When it comes to beauté, the French definitely know how to create enduring icons that are coveted by the stylish and discerning world over. In honour of Bastille Day (Champagne, s’il vous plaît?), we’ve put together this list of French cult classic products that every woman should own. From the serum and dry shampoo, to the perfume and lipstick that just begs to be worn in the courtyard at Hotel Costes. We won’t lie; it wasn’t easy trying to narrow it down to only eleven, but we tried our very best. Read on to find out exactly which beauty must-haves made the cut…
The Iconic French Fragrance
CHANEL NO. 5 EAU DE PARFUM
The Perfume – Chanel No.5
Marilyn Monroe was once famously quoted as saying that it was the only thing she would wear to bed; “Five drops of No.5” were her exact words to be precise (talk about a killer celebrity endorsement). And while it’s been over ninety years since Coco Chanel and master perfumer Ernest Beaux first created Chanel No.5, the scent, imbued with jasmine, sandalwood, rose and vanilla, remains to this day the world’s most iconic perfume.
French Eye Makeup Essentials
DIORSHOW MASCARA
The Mascara – Diorshow Mascara
Warning: may cause serious lash-envy among girlfriends. Such is the va-va-voom power of Dior’s best selling Diorshow Mascara. With a buildable formula that means you can apply coat upon coat to your heart’s content, it makes for some seriously dramatic lashes.
Cult French Lip Products
BYTERRY BAUME DE ROSE
The Lip Balm – ByTerry Baume De Rose
Baume de Rose is one of those beauty products that once you’ve tried, makes you wonder what you ever did without it. Delicately rose-scented and super creamy without being sticky, it is the ultimate in luxury lip protectants. It’s so popular in fact, that in celebration of its tenth anniversary this year, ByTerry have released a special edition.
L’OREAL PARIS COLOUR RICHE MADE FOR ME INTENSE LIPSTICK IN ‘PERFECT RED’
The Lipstick – L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Made For Me Intense Lipstick in ‘Perfect Red’
What could be more quintessentially French than a red lip? Enter L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Made For Me Intense Lipstick in their best selling shade, ‘Perfect Red’. The name practically says it all, really.
Complexion Perfectors From Paris
YVES SAINT LAURENT TOUCHE ÉCLAT
The Highlighter – Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat
How else to describe YSL’s ‘Radiant Touch’ but as a little gold pen of magic? Not only is it brilliant for concealing dark circles, but with the right application it can instantly create an all-over illuminated and flawless complexion that will have you looking like you’ve just had the best night’s sleep of your life.
LANCÔME GÉNIFIQUE YOUTH ACTIVATOR
The Serum – Lancôme Génifique Youth Activator
There’s supposedly one sold around the world every minute, and for good reason. Lancôme Génifique Youth Activator serum helps to turn back the clock by improving the appearance signs that characterise a youthful-looking skin.
French Skincare and Cleansing Staples
BIODERMA CREALINE MAKEUP REMOVER
The Makeup Remover – Bioderma Crealine Makeup Remover
Bioderma Crealine Makeup Remover has long been a makeup artist’s secret weapon. Ideal for those with sensitive skin or prone to redness, it gently cleans and removes even the most stubborn waterproof mascara.
The Spritz – Avène Eau Thermale
Great for when you need that refreshing pick-me-up, Avène’s ‘Thermal Spring Water’ is a fine mist that soothes and calms skin by restoring its natural pH balance. It’s perfect for those times when you’ve just stepped off a long haul flight or post-big night out.
French Haircare and Multi-Tasking Balms
KLORANE DRY SHAMPOO WITH OAT MILK
The Dry Shampoo – Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Klorane’s Dry Shampoo is proof that exceptional quality hair care doesn’t necessarily have to cost a fortune. With softening oat milk extract, this dry shampoo is both hypoallergenic and ultra gentle, not to mention a core staple behind the grooming routines of French women.
CLARINS BEAUTY FLASH BALM
The All in One – Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
If a radiant, glowing complexion is what you’re seeking and you’re yet to discover Clarins best-selling Beauty Flash Balm, now is the time to get discovering. A multi-tasking balm, it works as a moisturizer, hydrating mask and primer in one, refining pores, brightening skin tone and minimising the appearance of fine lines.
Story by Madeleine Boyd.
