Sans Makeup, S'il Vous Plaît (NYT)

[Blondes]

What shiny, glittery stuff?

Her eyes and lips.

Also the even, matt brown colour all over her face looks like some serious stage makeup.

If this is an example of a news presenter wearing little makeup, then I can't imagine what the american ones look like.

I'd prefer someone with a bit of blush and a bit of lipcolour, so that you can see that they are wearing makeup, rather than a full face of heavy foundation och brownish hues which seems to be considered a "natural" look.

 

[Katarina]

^which brown colour all over her face?,she got a tan,and u can see that brown clour of tanning all over her body (arms...),it's not brown of makeup.

Sure,she's wearing some eyeshadows and lipgloss,but still it's very few comparing to American TV presenters.

 

[AD073018]

My mother is Danish and she always taught me that what goes into your mouth most significantly influences your looks. Drinking lots of water, eating fresh seasonal friuts and vegetables, and enjoying a little (but only a little!) fat and oil in my diet is what I believe has given me clear, even, firm skin, bright eyes, and a healthy flush. I also have a very simple skin care system: mild soap, a little sugar as a mild exfoliant, witch hazel as an astringent, and an aloe moisturizing gel. My mother wears very little, if any, makeup and I have followed that habit as well. It's not that we don't care about our looks, we certainly do care, and that is why we'd rather avoid applying cosmetics which can clog pores and lead to irritation. I find that special attention to diet and skin care are typically European attitudes and that frequent use of cosmetics is a more North American habit.

 

[luvmelots1983]

^which brown colour all over her face?,she got a tan,and u can see that brown clour of tanning all over her body (arms...),it's not brown of makeup.

Sure,she's wearing some eyeshadows and lipgloss,but still it's very few comparing to American TV presenters.

I completely agree! I don't think she's wearing heavy foundation at all- I think it's a tan. There's definitely a little powder on her face, which on top of the tan, might give the impression of foundation?

 

[luvmelots1983]

My mother is Danish and she always taught me that what goes into your mouth most significantly influences your looks. Drinking lots of water, eating fresh seasonal friuts and vegetables, and enjoying a little (but only a little!) fat and oil in my diet is what I believe has given me clear, even, firm skin, bright eyes, and a healthy flush. I also have a very simple skin care system: mild soap, a little sugar as a mild exfoliant, witch hazel as an astringent, and an aloe moisturizing gel. My mother wears very little, if any, makeup and I have followed that habit as well. It's not that we don't care about our looks, we certainly do care, and that is why we'd rather avoid applying cosmetics which can clog pores and lead to irritation. I find that special attention to diet and skin care are typically European attitudes and that frequent use of cosmetics is a more North American habit.[/quote]

I completely agree. However, sometimes there are cases in which, no matter what you do/eat, your skin just doesnt respond. I cant get away with putting nothing on my face- even though my skin is much better now, I have scars from my teenage years. And believe me, I take great care of my skin, I go to a facialist regularly, and I use extremely good products on my face. It's just life (and unfair!), I guess. I wish I could have a skin care ritual as simple as yours, bass.face- you're very blessed!

 

[uber carmen]

I just saw Catherine Deneuve in Belle du Jour and she looks utterly amazing! But the funny thing is, she seems quite made up. Of course, its hard to notice because its been done tastefully, with no garish colors etc. But Deneuve is definitely wearing quite a lot of eye-makeup and skin products to get that tanned, brown, flawless look. I guess when the French proclaim that they "do not wear makeup", what they really mean is that they DO, but in such an understated way that no-one ever notices. Its all about "bon gout", doing things in good taste, never over-doing it. Subtlety and knowing what suits one's complexion is probably the key. I'm part Asian and French, and my French mother is FOREVER harping on about the importance of knowing what suits one and making everything seem EFFORTLESS even when it so clearly isn't.
The epitome of French chic where less is so much more:

 

[luvmelots1983]

^ I think you nailed it. I do think that the French overall take much better care of their skin and bodies than their American counterparts, so they dont wear the makeup as much to cover their flaws or make it look like they have features they dont have - they wear makeup more to emphasize a couple of features, and it's so tastefully done that they look like they're wearing much less than they are. You're lucky to have a French mother, uber carmen - you get lots of wonderful advice!

