I've been in love with France for years. Whether visiting Paris, Nice, or my favorite town, Saint Paul de Vence, one thing is always the same - the women are gorgeous and look effortlessly chic at every age. In honor of Bastille Day and 5 fab French brands (Lancôme, Dior, Clarins, YSL, & Chanel) that have likely impacted all our lives in the best possible way, I'm sharing 7 tips for mastering French beauty.
1. Skincare is a necessity, not a nice to have.
In France, the art of caring for your skin starts early and is passed down from generation to generation. And with elders that look ageless, it's no wonder that young women are taking their advice. Just in case you have some catching up to do, there's always Lancôme's skin-saving serum, Visionnaire. C'est magnifique!
2. Liquid liner transforms any look and is always is style.
Want instant sex appeal? A sweep of liquid liner is all you need! For eye inspiration, channel famed French bombshell, Brigitte Bardot. From sexy smoky eyes to the perfect winged liner, she's got all the bases covered beautifully.
3. Embrace your unique beauty, never cover it up.
When it comes to makeup, most French women have a less is more attitude and it's obviously working for them. Beauty is about accepting the qualities that make you unique and carrying yourself with confidence. Makeup simply enhances what's already there.
With just three products from Dior anyone can have an effortlessly polished French look - Airflash for naturally flawless-looking skin, Diorshow Mascara for lush lashes from root to tip, and Addict Lipstick for a full, perfectly kissable pout.
I've learned from some amazing French women that part of looking great throughout life is learning to care for your whole body - eat right, enjoy everything in moderation, drink plenty of water, don't underestimate the benefits of a cold shower, and make caring for your skin a ritual. All great advice! To help with the last part, try incorporating Clarins Toning Body Polish into your routine at least once a week. Your skin will say merci.
5. Avoid sun exposure.
Contrary to all of the images we've seen of women lounging on the beach in Saint Tropez and Cannes, French women know that the sun's damaging rays are guaranteed to age your skin. Rather than over-exposing on the French Riviera, they rely on a faux bronzer like Clarins award-winning self tanner.
6. Find a signature scent.
Whether a spicy classic fragrance like Yves Saint Laurent Opium or the modern Parisienne scent, perfume is a daily must-have when it comes to French beauty.
7. Anything Chanel is chic.
It's almost impossible to talk about fragrance and French beauty without mentioning the icon herself, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. One spritz of No. 5, my perfect scent Chance, or a swipe of the latest coveted polish and it's almost like you've added instant chic to your day.
