How to Build a Beauty Routine Like a Parisienne

What do Vanessa Paradis, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Caroline de Maigret, Lou Doillon, and Jeanne Damas all have in common? In the eyes of the world, they all embody “La Parisienne,” an archetype of effortlessly chic beauty, with a unique “je ne sais quoi” that radiates from the inside out. Below, ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, ELLE unravels the secret to achieving the look beloved by locals and just about everyone else around the world.

“Parisian style is an attitude, a state of mind. Between rocker and ho-hum bourgeois, a Parisian is always first, never second. Her secrets: she breathes the air du temps and puts it to good use, her way,” declared Inès de la Fressange, the most Parisian of all, in her book Parisian Chic: A Style Guide, with Sophie Gachet. Indeed, the “Parisienne” is quite special when it comes to her own look and beauty routine.

For hairstylist John Nollet, “She’s an elegant woman with a nonchalant air about her, and she knows how to choose her very special style. She takes responsibility for her choices.”

Although nothing is imposed and discretion is paramount, behind the curtain the Parisian woman regularly meets with her facialist, coach, and hairdresser. Her makeup or skin care routine is never an obligation—she insists on retaining her freedom and personality—but rather a game, like the way she dresses; quiet luxury before its time. At ease in the capital of fashion, she crosses the street and takes the metro. In short, she cultivates a subtle less-is-more philosophy.

In the quest for glow, a new ritual has entered the vocabulary. In the past, many would see a local beautician for a “skin cleansing” or waxing out of hygienic necessity. Now, there are monthly appointments with facialists. To keep the skin fit and healthy, opt to put your facial features in the hands of a pro for a good hour of facial training. “Did you know that the face contains no less than 50 skin muscles?” says Marie Peloille, the favorite facialist of Jeanne Damas. “My work consists of smoothing, relaxing, and oxygenating through a combination of stretching techniques, pressure points, and gestures inspired by Kobido. Not forgetting the neck, décolleté, and a gentle treatment of the lymph nodes.” Before any massage with an oil or serum, most French facialists practice double cleaning (oil and milk) and gentle exfoliation with enzymatic formulas that are less harsh than mechanical particles (available at Sisley or Oh My Cream).

Favorite Skin Care Products

Look to the pharmacies, which can be found on every street corner and are full of hygiene and care products developed by French pharmaceutical and cosmetics laboratories. Many of the simple, effective formulas have been tested for sensitive skin, approved by dermatologists and come at reasonable prices. Most studio makeup artists use them to prepare and remove makeup from the faces of models and actresses before photo shoots. Clémence Poésy and Vanessa Paradis, for example, have adopted Collosol Eau de Lait for their makeup removal. “Pharmacies offer a dermo-cosmetic range that is unique in the world,” says Chloé Arjona, of Paris-based consulting agency NellyRodi. “Parisian women are looking for a very natural beauty result, a healthy glow for their skin and hair, and the same reassuring guarantee of a white shirt.”

Bathroom Cabinet Essentials:

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

The first of its kind.

Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water

Now 30% Off

Spray to soothe irritated or sensitive skin.

A-Derma Biology Coup D’Eclat Bioes Serum Energy

To revive tired, dull skin.

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Retinol Alternative Firming Cashmere Moisturizer

To firm up the skin.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

A versatile makeup base, moisturizing cream, or mask.

La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

A super-moisturizing serum.

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Mini Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

A multi-purpose face-body-hair oil with a divinely addictive scent.

All over the world, people recognize the “French touch.” That’s because in Paris, no one should notice. Dr. Antoni Calmon, who also works in the U.K., confirms that Parisian women “prefer to look wrinkled rather than redone.” They are going for a fresh look, good skin quality (with a few mesotherapy sessions, for example), and the reduction of dark circles or frown lines. LED sessions are also very popular. Other in-demand treatments at the moment borrow from dermatology: a retinol treatment in the evening (to boost collagen and elastin production), alternated with a rich cream (moisturizing and comforting) and a vitamin C treatment. With sun tans no longer in fashion, the French have realized that to limit the appearance of spots or redness, they need protection from the sun. With that in mind, try adopting UV protection with an SPF 50 cream all year round.

