekbones, women would apply rouge on the apples of their cheeks and blend it up toward their temples.
- Curly Hair: Women would often show off their bouncy, curly hair.
- Blonde/Brown Hair: Lighter shades of hair color were seen as beautiful, though occasionally a dark chocolate-colored hair color would also be seen as attractive.
- Untoned Bodies: Having muscles meant you were a field worker, so wealthy women and men did their best to keep their bodies plump and untoned to show they lived a leisurely lifestyle.
- High Waist to Hip Ratio: It was considered very feminine and womanly to have a small waist and large hips. This meant a woman could probably bear children with ease.
- Lower Belly: A slightly large lower belly meant you had the means to eat well and often, so having a bit of a chubby stomach was considered desirable.
- Full Breasts: Large, full breasts that did not droop were considered womanly and desirable in French women of the 17th century.
18th Century French Beauty
During the time of Marie Antoinette, beauty standards in France shifted. The 18th century is often referred to as the age of Enlightenment. At this time, French beauty standards were greatly influenced by the famous writer, Voltaire. He believed that inner beauty was much more important than outer beauty. This belief was reflected in the fashion and makeup trends of the time. Natural hair and makeup were favored.
Women let their hair down and kept their makeup to a minimum. They wanted to look natural and effortless. Simple clothing was the norm. The goal was to look sophisticated, yet comfortable. Women wore dresses that were not too tight or revealing. They also favored comfort over style.
19th Century French Beauty
The 19th century was a time of great change in France. The French Revolution had a big impact on beauty standards. At this time, there was a move away from the traditional standards of beauty. Women’s fashion became more relaxed during this time.
20th Century French Beauty
The 20th century saw the greatest changes in beauty standards for France. Two world wars had a big impact on French beauty ideals, which became slightly more masculine. During the first world war, women started to wear their hair short and cropped. They also began to wear straight-cut clothing that didn’t tighten their waist. Bright red lips became fashionable.
During the second world war, women were once again opting for a natural look, yet they were noticeably thinner. For the first time in history, thin women were seen as more beautiful than plump ones. French actresses like Brigitte Bardot, Anna Karina, and Catherine Deneuve had smaller frames that were seen as beautiful. This shift is perhaps a rejection of the extravagance and excess seen in previous centuries.
21st Century French Girl Beauty
Today, French beauty standards are more relaxed than ever before. There is an emphasis on natural beauty and being comfortable in your own skin. French women are known for their casual style and effortless beauty. They keep their makeup minimal and let their natural beauty shine through. So, what makes a French woman beautiful? It’s her confident, relaxed attitude and her appreciation for natural beauty.
The French beauty standards of the early 21st century can be summarized as follows:
- Medium Skin Tone: In a sharp twist, it’s more fashionable to have a tanned skin tone to show you can afford to take a long vacation and spend weeks in the sun every year.
- Little to No Makeup: The French prefer wearing little to no makeup, showing that their beauty has been passed down in their genes!
- Focus on Skincare: French women often use skincare products that are less harsh and more natural than those used in America.
- Lip Color: French women prefer to enhance the color of their lips using a tinted lip balm, creating contrast with their facial skin.
- Big Lips: Bigger lips tend to be preferred today in France, for chic pout.
- Thin Frame: It is no doubt that being skinny, slim, and slender is considered beautiful in France.
- Small Breasts: Today, smaller breasts that can fit in a champagne glass are seen as beautiful in France. Large breasts are considered vulgar.
- Natural Hair: The French prefer to wear their hair as natural as possible. Many French women prefer to let their hair air dry, or tie it in a low bun to give it some waves.
- Plastic Surgery: French culture does not glorify plastic surgery to achieve beauty the way Americans do.
- Botox: The French, specifically Parisians, do get Botox injections, however talking about it is still very taboo. Nevertheless, there are many estheticians in Paris who have regular clients.
The French View on Physical Imperfections
Perhaps one of the biggest differences between French and American beauty standards is the French view on imperfections.
France celebrates imperfections as long as there aren’t too many and they aren’t over the top. You can see this in many French public figures and actresses who have facial characteristics that are slightly “off” from what would be considered perfect.
For example, Marion Cotillard has smaller eyes than what would be normal, Jeanne Damas has a large jaw, and Camille Cottin has a long nose that gives her face character. All of these French women are considered very beautiful in French society.
France’s Changing Demographics
In recent years, France has become more diverse. This is reflected in the changing French beauty standards. Women of all skin tones, hair types, and body types are now seen as beautiful. There is no one “French look” anymore. This diversity is celebrated and French women are proud to embrace their unique beauty.
For example, Vogue Paris rebranded as Vogue France in November 2021 and chose the French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura as its cover star. This was a bold move that celebrates the changing face of France.
When it comes to beauty, the French have a very different outlook than Americans. Rather than striving for perfection, they believe that natural beauty is what is most important. This is reflected in their skincare routine, which is much more simple and low-maintenance than what is typically seen in the United States.
French women focus on taking care of their skin, rather than trying to cover it up with makeup. They believe that by keeping their skin healthy and hydrated, they will look their best. This means that French women typically have a very basic skincare routine consisting of a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Sun protection is also important to them, as they want to avoid wrinkles and sun damage.
