The city of love inspires romantic, dramatic looks that are specific to the Parisian girl. Dewy skin, a sexy smoky eye and a casual confidence are all that a French girl needs for her beauty routine. We take a look at some specific beauty looks and styles that you can recreate yourself.
Dewy skin
A fresh, luminous complexion is a must-have in the City of Lights. Mothers pass down their secret skin care regime's to their daughters and facials are considered regular maintenance. An old French cleansing technique is to splash tepid (not cold or hot) water on your face to stimulate and refresh. Finish with moisturizer.
Lined eyes
The heavily-lined eye is the ultimate French girl weapon—just look at French film star and '60s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot, who worked this sultry look throughout her career. Brigitte's eyes were completely lined and topped off with black eye shadow and lots of mascara to create a dark, smoky and sexy look.
Red Lips
A red lip worn with minimal blush, bronzer or eye makeup is another look that frequents the cobbled streets of Paris. Worn either as a deep burgundy shade or as a bright orange hue, red is always the statement color of choice.
Ombré Hair
A left bank Parisian will always sport this popular hair style, and never give away the name of her hairdresser. An increasingly popular technique, ombré hair (usually achieved through balayage) is a French girl's best friend and is always styled with lots of soft volume and layers. No matter what their hairstyle, French girls are always careful to keep their look feminine.
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Aug 09, 2011
Alexandra J.
I've read all the City Inspiration articles so far, and Paris is my favorite!! The looks are so adaptable to everyone. I love to rock red lips, but I don't do it often enough. Also, I love the picture included with the article!!
Jul 05, 2011
Stephanie F.
I'm right on with Eleonora B. I don't believe in the Parisian trend, I think it goes back to style back in the 50s and 60s, but I don't think we find in Parisian girls like that. I've lived in Paris and I've just spent a weekend last week and I found terribly flaky skin, heavily lined eyes, and a neglected style that didn't remind me of BB nor the classic looks by Juliette Gréco nor Charlotte Gainsbourg (I don't really find her stylish by the way, too neglected). Sorry to be negative, but I'm really sick of the clichés concerning French beauty. I think it's so dated!
Jul 02, 2011
Tina L.
Love this article. Would be great if you could do more of these with different cities :)
Jul 02, 2011
Eleonora B.
I don't know if the fact I am French myself, it just doesn't click for me the "french romantic" thing, I guess a lot of it has to do with cliches, even if in general I felt my friends had a lot of style back when I lived in France. I can only find a "similar" sense in NYC. But it is still not the same. It feels like everyone has a sense of style in France no matter what your background is.
Jul 01, 2011
Ning C.
I'm obsessed with actress Charlotte Gainsbourg (the face of Balenciaga fragrance). I love her effortlessly sexy wavy hair--so Parisian! If only I could get my hair to look like that...
Jul 01, 2011
Victoria S.
Ahhhh Paris, Je T'Aime :)
Jul 01, 2011
Tania T.
Love this picture! So romantic!
Jul 01, 2011
Julia R.
Paris is my favorite city! I can't wait to try this; thanks for helping us get such chic style! <3
Jul 01, 2011
Tara L.
Jun 30, 2011
Christina T.
I love all of these French gal trends!