Monica Ainley (a Canadian fashion editor, journalist, and fashion consultant) lives in Paris and shares how living in the French capital has changed her daily beauty habits, as well as which products and rituals have become indispensable to her.
How to achieve the “French Girl Beauty” effect: the view of the author, who has lived in Paris for over ten years
When Monica Ainley moved to Paris, she didn't set out to embody the so-called “French style.” In fact, for a long time, the idea seemed more like an internet-generated myth to her. But over time, things started to change: during trips to London or visits to her family in Canada, she hears the same thing over and over again — what now looks “French.”
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After more than a decade in Paris, she is convinced: French beauty is not about looks. It is about attitude. About a calm, relaxed acceptance of one's own imperfections.
How ideas about beauty have changed
There is no going back to her old beauty habits for her. After years of coffee, red wine, and a French accent, her smile no longer meets the ideals of North American orthodontics, but that doesn't matter anymore. Self-tanner is gone from her life, as is her desire for long, blonde hair. Instead, a messy bob has become her signature hairstyle.
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Life in Paris gradually forms new habits. It happens so naturally that old rituals are forgotten. Sometimes this manifests itself even in small things: for example, in the desire to make a remark to a passerby for walking too slowly.
French beauty icons: negligence as aesthetics
One of the most important changes has been a rethinking of aesthetics — and a sincere acceptance of “imperfections.” Among the iconic Parisian beauties, one rarely finds perfection in the classical sense: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Lou Doillon, Jane Birkin, Vanessa Paradis with her characteristic gap between her teeth, Laetitia Casta or Golshifteh Farahani, who does not hide her gray hair. They have one thing in common — they do not mask their features, but skillfully emphasize them.
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The philosophy is simple: create a beautiful base, highlight one defining feature, and let everything else remain natural.
French Girl Beauty Routine
The morning begins with lymphatic drainage
French women pay special attention to the lymphatic system. What once seemed like an exaggeration has become an indispensable part of their skincare routine. The morning doesn't start with a mask, but with “awakening” the skin: serum with vitamin C from Aroma-Zone, then hyaluronic acid. Next is a rose quartz gouache massage from Holidermie: a few minutes of upward movements activate blood circulation and give the face freshness. If professional care is needed, Kobido procedures or studios like Barbara Sand or FaceStellar are chosen. Among the favorites is also Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid from Sisley, which provides a fresh effect and serves as a base for makeup.
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Accentuate your skin tone, not hide it
The French approach to skin tone is not about masking, but about delicately highlighting the skin. A light foundation, a creamy blush, and the skin looks natural. Perfection is not the goal here. At Hermès, this approach is brought to an art: primer and concealer are applied with light, almost artistic strokes, creating an airy finish.
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Natural blush effect
A slight rosy glow is an integral part of the French aesthetic. Products like Merit Beauty's Flush Balm in Stockholm give your face a fresh look: a few swipes and the effect of a walk in the fresh air is guaranteed.
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“Blurred” lips
Many Parisians deliberately apply lipstick a little carelessly. The contour remains soft, slightly shaded and far from ideal. Lipstick is applied in layers – to the effect that the color naturally belongs to the face. This looks especially harmonious in combination with a black jacket and the basic palette of the wardrobe.
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Natural eyebrows
Eyebrows are not shaped too clearly, they are simply combed upwards. A light touch of eyebrow gel – and the look is ready. Even small habits change over time: the desire for perfect correction gradually gives way to naturalness.
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Based on material from: Vogue.de