Apparently, and we mean apparently, French women don’t wear much makeup. They “haven’t got the time,” and because of their upbringing, “less is more.” Looking “natural”—or almost natural—in all circumstances is important.

This “no-makeup” makeup look conceals itself well, and actually requires a lot of effort to put together. To go from the office to a cocktail party, color your lips a bright red, and perhaps apply a smoky eye or a dash of eyeliner, like Charlotte Gainsbourg or Caroline de Maigret. Younger women have made bright red lipstick their trademark, a mix of vintage glamour and self-assertion. They have incorporated essential steps into their routine, chosen according to what they want to highlight.

For Tom Pêcheux, global beauty director at YSL Beauty, “The Parisian style is like a kaleidoscope, very minimalist and very precise, with a contained madness inside. I like Carine Roitfeld—one of the world’s most famous editors and fashion designers—who represents to me the essence of la Parisienne, with a quirky, slightly irreverent bourgeoise style, wearing a see-through blouse, a skirt with a high slit or a man’s suit.” And what if there were only three products in her bag? “A Touche Éclat brush (highlighter and complexion illuminator), a dark mascara, a nude lipstick, and a real red, like Le Rouge Slim N°21 by YSL, which is universal and appeals to everyone,” continues Pêcheux. “Occasionally, a box of mini clutch eyeshadow for a smoky effect when she goes out.”

Parisians are well aware of the need to keep a bottle of water and a good moisturizer on hand at all times, otherwise foundation will be nothing more than a cover-up.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Pen

Yves Saint Laurent The Slim Matte Longwear Lipstick

The average Parisienne doesn’t sport fake nails or very colorful manicures. Instead, her beauty routine consists of applying a transparent, slightly pink shade, usually to short nails. But there is one color that garners approval every time: the Rouge Noir. Launched in 1995 by Chanel, it was inspired by one of Coco Chanel’s signature colors, garnet, which lines the insides of her quilted bags.

Kure Bazaar, which specializes in eco-friendly nail varnishes with 90 percent natural formulas, has just launched its Parisienne color, a burgundy red that “represents the spirit of Paris,” according to its designer Christian David: “Our customers in Parisian department stores are also very keen on hand and nail care rituals, because they know that age shows more on the hands than on the face.” His super-rich, moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid Balm has become a bestseller there.

Finally, to strengthen natural nails and regularly moisturize the cuticles, why not keep a charming little white pill-box-style jar on your bedside table, born in 1963? Dior’s Crème Abricot, made from seaweed extracts and apricot oil, is a great choice.

Kure Bazaar Hyaluronic Super Balm

Kure Bazaar Parisienne

Dior Crème Abricot Strengthening Nail Care

Let’s listen to John Nollet, French actress Carita’s hair stylist and artistic director, who has many loyal followers, from Monica Bellucci to Vanessa Paradis, not forgetting fellow screen star Maïwenn (whom he styled in the film Jeanne du Barry) and Sandrine Kiberlain: “Parisian women take great care with their color, Venetian golden blondes that are close to natural, browns, or chestnuts with a few highlights. Their haircuts are very neat, marked by certain lines, like the fringe that grows back barely covering the cheekbones.”

Hair Care Products

It might come as a shock to some, but most Parisians don’t wash their hair every day and blow-drying isn’t (really) a forté. However, taking care of hair is essential. The coolest thing in the city right now is to brush your hair and scalp for three minutes every evening before going to bed, a practice that was popular a few generations ago. The new approach is to use a beautiful brush that is adapted to your natural hair type: “The practice had been lost and the object—the brush—had become commonplace,” says Flore des Robert, co-founder of La Bonne Brosse. The benefits of regular brushing are well known: It mechanically gets rid of dust and pollution, massages the scalp in an anti-stress gesture, and makes the fiber shine by stretching the natural sebum.

