How The Parisians Do Their Make-Up

Paris has always been known for it’s beautiful women. They have this chic, sophisticated glamour about their look, but with minimal effort and as though they haven’t even tried too hard.

So what is their secret? What I have discovered from being in Paris is skincare is key. And French women look so amazing because they make sure that their skincare is their priority. No amount of makeup is going to look fabulous if your skin is not good underneath it. It is like painting, you can’t paint over peeling, flakey walls and expect it to have the perfect, smooth finish, and this is the same for make-up.

French women have got their skin care down to a fine art, with French pharmacies stocking their best skin care ranges. When in Paris I always visit the chemist and stock up on products which I use on myself and in my professional kit, here are some of my favourites….

I also always visit Sephora! I was so upset when Sephora closed down in England so I always make sure I visit in Paris. If you can, avoid busy times like Sunday afternoon – I always have to squeeze it in between shows.

If you have time make sure you go to Sephora on the Champs-Elysees, it is huge! There are so many brands, from Dior to Urban Decay. It is a great way to try out different products all in one place. Plus they have all the latest styles in stocks, with lots of mirrors and staff on hand to assist you. The light is very bright though, so if you are looking to buy foundation I would definitely recommend trying it on and then coming out into daylight to check the colour.

Guerlain is one of my favourite French brands.

I love their bronzer, it comes in a matte version which is great so you don’t get a glittery/ sparkly look. I prefer to use a matte bronzer to give colour and depth and then use a highlighter which can add shimmer if needed. They also have a new bronzer out which includes a highlighter. Guerlain is stocked in Selfridges and other department stores so don’t worry you can still get it here.

Their own brand Sephora is also a great brand and really good value for money, I purchased their contouring kit as well as stocking up on their face masks.