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The “French Girl” lip goes way beyond red
The French might be closely associated with a red lip, but as a beauty editor whose job often takes her to France (and introduces her to some of the chicest French women), what's more accurate is that the French, in general, adore a nonchalant lip, be it in shades of scarlet or more neutral tones.
Of course, it goes without saying that every French person differs, and there is no one way to wear makeup. But just like their penchant for classic perfumes, the people interviewed for this feature agree on one thing: a painterly, diffused lip is the favored approach. "Rather than a perfectly sculpted lip, French women tend to prefer a color that looks lived-in and easy to wear," says the makeup artist Leslie Dumeix . "The shades I see the most are timeless nudes, rosy beiges, muted pinks, and classic reds for evenings or special occasions." It's a similar technique that's beloved in Korea and Japan.
As for the way to wear a statement color à la Française? "It's really not a glamorous thing," shares the French makeup artist Violette Serrat in a video . "I grew up observing women going to the supermarket wearing nothing special but the red lipstick, and it was obvious that it was not to seduce anyone. It was just for themselves," she says.
While there is nothing wrong with a more dramatic approach, it seems that lipstick performs like a white shirt for many of the French: a staple that one can live in.
Adds Dumeix: "A lot of women simply tap the color onto the lips with their finger or apply it quickly straight from the bullet to create a soft, bitten-lip effect. It's meant to look chic without looking like you've spent time creating it." Tinted balms and glosses are also increasingly popular. "Gloss is definitely making a comeback. I see it a lot among younger women, who love glossy, juicy lips. Mature women are embracing it more than they used to as well, but they generally prefer sophisticated formulas with a subtle shine rather than an ultra-glossy finish," Dumeix tells Bazaar UK .
French makeup artist Violette Serrat is no stranger to the French approach to a bold lip. Instead of framing it as a big moment of glamour, many French women use a bolder tone in an understated way, with blurred edges and a “bitten,” almost watercolor effect. Bisou Balm is designed to achieve this vibe seamlessly and quickly. The soft matte finish is sheer yet buildable, with a slip so it glides on smoothly without highlighting lip lines. Mon Cheri is this editor's personal favorite (and to date, the only lipstick she's ever finished).
A bestseller for Sephora in France, this long-wear, creamy liquid lipstick is a true blue-red that's flattering on every skin tone. It's dramatic and impactful and looks especially chic on clean skin with little else. To make it look lived-in, apply a dot or two in the center of your lips and smudge out with fingertips.
When speaking to French women for this feature, Typology is one brand that comes up most regularly. It's a skincare label, but its lip oil is proving to be a hit thanks to its gentle tint and dewy finish that makes the complexion appear extra radiant.
Globally renowned, MAC is especially popular with the French thanks to its consistent, high-performance formulas. The Lustreglass finish appeals because it applies smoothly, can easily be…