Contouring out, highlighting in: The new guide to French girl make-up

When it comes to French allure, New York-based author Clémence von Mueffling knows a thing or two. Growing up in Paris learning beauty secrets from her mother, Lorraine Bolloré, and her grandmother, Régine Debrise, who were both editors at French Vogue, Mueffling is a great believer in facial massage.

The Rabanne runway displayed a fresh face with a peachy eyeshadow and lip.Credit: Getty Images

“I massage my face two or three times a week,” she says. “People underestimate the power of massage. I believe that it tones the skin, improves circulation, activates the production of collagen and minimises lines. And best of all, it’s free!” She adds that she avoids harsh treatments. “I have learned to treat my skin like my favourite silk blouse.” Try Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser ($134).

For make-up, it’s all about highlighter and a definite “no” to contouring. Luminisers are the
weapon of choice as they catch the light on cheeks, the tip of the nose and the cupids bow. Try Eye of Horus Luminous Highlighter ($42).

Rather than full-face foundation coverage, try spot-treating with concealer and a brush. The trick is to apply concealer to areas that need balancing out, such as around the nose or on the chin when overly red, and for a well-blended, under-eye booster.

So what beauty trends came from Paris Fashion Week? Lips were bold in reds or deep burgundy, while eyes were smoky. For summer we love Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in cinnamon ($57). Whack it on, then smudge with your finger.

For a more extreme make-up take, Marni had eyeshadow applied like paint swatches or dainty metallic leaves, while lips were full-on glitter. At Rabanne, the face was fresh and the eyeshadow a subtle peachy shade that matched the lips.

As for hair the French way, pull back on the overuse of hair dryers. Summer is a great time to give this a go. For a great no-blow dry finish, try Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow It ($55), then run your fingers through your hair. For those with a French-girl fringe, dry your fringe minimally and then follow suit, leaving mid-lengths and ends to air dry.

Hair is undone but not too undone. For fringe junkies, there are so many incarnations: brow-skimming (trim regularly in salon, not at home), curtain fringe, tousled, poker straight and choppy. Justine Soranzo (@justinesoranzo) is one of our “it” fringe girls; in fact, her whole head is inspirational. Bows are also making a comeback; our favourite adopter is Marielle Haon (@mariellehaon) who rocks a half-up, half-down look secured with a ribbon. For the French gamine cut, look no further than Coco Baudelle (@cocobaudelle).

Ask Steph

How often should I trim my hair when trying to grow it longer?
Colourist Damien Rayner says, “Every 18 weeks, you will want to have a decent cut with your stylist. Every six weeks have a ‘ghost cut’, where just the frazzled ends are trimmed minimally to help seal them.” Try Davines Keratin Sealer ($51) to help keep the ends in check.

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