Why French girl beauty is on all our minds

In a world of transient trends and short attention spans, there’s one that’s stuck around for the past couple of months—the French girl aesthetic. It seems like everyone wants to look, smell, and dress like the French girl, and there’s a distinct image that comes to mind when we think of her. Her hair is dishevelled yet elegant, and her make-up is minimal (though she doesn't say no to that rough red lip). Her lips rest in a perpetual pout, and they may or may not have a cigarette between them. She sports ballet flats to run errands around the cobblestoned streets of the city but goes barefoot when she’s vacationing in the Riviera. The ‘French girl’ combines all the charm of vintage fashion with an air of modern minimalism—so it comes as no surprise that the style has taken over Instagram explore pages and Pinterest boards alike.

The term has grown increasingly popular when it comes to hair and makeup. Some looks feature a messy 'woke-up-like-this’ hairdo, while others hero a chic bob; some are all about a natural, less-is-more makeup look, and others can't get enough of the red lip and cat-eye look. The eternally trending aesthetic is essentially one that appears minimal and effortless—natural hair, fresh and radiant skin, and a glazed lip to go with. But if there’s one thing we know, no matter how minimal a look, it requires some degree of effort—as does the classic French girl beauty look. It’s a universally acknowledged truth that French women prefer to adopt comparatively understated beauty looks; following the philosophy that one shouldn’t have to hide their real face. Think of the mysterious and tousled elegance of figures like Jane Birkin, Caroline de Maigret, Lea Seydoux, and Jeanne Damas. She’s carefree, easy-going, and never needs to try too hard. To be sophisticated, elegant, and, above all, appear au naturale, is the epitome of the French girl beauty aesthetic, and it’s safe to say we’re all obsessed. 

Below are some of our French beauty favourites.
 

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Serum, ₹5,800

A313 Cream, ₹2,050

La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid Sunscreen, ₹3,100

Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray, ₹930

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water, ₹1,150

Clarins Water Lip Stain, ₹2,200

Guerlain Parure Gold Skin Matte Foundation, ₹9,350

Nuxe Honey Lip Care, ₹2,200

 

Feature image: @caudalie/Instagram