Minimalist Makeup Like a French Girl

I distinctly remember picking up one of my first issues of Allure Magazine and reading an article that basically instructed the reader to play up one feature on the face while keeping the other features more minimal. Often they spoke about playing up the eyes with a more toned down neutral lip, or vice versa; doing a bold lip and brow, but then keeping the rest of eyes more minimal, ie: no shadow or just one neutral shade. I recall how I really enjoyed playing around with makeup creating different looks adhering to this basic principle.

But minimalist does not mean boring—think smoky eyes, or dramatic red lips with clear sparkled eye lids. And indeed, I think we are moving back towards that editorial approach of less is more, and putting the focus on one feature or the other, with conturing being used minimally or not at all, with the whole idea of a glowing natural dewy face being the focal point of the look.

We have all seen those Tik Tok’s of wildly striped faces buffed into unrecognizable blinking Barbies. 

This may be a new or “retro” approach to makeup for us here in the States but French women have always embraced this concept when it comes to makeup. For them it is all about true sensuality and the art of being alluring and looking effortless, and not so much about covering up one’s essence in layers of makeup. It can be hard to find makeup tutorials that feature more natural fresh faces, and with magazines struggling, where does one find inspiration if the over done Instagram look is not your thing? Luckily there are a few makeup channels catering to the lovers of alluring makeup, and one of them, as it should be no surprise is from a French Makeup artist. 

I first introduced you to Violette in my Love Link Express series. Violette’s videos’ are super addicting, and her channel Violette_FR is a true testament that minimalist does not mean boring. Her videos and makeup tutorials are anything but boring; and she even started her own makeup line featuring a line of cream shadows that are intended to be used for the whole one and done approach; which is becoming quite popular as of late. I have to say I love this aesthetic, that whole, I didn’t try too hard effortless look, while simultaneously looking ravishingly alluring. Yup, super French. And it doesn’t hurt to be gorgeous. But seriously, watch a few of her videos, you won’t be disappointed, and have a date night coming up? I am sure you will find plenty of inspiration.