Forget complicated routines and expensive products.
French women have a secret weapon: a timeless approach to beauty that’s all about looking effortlessly chic, naturally radiant, and confident in your own skin. And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve it.
Ever wondered how Parisian women always seem to look put-together, even when they’re just strolling down the Champs-Élysées with a croissant in hand?
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It’s not magic, it’s a philosophy. Emilie Roberson, a Parisian living in Sydney and the Marketing Director of French Beauty Co., is here to share the secrets behind that signature French je ne sais quoi.
What is the French beauty philosophy?
Emilie explains that French beauty is all about simplicity: “It’s natural, minimalistic and effortless. Our beauty philosophy is holistic, it is about the way we eat, the way we move, our regimes and how we take care of ourselves.”
“We are not into quick fixes, but rather an attitude of investment and commitment every day to get the best results long-term; our philosophy is that prevention is better than the cure.”
Skincare is of the highest importance
According to Emilie, skincare is a fundamental part of French culture.
French women begin prioritising it at a young age, with hydration being the cornerstone of their routines.
Consistency is key — once they find a regimen that works, they stick with it.
French women view their skincare routine as a ritual, investing time and effort into steps like serums, masks and regular facials.
They often develop close relationships with their aestheticians, visiting them frequently for maintenance treatments.
Just like exercising your body, they believe in “exercising” their skin to support its natural functions.
Emilie emphasises that French beauty prioritises a natural approach.
They favor French pharmacy skincare products that are uncomplicated, often containing natural ingredients and deliver a radiant glow.
Expensive products aren’t necessary for good skincare.
A staple in every French girl’s beauty arsenal is the Bioderma Micellar Water ($22.99), a product they’ve sworn by since a young age.
It goes beyond makeup removal, effectively cleansing the skin and removing impurities caused by pollution.
And to re-hydrate you can’t go past the Embryolisse Hydra Serum ($56) and SVR Ampoule B ($68.99).
French women love multi-purpose products
French women are all about practicality and getting the most out of their beauty products.
They favour multi-tasking heroes like the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre ($47).
This wonder product goes beyond basic moisturising, transforming into a primer, mask, cleanser and even a makeup remover.
Another French cabinet must-have is Nuxe Huile Oil ($63).
This versatile oil tackles dryness all over — face, body, hair, and cuticles.
Biafine Multipurpose Emulsion rounds out the list of French beauty saviors, offering a one-stop solution for various skin needs.\
Body care is an extension of the face
Emilie also explains that the French view body care as just as important as face care.
“We regularly use body exfoliators, lotions and cellulite creams. We follow a ‘head to la toe’ approach and look after our whole body with care, time and products used to get the best results. Preparing the body for summer is a serious personal goal of every French woman!”
The Embryolisse Beauty Oil ($45) is the perfect all-over serum to keep your body in tip top condition.
A non-traditional approach to fragrance
“We like to apply perfume in unsuspecting places, behind the ear, knee or in the hair,” Emilie explained.
“A big trend is unisex perfume like Bon Parfumeur ($79.99), where men and women adapt their fragrance to their mood or the seasonality.
Perfumes that also adapt and reveal themselves differently on each skin are popular such as Juliette Has a Gun ($215).”
Homeopathie rules
Homeopathie is the most popular form of alternative medicine in France (56 per cent of the population use them).
“Laboratoire Boiron is the most famous brand and the French use them as often as Australians would eat tic tacs or minties,” Emilie said.
“Most French girls have a tube of the Boiron Homeoplasmine Ointment ($24.99) in their handbag which is the perfect antidote to a range of daily issues like cracked lips, messy cuticles and untidy brows.”
French women love using actives
Retinol is the most trending ingredient in France right now and a good alternative to Botox or fillers.
“Using A, B and Cs is a regular part of most French women’s routines. A French beauty legend is the iconic retinol A313, which is only available in Australia at French Beauty Co. and hundreds of units fly off the shelf monthly,” Emilie said.
“This pharmacy-grade Vitamin A is also known as the French-girl secret to perfect skin.”
To see the full range of French Beauty Co. products, visit the website here.