It’s the glorious time of the year where summer is just around the corner, bringing with it longer nights, relaxing beach days, and new adventures. However, despite all the fun summer days ahead of us, it also means that it’s time to update our standard French skincare routine.
As we wave goodbye to the cold, frigid weather of the harsh Parisian winter, we toss aside our heavy moisturizers and exfoliator brushes to make way for breezy and light tinted moisturizers and sunscreens. Believe it or not, this is an essential transition that we must all go through if we wish to preserve the health of our skin during the warmer months of the year.
French Girl Summer Skincare
What does the perfect French summer skincare routine even look like, though? What products should you use, and which should you not? With so many different skincare guides on the internet, it can be hard to know. But don’t worry, we’re here to help and have put together the ultimate French girl skincare guide that everyone can follow no matter where you live.
Today, I will spill all the Parisian skincare secrets I know in this quick guide for the ideal French summer skincare routine with some of the best summer beauty products for everyone’s unique skin type. If you’re ready to boost your skin with hydration and health like a French girl, let’s dive in and get started.
Morning Cleanser
Starting off your warm summer mornings, you’re going to want to pick a light morning cleanser to help set the tone of your day. The best French cleanser to use in the morning in summer is typically a foam cleanser, as it is lightweight and works to gently prep your skin for the day ahead without leaving any heavy residue.
This is as opposed to a cream or gel cleanser, which is typically used in the colder months and tends to weigh your skin down and make it appear oily and shiny throughout the day (which is something we definitely want to avoid).
Sunscreen Moisturizer
After you use your cleanser, it is essential to apply a sunscreen-infused moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and protected throughout the day. This is because if your skin gets exposed to too much sun without a proper layer of sunscreen, it can cause signs of premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
For that reason, make sure you opt for a good sunscreen/facial moisturizer with a strong SPF to get the job done, and do forget to reapply it throughout the day to keep your skin happy and healthy.
1. Everyday Low-SPF Facial Sunscreen
The first French summer moisturizer to have on hand is an everyday low-SPF facial sunscreen. For everyday sunscreen, it’s best to opt for sunscreen with SPF of at least 30. However, it’s also important to get a sunscreen ideal for your skin type, especially if it’s an everyday sunscreen.
If you have dry skin, it’s best to opt for a face sunscreen with hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. If you have oily skin, you might look for sunscreens that have a matte finish to counteract any oiliness with your skin. The La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30 is a great pick.
2. High-SPF Facial Sunscreen for Beach Days
For facial sunscreens for those long and hot beach days, it’s best to opt for a higher SPF, such as a minimum of 50, which blocks out nearly 97% of UVB radiation. However, you can also go up to SPF 60, which blocks about 98%, or SPF 100, which blocks about 99%.
Either way, you definitely want to lather up with something heavy if you plan to hang out at the beach for a while to avoid any dryness, damage, or burning of the skin. I always rely on a higher SPF Avène anti-aging sunscreen or this La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen with SPF 60.
3. High-SPF Body Sunscreen
On top of facial sunscreen, you’re also going to want to take care of the rest of your body too and ensure that it is fully protected. A high SPF body screen is recommended to keep your skin healthy throughout the day.
Look for a broad-spectrum SPF with numbers between 30-50 for premium protection. Try the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Body Sunscreen.
Tinted Moisturizer
When it comes to makeup in the summer, you’re going to want to skip out on the heavy foundation at all costs. Wearing a foundation in the summer can allow makeup to be absorbed into your pores, which can result in clogged, expanded pores, and breakouts (yuck!). Not to mention, the summer heat can be so strong sometimes that your makeup can literally melt off your face – non, merci!
If you want to avoid looking like the Wicked Witch of France, it’s best to opt for a thin tinted moisturizer instead, such as the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30. This French tinted moisturizer offers sheer, lightweight coverage for a flawless, no-makeup look perfect for those warm beach days. If you ask us, it is an absolute must in the summer.
Another amazing option is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen with SPF 50 which is more of a true sunscreen for sensitive skin types with a slightly tinted beige hue.
Read about our full list of French tinted moisturizers with SPF list for all budgets, if you have time. This is definitely a French girl summer makeup essential!
