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The allure of the Cool French Girl is somewhat of a historical cultural obsession. Since the early days of cinema, the effortlessly stylish, yet laid-back look has always been one that fascinates us – chic without trying too hard? Count us in.
It seems that we’re not alone in this obsession either. The hashtag on TikTok alone has amassed nearly 195k views. The look typically encompasses a more minimalist approach in terms of make-up – think bare-faced with a single sweep of black winged liner and a lived-in red pout. Although, we’ve also evidenced the “Messy French Girl Look” on said video sharing platform – think the latter but stumbling out of a Jazz club on Rue des Lombards at 2am and you’re halfway there.
When many of us think about French beauty brands, it’s understandable that we firstly tend to think about the big names – the ones that grace the street of Champs-Élysées with chrome emblazoned logos on incredibly chic looking black compacts. However, we’re here to introduce you to the lesser known Parisian beauty brands. The ones that you may not be familiar with just yet – but we urge you to do your research on these lesser-known gems below, as you may just find a new favorite. Parfaite!
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With trademark gorgeous paint-tube inspired lipstick creams and a nod to vintage glamour with a whimsical twist, this brand has earned a lot of praise from beauty editors. In particular, the brand’s signature Mousse De Rouge Framboise ($35.00), a deliciously soft whipped lip color that gives off that perfect worn-down, “too cool to re-apply” look. Although, there really is not much of a need for reapplication with the long wearing formula, which miraculously also does not dry lips out (a rarity with a matte formula!). Founder, model and beauty journalist Camille Yolaine declares the product to be “chocolate mousse for the lips” and we couldn’t agree more. The brand also offers free US shipping for all orders over $65.00
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While I’m not easily swayed by influencers, I’ll make an exception with Violette. Technically a makeup artist and beauty industry veteran of 17+ years first, she knows her stuff. Case in point, her eponymous line of cosmetics are the epitome of modern cool. Think super fresh lit-from-within skin and a slick of bright cream eyeshadow. The range includes a selection of highly pigmented covetable rich matte and metallic shades, making us spoilt for choice. We’re feeling particularly drawn to the Yeux Paint ($31.00), a multi use eye-shadow and liquid eyeliner in one. We’re adding the shade Rêve de Dahlia to cart, but with free US shipping over $50.00, you might want to try out more than one.
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Originally known as a Parisian fashion brand, Rouge branched out to beauty last year with a sister brand aptly named Les Filles En Rouge (which translates to The Girls In Rouge). You’ll find vintage inspired velvet textured lipsticks (with an impressive 86% natural formula) in the most covetable gold bullets to channel your inner off duty supermodel on a break in the French Riviera. Our ideal vacation companion for said dream trip? The New Essentials, which includes the incredibly chic tortoiseshell effect La Palette Visage, a range of highlighters and blush shades. The set also includes Le Baume Chou Choi, a buildable, nourishing lip product, and a red quilted pouch. US shipping is $22.00 or free on hauls over $300.00.
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Clean, eco aware beauty brands are no longer a rarity in 2023, but All Tigers stand out amongst the rest. The playful Paris-based brand was founded by a father who was frustrated at the lack of on-trend environmentally aware brands for his young daughter’s first foray into makeup and set out to disrupt the industry. The vibrant lip, eye, hair and nail range is formulated using up to 100% natural and organic ingredients with planet friendly packaging – with a cute tiger embalm on each product to boot. The tiger isn’t just for show either: the brand donates a small percentage of its turnover to the Po Kao Association, supporting the protection of wild tigers in Asia. The standout product? The Eyeshadow Stick ($16.00) available in an impressive 18 shades (but we’ve got our eyes on the rich jade Forsee Your Success). US shipping starts at $8.40.
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With brushed chrome tubes and opaque brown bottles, Typology fits the minimalist pared down French aesthetic perfectly. The brand's extensive range – which includes targeted skincare products to hair care and color cosmetics – is made in France and formulated with the highest quality natural active ingredients. In fact, formation is so imperative to the brand that it even has a blacklist of ingredients that it will never add to its products. Impressively, despite this, the brand still manages to fall into the more affordable category. Its top rated Vitamin C Serum is a very purse friendly $39.90. US shipping is $6.90.
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Quirky, nostalgic, and downright joyful. Those were our first thoughts upon coming across Un Air d’Antan, a family owned beauty and body care brand based in the Provence area of France. Heavily inspired by the old French songs of their parents' youth, these products definitely carry a vintage charm with their branding and packaging. The range is PETA certified and paraben- and sulfate-free. The four piece Skincare Carousel Set in Verbena Bergamote ($42.00) makes a great gift – and the added bonus of a present from overseas makes it something special. US shipping is $20.00.
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Melayci is a makeup brand with self confidence and empowerment at the heart of its ethos. The name Melayci is a combination of the two words “melanin” and “legacy.” Founder, Kelly Carmen Njikje established her brand in 2019 to celebrate and represent women of color and the importance of community and authenticity. So far, the range is geared towards lips with a gorgeous selection of Silky Velvet Lipsticks ($28.00) which includes five rich, nourishing highly pigmented shades in stylish natural ash wood bullets. Corresponding lip liners are also available to complete the look. US customers can shop the brand conveniently through the brand’s exclusive distributor, Eigth & Kim.
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Aime is probably best known for its range of nutritional supplements (which tackle everything from dull skin to low libido and previously had a 4000 person wait list). The brand came to fruition after co-founder Mathilde Lacombe was inspired by visiting a nutritionist who introduced her to the benefits of supplements for her skin concerns. The brand’s best selling Matcha Glow Collagen Supplement ($68.00) is a delicious skincare, hair and nail growth booster. After a successful launch, the brand introduced skincare and lifestyle items to its ever expanding range – and rumor has it that the brand’s color cosmetics will be hitting the US soon too. Consider this “clean girl” to the very core. US shipping starts at $6.00, or free on orders over $75.00.
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Thanks to affordable (and speedy!) international shipping, it’s never been easier to get your fix of the very best of independent French beauty - all without setting foot on a plane. Although, we definitely wouldn’t turn down a trip.
