Sans Makeup, S'il Vous Plaît (NYT)

[legaldiva]

I lived in Paris during college, and when the semester was ending I started looking for an au pair job. The homestay "mom" I lived with told me that when I went for interviews that I should wear less make up ... I was offended at first, but now I understand what she meant.

I think less make up is more confident and mature. I spend tons on Philosophy products, because I've learned that taking care of my skin is going to benefit me more in the long term than layering make up on my face everyday.

Great post & article!

 

[luvmelots1983]

Legaldiva, I'm so envious of you! You've lived my dream! I only wish I could've lived in Paris during college, and become an aupair. Lucky you.

And yes, I agree with your sentiments above. I spent a summer in Paris a few years ago and I was going through a stage where I thought the more makeup, the better. A couple of friends I made there made some comments along the lines of "ease up" though I was too thick skinned to heed their advice. Now I wish I had - I must've looked like a clown compared to everyone there. Anyhow, now I pay more attention to skin care; I still wear makeup - just less of it.

 

[Virginielle]

It saddens me to think of how much better off I'd be if I had embraced this philosophy earlier in life. And I'm only 21.

 

[BaroqueRockstar]

i like this. i usually don't wear makeup (or very very little). i always think i look like a wh*re if i put too much on...

 

[saturnine]

I always prefer the clean and natural skin and hair look, as opposed to heavily made up, and would rather spend money on perfecting my skin than covering it.

Judging by actresses alone I definitely would say French women are more natural and beautiful... they often look like they are wearing little to no makeup and are glowing and healthy.

 

[luvmelots1983]

^ I just like how French actresses wear so little makeup, and seem to embrace their imperfections; they're so comfortable in their own skin, which is quite unlike what you see in American films. Here, if you're perceived as having any imperfection, you fix it, or cover it with makeup to get a perfect look. Flawless is what we like to see here.
I'm amazed at the French women I see in movies (I cant really comment much about women on the streets) - for example, I was just watching the movie Cache with Juliette Binoche, who by American film standards, was looking slightly older and more haggard. Yet, instead of piling on the makeup, she wore VERY little; it just look so natural and like... HER. Not some young starlet. It was really nice and was the first time it really hit home how comfortable they seem to be with themselves.

 

[LUMANAcom]

I worked at Clarins in the USA and we had the least amount of sales compared to other companys that were selling mainly cosmetics, it is definately true that American women prefer cosmetics to skin care. I dont want to generalize but thats just from my own experience.

 

[miu_miu]

^That's an interesting perspective...

 

[Whitelinen]

I gave up make-up for good. I have been focusing on skin care for years, but now it is time to perfect it. The oddest reason is that I feel more confident and beautiful than with make-up.

 

[miu_miu]

^That makes sense though, good for you!
I guess my skin care is working very well, but I still like to put on a little makeup to accentuate...

 

[Whitelinen]

Thank you!

 

[modelbehavior228]

I gave up make-up for good. I have been focusing on skin care for years, but now it is time to perfect it. The oddest reason is that I feel more confident and beautiful than with make-up.

I wish I could be brave enough to do that. I would literally DIE before going out without makeup on. The other night, I had already showdered and so I had no makeup on; my dad asked me if I wanted to go to Costco with him. I slipped some clothes on and then put powder foundation and loose powder, mascara, brow gel, and lip balm on before I left. I didn't have time for concealer . I know it sounds vain, but it is more like low self esteem and the whole "I can't go out w/o my face on and everyone see how ugly I am" and stuff, you know?

Still, kudos to being that smart to give up makeup. Karma for you

 

[Whitelinen]

Thanks, and I understand you I used to feel the same. The change begins, as the cliché says, from the inside, not the outside. When you learn that you are the most precious and beautiful person of your life and others can piss off with their opinions about what you should be, you see yourself in different light. It's not easy to arrive in such place where you feel better and trust yourself, and I have not completed my journey to it, but trust me it can happen if you work for it. When you realise it you will feel amazing ... I can't describe the feeling. And you will feel so beautiful and powerful afterwards I hope you'll find what you are looking for.

Still, if I am not addicted to make-up I can always get addicted to skin care Oops, I am already...

 

[miu_miu]

WhiteLinen - maybe you could share your routine?

 

[modelbehavior228]

^Yeah! Share! Share! Share!

 

[miu_miu]

Here would be a good place to post it, if you don't mind

 

[kissablekae]

i think Laetitia Casta is a great example of a French woman that wears very little makeup and still looks amazing! its very refreshing to see celebrities wearing only makeup that they "need" as in just mascara to define the eyes but not anything that is overly heavy or opaque.

Getty Images

 

[luvmelots1983]

Yes, but Laetitia Casta is ridiculously beautiful - of course she doesnt need to cover anything with makeup. She's a supermodel after all

 

[Whitelinen]

Most of the models seem to have a bad skin, if you see pictures of them without make-up. It is possible to have a good skin --- people just stress to much and think they should have 100 different creams, peels and moisturizers.

 

[miu_miu]

^I think models are a good example of how too many products can ruin your skin! Getting ready for shoots and shows requires a lot of products and that builds up - factor in tiredness, travelling etc, it's not really a surprise their skin isn't really as good as it seems