Don’t Forget the Lips & Hair
Next on our French summer skincare routine guide, don’t you dare forget about your lips and hair! And no, regular chapstick isn’t going to cut it this time. Much like your skin, your lips also need to be protected from direct sun exposure, otherwise, they can become dry, rough, and cracked – which definitely isn’t a good look if you’re searching for a French summer romance.
You can easily avoid this problem by finding a daily limp balm or lipstick infused with SPF to keep them safe and protected (and totally kissable!). I recommend the La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Sun Stick to protect your lips in summer.
Protect your hair from harmful UV rays, too which can dry it out and change yoru hair color if you dye your hair. These French hair sunscreens will keep your locks in tip-top shape even after spending hours in the sun.
Pack a French Facial Mist Spray
On top of your tinted moisturizer, you’re going to want to pack a facial mist spray with you for your French summer skincare routine.
French facial mists are used to help set your makeup so that it doesn’t melt off, but they are also used to keep your skin hydrated throughout the heat of the day with small spritzes.
Our top pick for misting sprays would be the Evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray. This facial spray delivers an unparalleled boost of natural hydration to your skin without any harsh chemicals to keep your skin fully replenished while also keeping your makeup looking fresh on even the hottest days of summer.
I tried it out once on a summer trip to Bordeaux where the hotel agent gave me a miniature version, and ever since I’ve been obsessed! For best results, keep it stored in your fridge before using.
I always keep a bottle in the fridge at home in Paris so when I get home after those hot summer days, I can reach for a chilled spray fast! The cold water feels amazing on my skin without drenching it.
Another popular French-sourced mineral water spray to try is: Avène Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water Spray.
French After-Sun Care
After your adventures out under the French Mediterranean sun, it is essential to create an after-sun skincare routine to keep your skin truly flourishing.
Believe it or not, spending time in the sun for even a small period of time actually diminishes most of the moisture of your skin, even if you aren’t out for that long. This can leave your skin dry, irritated, flakey in just a matter of hours. Therefore, a proper after-sun French skincare routine is essential.
Here’s a quick guide on our favorite way to care for your skin post-sun exposure.
1. Dry Oil
One of our top picks for a French after-sun care routine is a gentle multi-purpose oil such as the cult Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil. This French dry oil has been carefully crafted with 98% natural ingredients to create long-lasting hydration for the face and body. It is also antioxidant-rich to help restore essential nutrients to your body and hair with gentle and healthy ingredients. It is one of the top body oils in France!
2. After-Sun Gel
Another great option to use alone or alongside a multi-purpose oil is a French after-sun gel. After being out in the sun for hours, you’re definitely going to want to apply an ultra-hydrating treatment to help restore proper moisture to your body, and in that case, an after-sun gel is for you.
We recommend the always reliable Clarins Soothing After Sun Balm. This sun balm works to soothe your skin with an enriched, hydrating formula that helps your skin to retain moisture better. This balm also offers long-lasting anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties to comfort the skin and soothe areas that may have dried out or been overexposed during the day.
An after-sun gel or balm is a necessity in the summer if you wish to relax stressed skin after a long beach day!
3. After Sun Hair Care
When it comes to after-sun care, hair is just as important as your skin; therefore, you’re definitely not going to want to skip out on a replenishing shampoo. For this, I choose the Rene Furterer Solaire Nourishing Repair Shampoo.
This amazing French shampoo has been formulated with high-quality ingredients to counteract the dehydrating and harsh effects of sun, salt, and chlorine, making it perfect for summer. This nourishing and replenishing shampoo also features Jojoba wax to fortify, hydrate, and ultimately leave hair feeling fresh, nourished, and clean (and if you ask us, that’s a definite winner right there).
The Nuxe Sun After-Sun Hair and Body Shampoo is another smart solution for sun-exposed hair care.
4. Sunburn Relief
I also wanted to include a section to mention a product for sunburn relief in case you end up getting burnt. It happens to the best of us!
When it does, I recommend moisturizing with the Bioderma Photoderm After-Sun. This creamy after-sun treatment is enriched with soothing agents to provide instant relief to overexposed areas.
