Your Guide to Nailing Effortless Parisian Beauty, According to a French Makeup Artist

As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. POPSUGAR has affiliate and advertising partnerships so we get revenue from sharing this content and from your purchase.

I’ve always aspired to be as effortless as a French girl walking the streets of Paris. There’s just something about the way they carry themselves that makes me want to know more about them. Their tousled hair, flawless skin and minimalist style make them stand out, despite them not never looking like they tried too hard.

That’s the entire appeal surrounding the French girl, and the good news is, you don’t have to be from France to emulate it.

“If I can describe the French beauty with only two words, I would say natural and sophisticated,” Sydney-based French makeup artist Charlotte Ravet told POPSUGAR Australia. “French women like to work with their natural beauty — radiant skin, effortless hair, makeup that can’t be seen on the skin with just a touch of colour on the lips or eyes.”

However, while looking a French girl can be simple to replicate, there are rules that need to be followed. Appearing as sophisticated as a French woman means never going overboard.

“I like to think the key of the French style is ‘the rule of three’: hair, makeup, outfit — focus on two and play down one.

“For example, if you are going out wearing a nice dress and heels, you can wear makeup and leave the hair natural, or if you wear nice makeup and hair you might keep flat shoes!”

Here in Australia, we tend to prefer heavier foundations and bolder looks, but the French tend to go in the opposite direction — perfectly imperfect.

“I feel the approach of makeup is more with subtle touches than a full glam look,” said Ravet. “I think the number one rule is no makeup should be seen on the skin. The complexion should look natural even if there are some imperfections. French women are more into BB and CC creams than full coverage foundations, the skin needs to breathe and look like skin.”

So, if effortlessly chic is something you aspire to be, check out Ravet’s product recommendations below.