I’m shamelessly invested in the French beauty aesthetic. A trip to Paris—especially at a time like Couture Fashion Week—or an investigation into the #frenchgirlbeauty pockets of social media proves why. The Parisians have mastered the art of appearing sophisticated with little effort. “French glam has always been clean and elegant,” beauty professional Dani Parkes tells me. “They use minimal products and still look put together.” A stroll around the Champs-Élysées will demonstrate the hallmarks: red lips and no foundation, shaggy bangs, air-dried waves, and an abnormal prominence of freckles (faux or otherwise).
But a new French girl-approved beauty trend emerged during the height of Paris Couture Week. Updos of the easiest, most laid-back variety made their way onto every hair type and length. “Trend-wise, we’re seeing a lot of slicked-back braided buns or tussled ponytails, adding some accessories for detail,” says hairstylist Deana Saldiran. “There are messy chignons with curtain bangs that are simply yet impactfully sexy.”
