The tea on Parisian beauty

The allure of Parisian beauty is so legendary it deserves its own row at Sephora. But in a city home to the world's most powerful beauty brands, where does reality end and a well-marketed strategy begin? In her BBC piece The Myth and Reality of the Parisian Woman, writer Agnès Poirier references The New Parisienne by Lindsey Tramuta, who highlights the contrast between the romanticized vision of the Parisienne that most foreigners or Americans hold and the actual women of the city who live it. Ultimately, Poirier—herself a Parisian—concludes that Parisian beauty is less about a specific look and more a spirit. 

Ruby Mazuel, a Paris-based makeup artist known for working with stars like Angèle and Adèle Exarchopoulos, agrees. “The Parisian woman is someone who has confidence in herself,” she says, emphasizing that while her makeup and skincare tends to be minimal, it remains an expression of her mood. “She often wears a light makeup look, but she expresses herself through it. Her skin is natural and well-hydrated, with a fresh, glowing complexion—sometimes enhanced with a touch of blush, a swipe of mascara, and a bold or subtle lipstick.” Mazuel speaks as an industry insider who draws inspiration from something quintessentially Parisian: art. “I’ve cultivated my love for art as a secret garden. I love drawing inspiration from certain pieces to create editorial and creative makeup looks.” This passion led her to launch Ruby’s Kitchen, an online platform where she explores the intersection of art history and makeup artistry, reinterpreting iconic works through beauty. “I’ve always enjoyed visiting exhibitions, analyzing and admiring the colors and textures in art.” In a city as culturally and historically rich as Paris, where fashion and beauty are deeply intertwined, Mazuel finds endless inspiration. She is fascinated by the way this synergy allows her to observe and connect with people from diverse creative worlds. A self-proclaimed “proud Parisian,” she believes that inspiration can come from anywhere, perhaps even outside Paris. As for her personal beauty signature? She adores the eyeliner, whether black or brown, sharp or softly blurred. She playfully tells nss: “It’s timeless, glamorous, and so feminine! And what’s chicer than eyeliner paired with a beautiful red lipstick?” 

Red lipstick is undoubtedly one of the most iconic elements of French beauty. Creative director, stylist, and founder of upcycled Parisian fashion brand Les Fleurs Studio, Maria Bernad, is a fan, reaching for it whenever she wants to feel bold, elevated, and maybe even Parisian. She specified to nss, “A perfect Chanel or Dior red lipstick, which I match with a YSL Touche Éclat highlighter or a beautifully scented Guerlain powder.” For Bernad, French luxury makeup are more than just beauty products, they are small indulgences that are a reflection of her multifaceted self. Though originally from Spain, her perspective as a transplant is essential. She has a lot of love for Paris and considers Paris home. Like many before her, she credits the city with shaping her views on beauty, style, and self-care. Reinforcing the idea that beauty is less about perfection and more about confidence, individuality, and an effortless sense of self, she explains: “The city has a way of making you appreciate the effortless, the refined, and the natural—without overcomplication. Parisian beauty is often described as ‘effortless,’ but in reality, it’s about intentional simplicity,” she explains. This philosophy is most reflected in her love for classic French pharmacy finds and her relaxed approach to aging. “I believe in taking care of myself, nourishing my skin, and embracing change rather than resisting it. Instead of focusing on looking younger, I prefer to focus on looking radiant and feeling good.” She finds inspiration in the enduring allure of French women like Charlotte Rampling and Carine Roitfeld, who exude confidence, sensuality, and presence that only deepen with age. “It’s less about trying to erase time and more about embracing it with grace, confidence, and authenticity. The focus is on self-care, good skincare, and effortless style.” 

Viki Lefevre, adopted from Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Paris since she was three months old, can’t imagine living and working anywhere else. Over time, she’s become a symbol of French style and beauty, embodying the effortless Parisian women are known for. Her unique approach to beauty (embracing imperfections, less-to-no makeup) even led Vogue to profile her in a feature on French beauty. “I prefer to focus on my inner health and invest in good, clean cosmetics to achieve naturally beautiful skin, rather than cover it up with makeup,” she says. While she follows a rigorous skincare routine—featuring Rudolph Care’s Gentle Cleansing Foam, Hydra Serum from Honey CPH, and sunscreens from Rudolph Care and Laboratoire de Biarritz during the day, and Dr Haushka’s Soothing Cleansing Milk and night serum at night—Viki also emphasizes the importance of overall wellness. She swears by Matcha Collagen food supplement from Combeau each morning, Mayumi Oda’s Carboxy Therapy two-hour treatmen as often as possible,, and is addicted to Pilates Reformer, attending Reformation Pilates three times a week. Recently, she also discovered made-to-measure Ayurveda massages from Juliette at Prana Paris. Along with her fitness routine, Viki practices intermittent fasting and makes sure to drink 1.5-2L of water a day. 

So, is what we know about French beauty real? Lefevre gives her two cents: "I think it's true. Compared to others, French girls are generally more natural." She adds that they don't do their hair much and prefer low-key makeup. Mazuel, as a Parisian and a makeup artist, believes that Parisian beauty is “always evolving, adapting, and constantly reinventing.” While each woman has her own unique routine and beauty preferences, a common thread is evident: More than just the "less is more" reputation, a shared love for classic red lips, and face massages, living in Paris has undoubtedly shaped their perception of beauty, just as the city’s ideas on beauty are shaped by the people who live in it. As Bernad puts it, "Beyond beauty, the rhythm of the city itself has influence—it’s the slower moments of a morning café, the way people take time to enjoy small pleasures, and the belief that beauty is as much about how you live as it is about how you look.."