Must-have French beauty products for flawlessly chic skin
For a timeless and effortlessly cool look, you can’t go past the French approach to skincare and make-up. Watch Jade Kisnorbo’s guide to the best French beauty products.
Not too long ago, owning French skincare earned bragging rights, implying you had traipsed across Europe to acquire cult, dermatologist-backed products.
Thankfully, French skincare products are far more accessible these days, with leading brands widely stocked on local shelves.
Melbourne make-up artist Daniel Tan says the appeal of the “French girl” aesthetic lies in its less-is-more simplicity.
“French girl beauty starts with your skin, which is why it’s so important not to overdo things and instead keep your skincare routine nice and simple,” Daniel says.
So how do you achieve a chic French beauty look?
1. Start with a natural base
“You want to start with a light base; think BB creams, tinted moisturisers and lightweight foundations,” Daniel says. “It’s all about perfecting the skin, but in a way that’s not too obvious.”
Celebrity hair and make-up artist Carla Dyson says the aim is to achieve seamlessly blended make-up that looks natural and effortless, even if it actually involves considerable effort.
- Bronze glow: Jade K’s top tips for a natural fake tan
Make a bold statement with make-up
Carla says a particularly French tactic is to keep the overall make-up look natural and minimal, but to pair it against one statement accent.
“I always work with my client’s natural features, so if they have naturally full lips, I tend to press colour on to the lips with a fluffy brush for a lived-in, bold look,” she says.
“However, if the client would like to accentuate their eyes more, I would opt for a subtle wing and keep the lips minimal with just a lip balm.”
Keep hair understated
Que Colour Salon founder and colour director Monique McMahon says sweeping layers and piecey fringes are key to achieving the ultimate cool girl silhouette.
“For the ultimate cool-girl finish, you want to emulate looking like you haven’t tried too hard on your hair,” Monique says.
Jade K’s favourite French beauty products
If you’re dreaming of skin that’s less “blah” and more “ooh la la”, The House of Wellness beauty guru Jade Kisnorbo’s guide to must-have French skincare products has you covered.
From a serum and moisturiser to eye gel and sunscreen, the products featured in Jade’s French skincare tutorial video (above) will make sure your skin receives the amour it deserves.
Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Serum 30ml
Applied morning and night, this defensive serum soothes, hydrates, protects the skin, helping to reduce inflammation, fine lines and oxidative stress.
Squeeze a small amount into the palm of your hand, rub hands together and pat gently over face.
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre 24 Hour Miracle Cream 75ml
“I have so much love for Embryolisse moisturiser that I don’t know where to begin,” Jade says.
“I use it all over my body, and really it gives you that effortlessly French chic skin.”
More than just a face moisturiser, this miracle cream can be used all over the body and also serves as a primer, cleanser, make-up remover and aftershave.
Dab a small amount on your forehead, chin and cheeks and gently blend using your fingertips for a healthy glow.
According to Jade, this soothing eye gel “works magic”, helping to reduce puffiness and unwanted darkness around your eyes.
Using a soft tapping motion with your fingertips, apply a small amount of the gel under and around your eyes, and voilá! You’ll instantly notice the difference.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
Jade says sunscreen is an important step between skincare and make-up.
For the ultimate in skin protection, spread a thin layer of this lightweight non-greasy sunscreen all over your face and neck.
Don’t forget to reapply every couple of hours, particularly after swimming or exercising.
More Jade Kisnorbo beauty tutorials:
- How to create a pastel blue eye make-up look
- Jade K’s contour masterclass
- How to achieve a fun party look
- Your guide to Jade K’s signature half-up pony hairstyle
Written by Charlotte Brundrett and Katrina Sichlau.