 

[Luxx]

^ I agree that when make up is tastefully done one doesn't notice it at all. I think this is one of the things that differs in the US. Makeup here can be more about creating "a look" as opposed to flattering your features. If the look at the moment is bright shadow or dark lips or silver liner people just jump on it instead of thinking about what is best for them. I also think people are not really taught how to use makeup properly which adds to the problem. People assume that its an easy thing and either they a) do it wrong or b) get frustrated when they find out that it isn't quite so easy and give up as a result. I don't think French women use less in terms of make up but I do feel they have learned how best to emphasize their features while creating a very natural look. Laura Mercier's entire line is based on that principle IMO. Flawless but natural.

Mastering the natural look is hard though. I know I've personally had many trial and error moments with it. Some people look great with the full on no makeup look, I feel I look better (and a whole lot less tired ) with a little something extra.

Skincare is also a huge deal. Most of America is very behind on the idea of skincare.

 

[Virginielle]

During my month in Paris this summer, I could not believe how beautiful everyone's skin was. I believe that the way they eat over there is much more condusive to amazing skin than in America (by a long shot). Also, I found the pharmacies in Paris to be almost completely skincare oriented. It was terrific.

I love the look of au natural makeup, but agree that the key to getting the look is great skin. People won't notice how lovely it is that you're not wearing makeup if you've got acne, etc.

 

[miu_miu]

^ French pharmacies...I could spend so much money there. Even mid-price range skin care is a really serious business in France...

 

[luvmelots1983]

I read somewhere that from a really young age, French girls are taught the importance of skin care- and how to wear makeup that suits them. So, they grow up with this knowledge being almost innate.

 

[kellyisazebra]

LOL, I wish people here would never wear make up... I find it a lot prettier actually.. just more natural.

 

[luvmelots1983]

Well, maybe just a tiny bit of makeup I'd look ridiculous without ANY at all.

 

[cric-croc]

well, I do love the natural look - no makeup...shame about my stressed skin, so back goes the foundation on...

 

[quimby]

i remember when i visited paris for the first time some years ago, i was amazed by the beautiful skin on the women and girls i saw there. the emphasis was on clear, healthy skin without a lot of makeup. maybe it made a big impression on me, because i still don't wear makeup, even though i'm about ten years older now and in the workforce.

as others have mentioned, having good skin is necessary to pull off this look. necessary, but also sufficient. luminous, translucent skin is pretty enough.

 

[luvmelots1983]

That's my goal - getting skin so perfect that I need no tinted moisturizer, foundation, etc.

My only worry is that I'm so used to wearing makeup, having worn it since high school, that I wont know how to feel comfortable without even a little coverup. I just look so different with absolutely nothing on my face. I'm not sureI like it!

 

[modelbehavior228]

ugh more american hating. honestly, why not just talk about how the french do their makeup and leave out how ALL AMERICAN WOMAN AND TEENS LOOK LIKE THEY WALK THE STREETS AND 'VULGAIRE' AND GAUCHE. get a grip. we're always hailing the french as the chicest of the chic and beauty godesses, but I found they looked disheveled and even unhygenic.
i get so so sick of this.

 

[quimby]

That's my goal - getting skin so perfect that I need no tinted moisturizer, foundation, etc.

My only worry is that I'm so used to wearing makeup, having worn it since high school, that I wont know how to feel comfortable without even a little coverup. I just look so different with absolutely nothing on my face. I'm not sureI like it!

Yea, I know what you mean. once you get used to it, you feel naked without makeup on.

But I think we're usually more self-conscious and critical of our flaws than others are. I had thought I had such bad skin, until my guy friend said that he had always thought that I wore makeup every day.

 

[luvmelots1983]

^this is true. Everyone's always telling me I have good/great skin, but I always take that with a pinch of salt. I figured they were just being nice when I was going on my rampages and having my tantrums regarding my skin

 

[luvmelots1983]

I've asked this question before on other threads, but seeing as this focuses specifically on French skin care and makeup techniques, I was wondering if any of you have heard of the Sothy's skin care line? It's based in Paris, I believe, and I've been recommended to use it, but was hoping someone could give me a review about it before I started using it. Thanks!