Inside the French girl skincare and beauty routine

In a world dominated by ever-shifting micro-trends on social media, one timeless beauty ideal endures: the effortlessly chic French girl look. This aesthetic conjures images of a woman with tousled hair, minimal makeup, a bold red lip, and a sun-kissed glow—a highly coveted style that continues to captivate both social media and popular culture alike.

To understand what makes the French girl beauty routine so distinctive, we spoke to several leading experts. From the core principles behind the look to how it can be recreated, we explore why this classic style remains so enduring.

Mathilde Thomas, founder of French clean beauty brand Caudalie, believes the appeal lies in more than just appearance. The French girl aesthetic, she explains, is a way of life. “In France, we enjoy the finer things: delicious food, breathtaking surroundings and culture at every corner. You’re constantly immersed in beauty and elegance, and I think that’s why the French girl looks like a fantasy for so many.”

Although the look appears simple, it takes care and intention. French women are known for embracing a natural, pared-back approach, placing skincare and skin health ahead of heavy makeup. Beauty is seen as something to enhance, not hide.

Skin First Approach 

“In the U.S. where I’ve lived, makeup often takes centre stage, with a strong focus on using colour products to conceal imperfections. In France, skincare comes first,” says Mathilde, who is also the author of The French Beauty Solution: Time-Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out, a book rooted in the beauty wisdom she absorbed growing up in Bordeaux. “From a young age, French children are taken to dermatologists for targeted treatments for concerns like acne or dark spots. Skincare is deeply woven into our culture and often passed down from mother to daughter.”

Marjorie Robert-Espaze, chief brand officer at L’Occitane, echoes this sentiment. “French consumers are highly discerning in their skincare choices. They look for products that deliver both immediate and long-term efficacy, but also value sensorial pleasure and eco-responsibility.”

This pursuit of efficacy and pleasure is echoed by Anting Deng, head of business development at Filorga. Founded in Paris by Dr Michel Tordjman, Filorga is known for harnessing the techniques used in aesthetic medicine in its skincare. Its patented New Cellular Encapsulated Factors (NCEF) technology slowly releases active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, amino acids, vitamins, co-enzymes, minerals, and antioxidants deep into the skin.

According to Anting, this commitment to skin health explains why potent actives are commonly found in French formulas. Natural extracts also play a central role. One example is the Orpheus flower, used in Filorga’s NCEF-Revitalize Cream, prized for its rejuvenating benefits and ability to repair damaged tissue.

In contrast to the more elaborate, multi-step routines popular in places like South Korea, French skincare is grounded in a ‘less is more’ philosophy. The focus lies in using only what the skin truly needs—products that are purposeful, effective, and tailored to individual concerns. This minimalist yet results-driven approach is central to brands like Caudalie, which prides itself on simple yet clean, science-backed formulations.

“We create products with a clear purpose—always to solve a real skin concern,” says Mathilde. “Before launching anything, we ensure it delivers meaningful results, whether it’s to address dark spots, wrinkles, or blemishes. Every formula is carefully developed to be both potent and gentle, so it genuinely improves skin over time.”

The Routine 

According to a spokesperson from French luxury beauty brand Guerlain, a typical French skincare routine focuses on balance, hydration, and long-term skin health, with makeup removal and gentle cleansing as its foundation. “Even after a night out, removing makeup is non-negotiable for maintaining healthy skin,” the spokesperson explains. Cleansing is done without soap, and the face is gently patted dry with a soft linen cloth. Daily moisturising and serum application are considered essential to nourish and protect the skin.

The French approach to beauty is holistic, extending beyond the face to include care for the body, scalp, and hair. “A French routine begins in the shower and nurtures the entire body — from face, scalp, and hair to hands — blending effective formulas with sensorial pleasure,” says Marjorie. “It emphasises proper cleansing, hydration, and massage to support healthy, glowing skin. Scalp care is viewed as key to maintaining ideal hair quality, while the hands benefit from rich nourishment, especially when massaged before bedtime,” she adds.

Mindful rituals also play an important role. “Gentle facial massages are often used to stimulate circulation and enhance product absorption,” notes Anting.

These rituals and mindfulness reflect a deeper philosophy that sets the French routine apart. “The best-kept secret is that beauty doesn’t just come from our skincare routines. Beauty also comes from simple things — observing nature, meditation, sport, meals with loved ones — all the precious moments that influence our well-being,” observes Marjorie.

Pharmacy Run 

While luxury skincare plays a role, much of the French girl’s routine is built on accessible, high-quality products found at local pharmacies. These no-fuss essentials are beloved for their efficacy, gentleness, and simplicity.

Whether you’re dealing with sensitive skin, dehydration, or a dull complexion, there’s likely a French pharmacy product that addresses it without overwhelming your routine. The best part? Many of these cult favourites are readily available in Singapore at leading pharmacies and beauty retailers, making it easy to incorporate that je ne sais quoi into your everyday routine.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water

Credit: Bioderma

1/5

This micellar water has earned its cult status for good reason. Gentle yet effective, it is perfect for those with sensitive or reactive skin, whisking away eye makeup and impurities in a single swipe, with no rinsing required. The formula is also fortified with fatty acid esters, which mimic the skin’s natural lipids, helping to strengthen the skin barrier and calm any signs of inflammation.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

Credit: Embryolisse

2/5

Packed with essential fatty acids, shea butter, and aloe vera, this moisturiser deeply hydrates while helping to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Additionally, this hardworking formula doubles as a makeup primer, creating a smooth, dewy surface that allows your base to glide on easily. According to the brand, the glow-boosting salve can also be used as a face mask and post-shaving care to soothe the skin.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with with Oat & Ceramide

Credit: Klorane

3/5

Klorane’s iconic dry shampoo is now formulated with plant-based ceramides to strengthen the scalp while absorbing excess sebum and refreshing your strands. It also blends into the hair seamlessly, without leaving any white residue behind.

NUXE Huiles Prodigieuses Multi-purpose Dry Oil

Credit: Nuxe

4/5

A true French beauty staple, this iconic multi-purpose dry oil is a go-to for nourishing the face, body, hair, and even cuticles. This potent formula marries a blend of seven botanical oils (such as hazelnut, argan, camellia, macadamia, and sweet almond) with vitamin E to hydrate and soften.