French women are forever at the center of the fashion and beauty world, whether you're looking to embrace their effortlessly chic style or want to hit a French pharmacy to stock up on skincare.
While there's no denying the French have influenced many trends, there is still a strong difference in how makeup is used there compared to in the U.S. – something that content creator Trisha Estopinan noticed after moving to Paris.
The 32-year-old, from Orlando, Florida, took to Instagram to share the main changes she'd made since moving to the French capital, demonstrating by having half her face U.S.-style and the other half in her updated routine.
In the viral Instagram post, which has gained over 219,000 views, Estopinan shares a simple three-step base routine, skipping out popular steps like contour, blush and bronzer as she embraces a more natural look.
Speaking to Newsweek, Estopinan, who first moved to Paris in 2020 for two years, and chose to return in January of 2023, shared: "I used to wear a lot more makeup when I first moved here and most of the local women had a more natural 'less is more' look, so I've toned down my makeup and have been enjoying it!"
She began by applying a skin tint as her base with a light coverage and slight shine, where in the U.S. she'd reach for a fuller coverage foundation.
The next step was to use a concealer to brighten under the eyes and help hide any dark circles, before finishing the skin with glow drops to create a dewy complexion.
To finish, she adds a mascara to lengthen the lashes and a lip oil for a hydrating flush of color, revealing the most striking difference between the two: a lack of eye makeup.
A common theme to the products she picked up for the French-inspired look was the inclusion of skincare elements, with ingredients like vitamin C, caffeine and aloe vera present.
Speaking on the differences in the video, she said: "I still think both look good, but my skin now feels like it can breathe. I used to wear a lot more foundation and bronzer in the U.S. And I just stopped doing that here."
Beyond beauty, Estopinan also gave insight to the differences between the two countries when it comes to clothing, telling Newsweek how she thinks: "French fashion sticks with more classic and timeless pieces of clothing and Americans are following the latest fashion trends more – you'll see so many more neutral outfits in France."
What Do the Comments Say?
One user shared her own journey to French-style makeup, saying: "My French husband HATED how much foundation I used to wear. To be honest, he was right. When I started wearing less exactly what you said my skin could breathe. I got fewer breakouts and it's downright easier to not have to put so much makeup on!"
Another thought the French side gave Estopinan a more youthful look: "Love the Paris look! Young women with beautiful skin who wear a lot of heavy coverage make themselves look older. Celebrate youthful skin while you have it!"
One user, while a fan of the natural skin, felt something was missing to finish off the look: "I like the less facial products on the face in France, but I feel like they don't do any eye makeup. I like the look of shadow, eyeliner, and mascara."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Lollie is Newsweek's Beauty and Self Care Reporter based in London, U.K. In her role, she covers a range of ... Read more