In addition, French girls love to pamper their locks with top-quality creams: “Hair care is the new skin care,” says Isabelle d’Ornano, founder of the Sisley, which is enjoying growing success with its Hair Rituel by Sisley line. Even the luxury brand Guerlain launched its Abeille Royale line. Last but not least, we must mention the white flower fragranced shampoos and treatments by Kérastase Nutritive that are passed down from mother to daughter.

In the Bathroom:

La Bonne Brosse N.01 The Shine & Care Hair Brush THE UNIVERSAL Blue

Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel La Creme 230

Guerlain Abeille Royale Scalp & Hair Youth Oil in Serum

Kérastase Nutritive Hydrating Shampoo for Medium to Thick Dry Hair

Mason Pearson Handy Bristle Brush

Officine Universelle Buly 1803 Wild Boar Bristle Hairbrush

Officine Universelle Buly 1803 Ergonomic Hairbrush Y.S. Park

We’re not going to lie, Parisiennes aren’t fierce sportswomen; rather, they are indulgent with themselves. When they’re not working with a personal trainer, they prefer gentle methods: pilates or yoga, maybe cycling for a bit of cardio, a few lengths of the pool or running, but without it feeling forced. Alternatively, walking or cycling are suitable options.

They currently enjoy beauty treatments from the inside out and supplement their diet with collagen cures or targeted food supplements. When it comes to eating habits, most Parisian women consume less meat (once or twice a week), but prefer fish. Moreover, they like seasonal vegetables and raw or cooked fruit, sprinkling them with turmeric and pepper, which are excellent anti-inflammatory agents.

Favorite drinks?

Coffee, always, but unsweetened and no more than two a day; green tea, because it’s an excellent anti-oxidant; and from time to time, in good company, a glass of wine from small producers shared over a platter of good cheeses.

In France, perfume is like fashion: cultural. It is said that a Parisian woman has five perfumes, which she alternates according to circumstances and mood. At the back of her wardrobe, like a little black dress, a trouser suit, or an Hermès handbag, she has a great classic on hand, like those by Guerlain: Monica Bellucci loves Shalimar, Camille Cottin prefers Petit Robe Noir, Lou Doillon opts for Mitsouko, and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu’s choice scent is Jasmin Bonheur. Take a cue from them and alternate with light fragrances that evoke weekends in the countryside or escapades by the sea: Paris-Deauville by Chanel or Un Jardin en Méditerranée by Hermès.

Guerlain Shalimar Eau de Parfum

Now 23% Off

Guerlain Petit Robe Noir Eau de Parfum

Guerlain Mitsouko Eau de Parfum

Guerlain Jasmin Bonheur

Chanel Eau de Toilette Spray

Hermès Un Jardin en Méditerranée

Top Picks?

Fleur d’Oranger by Fragonard and Cologne by Roger & Gallet. With a refined taste for unique and sophisticated formulas, Parisians readily pick up quality niche perfume brands, like the great French actress Catherine Deneuve, who remains faithful to Guerlain’s L’Heure Bleue, but like to alternate with Frédéric Malle’s Eau De Magnolia, Lipstick Rose or Iris Poudre. Also, they love to say that they wear a man’s perfume: Eau Sauvage by Dior with its citrus and aromatic notes or Pour un Homme by Caron with its lavender-vanilla duality. But the latest crowd favorite is Orage by Louis Vuitton, a subtle blend of patchouli, iris and vetyver.

Fragonard Parfumeur Fleur d’Oranger Eau de Toilette – 100 ml

Roger & Gallet Extra Vieille Jean Marie Farina

Guerlain L’Heure Bleue – Eau De Toilette

Frederic Malle Eau De Magnolia Perfume

Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose Parfum

Frederic Malle Iris Poudre Parfum

Dior Eau Sauvage

Louis Vuitton Orage

To end on a note of cheekiness, forget about the cliché and simply make this Parisian style your own. As Inès de la Fressange wrote in her book, “You don’t need to be born in Paris to have Parisian style—I’m the perfect example, born down south in Saint-Tropez(…). C’est facile!”

Produced in collaboration with ELLE International.