Carelessly applied red lipstick, a thin line of black eyeliner, and an “I care, but not too much” philosophy. That is the essence of the French approach to beauty.
If anyone knows a thing or two about Parisian makeup, it is successful makeup artist Violette Serrat, one of the most stylish Parisian women and the founder of her own cosmetics brand.
“I want to use as little makeup as possible, but I still want to show that I take care of myself. My hair is shiny, my lips are moisturized, and my eyebrows are neatly groomed,” Serrat explained in an interview with The Telegraph.
According to the makeup artist, one noticeable feature is enough to complete the look. It could be slightly more dramatic eye makeup or a rich, bold lipstick. The key is to make one element stand out while allowing the rest of the face to remain fresh and natural.
Just look at French actresses such as Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu or Isabelle Huppert when they appear on the red carpet. “They always look bold, but sexy; glamorous, but never overly glamorous,” Serrat explains.
For her, that is the essence of French beauty: taking care of yourself, feeling confident, and showing the world that you appreciate and embrace your individuality.
Serrat has transformed this slightly daring French philosophy of beauty into her own cosmetics brand. She also follows several simple rules when creating her signature makeup look.
Start With Fresh-Looking Skin
First, focus on making your skin look healthy and fresh. Only then should you move on to the rest of your makeup.
Serrat says she almost never applies foundation all over her face, and this is a deliberate choice.
“After 40, your skin should look fresh and natural, but makeup still has to do its job. I want to get rid of the dark circles under my eyes, and that’s it,” she says.
Instead of covering the entire face with a heavy layer of foundation, the makeup artist recommends using a liquid concealer only on targeted areas where coverage is actually needed.
The goal is not to hide the skin but to make it look more rested and even while allowing its natural texture to remain visible.
Blush Is Essential, But Texture Matters
The next essential step is blush.
“You can have the French style, but when people see you, they may still hesitate to say, ‘Oh, you look tired.’ Of course, that’s rude, but I often say, ‘No, I just need a little blush,’” Serrat says.
For women in their 40s and beyond, she recommends cream blushes rather than traditional powder formulas. Cream textures can visually mimic the natural softness and fullness of healthy skin, helping the complexion appear fresher and more youthful without looking heavily made up.
Choosing the Right Shade Matters
The color of your blush is just as important as its texture.
“As we get older, the skin can take on a slightly grayish tone, so it needs something that makes it look fresher,” Serrat explains.
She recommends avoiding overly pale, beige, or terracotta shades on the cheeks because they can sometimes make the complexion appear dull or tired.
The real French secret is to take inspiration from nature. This is why a reddish or warm flushed blush can look particularly beautiful. It creates the impression that you have just returned from a brisk walk through the cool streets of Paris.
“I know British women love pink blush, but French women don’t,” Serrat says. “And that’s because in France we don’t want to look ‘cute’ or fragile. Pink is associated with something pure, sweet, kind and delicate, while we want to look more natural.”
Shape Your Eyebrows
After applying blush, pay special attention to your eyebrows. Serrat describes them as “the coat hangers of your face.”
“Your eyebrows should be lightly shaped. That doesn’t mean they need to be dark, heavy, or sharply defined, but a little grooming can make a huge difference,” she says.
The makeup artist recommends brushing the brows upward with a spoolie and, if necessary, adding a small amount of powder or pencil to fill in sparse areas. Finish with a brow gel to keep everything in place.
“You’ll see how much it changes your face without making it look unnatural,” Serrat says.
Never Underestimate Red Lipstick
Then comes one of the most recognizable elements of French beauty: red lipstick.
“The French attitude toward makeup is something like this: ‘This is me. If you don’t like it, that’s not my problem, that’s your problem,’” Serrat says.
That confident attitude is one reason red lipstick remains so closely associated with French beauty.
“We love red lipstick because it really stands out, but at the same time it creates a certain distance. You can’t kiss me without ruining it, and that’s the whole point of the game,” she explains.
According to Serrat, red lipstick can also make the face appear fresher as we get older. Beige and neutral shades, on the other hand, can sometimes be surprisingly difficult to wear because they may drain warmth from the complexion.
Don’t Overdo Your Makeup
There is one unwritten rule at the heart of French makeup: always leave a little something understated.
“You want to look like yourself and never look overly glamorous,” Serrat explains.
“American women tend to use much more makeup, while French women keep it simple. British women are somewhere in the middle,” she adds with a smile.
Even when using a bold color, the French approach is to apply it with restraint.
“If I wear blue on my eyes, it’s a very delicate blue line,” Serrat says.
For her, the real art lies in combining creativity with simplicity. French beauty does not necessarily mean avoiding makeup. Instead, it means knowing when to stop.
The result is a look that feels polished without appearing overly constructed, glamorous without looking excessive, and confident without seeming like it is trying too hard. It is a beauty philosophy built around individuality, freshness, and the idea that makeup should enhance your personality rather than hide it.
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