When I think of French women, I immediately think of their ability to pull off those natural, effortless beauty looks that I am always trying to achieve. Not to be stereotypical, but from the women I follow online, they just seem to know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to skincare, makeup and hair care.
I don’t visit Paris often, but when I do, I always try and stop at a pharmacy to stock up on those cult products that French women know and love, in the hopes that some of their beauty secrets will rub off on me. If you didn’t know, France is home to some of the best beauty brands in the world, including the likes of Caudalie, Clarins and La Roche-Posay, so you know you’re in good hands.
However, as mentioned above, my trips to Paris are few and far between. That being said, as a beauty editor living in London, my trips to the Selfridges Beauty Hall are a lot more frequent. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to pretend to be a chic French girl for an hour or two, and pick out all of the products that I imagine my Parisian alter-ego would add to her basket.
Intrigued? I thought so. If you want to know exactly what I think a French girl would pick up in the Selfridges Beauty Hall, then keep on scrolling. Trust me, any of these products would be excellent additions to your beauty routines for that minimal yet put together look. You’re welcome.
French perfume house, Diptyque, is one of the chicest fragrance brands I have ever come across. Although it is well known for its perfume and candle offerings, I like to imagine that every French woman has a bottle of the brand’s shower gel in their bathroom in the bestselling Rose scent, to give a subtle hint of fragrance all day long.
If you’ve read our guide to French skincare, then you’ll know that we are big fans of the brand Caudalie. This face mist will give your complexion a radiant finish, and is perfect for keeping in your handbag for a refreshing spritz as you wander round the streets of Paris.
Ever wondered what a French woman smells like? Buly 1803 could be the answer. This iconic French beauty brand creates fragrances that are not only beautiful to look at, but are also kind to the skin, thanks to the fact that the perfumes are water-based and free from alcohol.
Is it just me, or do French women always seem to wear that natural-looking nail polish that makes you question whether they are wearing anything at all? Luckily, I found the perfect shade from none other than Christian Louboutin. I mean, just look at the packaging!
This affordable French pharmacy moisturiser is loved by celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow and Elle MacPherson. Sure, it’s not the most luxurious looking product, but the multitasking cream can be used as a moisturiser, a primer, an overnight mask and more. It’s the sort of thing that you will keep in your bathroom forever.
For glossy, healthy-looking hair, you can’t go wrong with a hair oil. I imagine all the French girls use this one by Augustinus Bader, thanks to it’s effective formula and chic packaging. After trying it myself, I can confirm that it gives you that ‘just left the salon’ kind of shine. Parfait.
Clarins is another French beauty brand that I can totally get behind. This Lip Perfector will give you a subtle shine and a hint of colour, making people question whether you’re wearing anything at all, or whether your natural lips really do look that good on their own.
I’m sure you’ve all heard of Baccarat Rouge by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, but I imagine that every chic French woman opts for a fresher, everyday scent from the brand. In fact, I love one of Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s newer fragrances, Aqua Media Cologne Forte, and I know that my Parisian alter-ego would bathe herself in this. The perfume contains refreshing citrus, sweet fennel and woody musks for a luxe finish.
French women always seem to have hydrated, glowy complexions, and I can totally see them topping up on this La Mer moisturiser. Designed with drier skin types in mind, it has a thick texture and contains the brand’s Miracle Broth™ to deeply nourish the skin.
For that effortless, ‘no makeup’ makeup look, opt for a product like this one from Chanel. The lightweight formula helps to even out the complexion and give an illuminated finish.
Have you ever wondered what a French woman keeps in her handbag? Me too. I’m almost certain that there will be one of these chic Dior balms knocking around, as not only does it look great, but the hydrating formula can be used on your hands, lips, arms and more.
A French brand that is fully worth the hype is Sisley. This hair mask is hands down the best mask I have ever used. My hair has never felt so soft or looked so shiny after applying this. It is definitely more of an investment, but a little goes a long way.
