How To Get The Perfect French Red Lip Makeup Look

Here’s your ultimate guide for the perfect French red lips makeup look. You probably have a mental image of the French girl: tousled locks, flawless skin with makeup that is natural, simple but always French chic, and a bold red lip.

It is not easy to look effortless in France. Red lipstick is a great way to add instant style to any outfit. But it can be difficult to pull off. As a French woman, I have gathered the necessary information to help you recreate this classic French red lip makeup look wherever you are.

How to prepare lips

You should exfoliate the lips first before applying lipstick. You can either use a face or lip scrub (I like Sisley France Gentle Facial Buffing Cream and Dior Prestige Rose Sugar Scrub) or an old toothbrush. You can start by using a lip exfoliant to give your lips a smooth and hydrated surface. This will also help prolong the life of your lipstick.

Apply a lip balm to your lips after exfoliating them. You can also use a lip primer. Lip balm will help to keep lips smooth and prevent bleeding from the red lipstick.

If you want to have hydration but without the heavy texture, I recommend using a balm that is not too emollient. Apply several layers of lip salve and allow it to sit for a few minutes before applying red lips. I love Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm by Terry Baume de Rose and Hermes lip care balm.

How to apply lipstick in the French way

Then, with your fingertips, spread the color all over your lips. With your fingertips, spread the color over your entire lip. You just need to give it a little caress. You can then intensify the colour by tapping the lip gloss on your lips.

The French use their fingers (or an eyeshadow fluff brush) to soften color for a daytime appearance. They do not add more color. It’s important to add a bit of color without going too far.

You can make the look more dramatic by intensifying the color. Apply several layers of lipstick, then smear your lips with a tissue. This is the best way to make your lipstick last throughout the night.

Red lipsticks that you can’t live without

• Rouge Hermes Satin lip gloss – Rouge Casaque
• Sisley Paris Phyto Rouge Shine – Sheer Chili
• Guerlain Rouge G – No. Guerlain Rouge G – No.
• Chanel Rouge Allure 99 Pirate
• La Bouche Rouge – Selfservice Satin

What to wear with red lipstick

French women can wear intense shades of red lipstick because their makeup is natural. It’s important to strike the right balance between natural and glam.

Choose a foundation that has light coverage, or choose a tinted moisturizer. This will give your skin extra moisture while still allowing some of the freckles, redness, and imperfections to show through. I recommend the Sisley PhytoTeint Nude.

Apply a tiny amount of concealer (I like Le Correcteur de Chanel) sparingly on problem areas. This includes under the eye, but you can also use it anywhere else for pigmentations or blemishes. Then, add a touch of blush (my favorite right now is the Sisley L’Orchidee Blush Coral), brow gel, and mascara to complete your look.

What is the deal with nails?

French women usually match their lips and nails. You don’t need to use the same shade of lip color as your nail color. You can choose a deeper or lighter shade of red for your nails. Chanel Le Vernis, in the shades Pirate and Rouge Puissant, is my absolute favorite red nail polish.