Not to mention, it even prolongs a natural tan if that’s what you’re looking for. However, the Bioderma after-sun treatment is not to be used on skin that is visibly irritated or oozing, so make sure you read all instructions before applying.
Remove Makeup
Swooping into our end-of-day French summer skincare routine, you’ll want to remove your makeup with something a little lighter in the summer.
While a gentle French makeup remover is essential no matter what time of year it is, something light like micellar water is perfect for the summer, as it’s lightweight, nourishing, and doesn’t leave behind any heavy residue.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
$19.99 ($1.20 / Fl Oz) (as of January 29, 2025 06:34 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.)For this, my top pick goes to the Bioderma Sensibio H2O. This is because the Sensibio H2O has been carefully designed to mimic the skin’s natural composition to help replenish and clean your face with a lightweight formula more gentle than ever.
Since you won’t be wearing heavy makeup in the summer, there’s no need to opt for a heavy makeup remover to get the job done in the first place.
Nightly Summer Cleanser
The next product in the French summer evening routine is a nightly cleanser. For this, my top recommendation is the La Roche Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream. This is because this deep cleanser features a nutrient-rich foaming cream that forms into a gentle lather to purge the skin of debris and helps shrink enlarged pores caused by the summer heat.
This cleanser also helps to soften the skin and helps control oil production, ultimately leaving you with clearer, happier, and healthier skin overall. And for the summer, you’re definitely going to want to prioritize any product that can help with shrinking your pores in any way possible.
Apply a Night Moisturizer Cream
For your evening routine, you’re going to also want to get a French nighttime moisturizer cream. In the summer, you’ll want to opt for something that’s lightweight, rich in vitamins, and known for retaining moisture. This will help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy in between sun sessions and overall make it easier for your skin to retain water. I am obsessed with this amazing Nuxe Crème Prodigieuse night recovery oil balm meant for all skin types.
French Summer Skincare Tips
I wanted to end this essential French girl summer skincare routine guide with a few extra tips that are said to be the true secret of French beauty to get to creating the best summer skin of your life.
1. Exfoliate Less
You’re going to want to exfoliate less in the summer. Exfoliation is definitely an important step for combating oily skin and clogged pores in your daily life. However, in the summer, you’re going to want to take a little step back from this habit!
This is because, yes, exfoliation can improve your skin’s health, but it is also known to remove your skin’s protective layers, which can cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun, as well as heat. This can put your skin in a very vulnerable spot every time you’re in the sun, ultimately causing heavy damage to it.
Above all else, if you plan on spending time outside this summer, make sure you’re exfoliating as little as possible. You don’t want to unintentionally leave your skin prone to sun damage.
2. Use Retinol Only at Night
Our next tip for healthy summer skin is to only use retinol at night. Believe it or not, if you use retinol during the day, it can actually have a negative effect on your skin, causing thinning and making it hypersensitive to UV rays, which makes you more prone to burning in the sun.
To preserve the health of your skin, it’s best to save your retinol application for the evenings. Not to mention, nighttime is when your skin rests and rejuvenates anyway, so applying this at nighttime can help to boost the healing process overall.
3. Stay Very Hydrated
Last but not least, amidst your daily French summer skincare routine, make sure you keep yourself hydrated! Not only can this ensure your body functions properly, but it will also help your skin to retain moisture better, keeping it healthier and protected no matter what adventures you get up to. When in doubt, have some water. Trust us, girl; it will never hurt you.
Everyone has their own needs that must be addressed in their skincare routine for the summer. Whether it’s tinted moisturizers and sun gel or French sunscreens and body oil, every part of the French summer skincare routine has its perks. However, if you want to cover all the major aspects of French girl skincare, we believe this to be one of the best for keeping your skin and body as healthy as possible.
Summer is a time of new beginnings and fun adventures, but it is also a time for proper self-care and protection of the skin as well! So have fun exploring the south of France but take care of yourself, and make sure you put your skincare first this summer! If you do, trust me, your skin will reward you with a flawless, goddess-like glow like never before.
Next up, read about the French winter skincare routine.
