Beauty

Get Ready To Let The Sun Shine On Your Face With The “French Riviera Face” Makeup Trend

While Paris remains a top destination for those enamored by all things French, the sun-soaked French Riviera has become a popular spot for fashionistas looking to get inspired by the locals' approach to beauty.

By Simone Sydel3 min read
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Instagram/@danessa_myricks

Inspired by a combination of Sofia Richie's wedding, the luxury of the Cannes Film Festival, and the “old money” fever taking over social media, the "French Riviera Face" is the newest makeup look to try this summer.

Involving the right amount of natural and polished elements as well as a tasteful tribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the Côte d'Azur with subtle yet colorful details, the beauty trend is all about creating an effortlessly chic look that radiates health and youthfulness and is perfect for those sun-filled days at the beach or exploring the villages of the Mediterranean coast.

We're here to give you the scoop on how to recreate this trendy makeup look from top to bottom. So, pull out your makeup bag, and let's get started!

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Fresh Face

A popular summer vacation spot, the French Riviera is a region that gushes with a youthful energy that can be felt in the warm air. To mimic this atmosphere and avoid looking overdone while exploring everything the area has to offer, start your look with a fresh face focusing on achieving a dewy, glowing complexion.

This means using a light foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone or just a little bit of concealer to cover any redness or blemishes you don't want to be noticed in your perfectly curated Instagram carousel. This will lay a perfect base for the rest of your makeup and help you look natural and effortlessly beautiful, like a proper French girlie.

Product To Try: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation, $48

Sun-Kissed Glow

The French Riviera is known for its sunny climate, so a makeup trend inspired by this region will undoubtedly emphasize a radiant, bronzed look. This means the next step in your French Riviera makeup look should be a liquid or cream bronzer that will blend into your skin, illuminate your features, and make you look like you've spent a few days basking in the sun.

To further accentuate the sun-kissed glow, don't be afraid to experiment with warm-toned blush, such as a beautiful coral or peachy shade, that will add even more color and radiance to your look.

Product To Try: Iconic London Sheer Bronze Liquid Bronzer, $27

Groomed Eyebrows

Fluffy, natural-looking eyebrows have been the biggest trend of recent years, to the point where we almost forgot about the perfectly groomed brows of old. In this makeup look, however, it’s time to say goodbye to unruly arches and welcome back the sophisticated look of beautifully shaped brows that will frame your face and bring the glamorous look together.

To achieve this effect without looking too harsh or unnatural, use a spoolie brush and some clear gel to groom your eyebrows into the desired shape. To fill in any sparse areas, use a thin, precise pencil in one shade lighter than your natural brows, as this will give them a beautiful shape and fullness without making them look painted on.

Product to Try: NYX Clear Eyebrow Gel, $7

Nautical Vibes

The French Riviera is closely associated with yachting and sailing, so a subtle nod to the lifestyle can be found in the “French Riviera Face” trend in the form of blue hues like navy, turquoise, or aquamarine eyeshadow, mascara, or eyeliner that will represent the sparkling sea.

These delicate touches will bring out your eyes and evoke a vibe that's perfect for a day spent sailing on the Mediterranean, exploring the local markets around town, or enjoying a Riviera Spritz by the seaside.

Product To Try: Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palette, $65

Pop of Color

To capture the French Riviera's vibrant atmosphere, incorporate the fiery sunset colors into your makeup look. This can be done by playing around with lip colors, such as bright coral, red, or pink shades that will make your lips stand out beautifully when contrasted against the bronzed, sun-kissed skin and blue eyes.

On the other hand, if bold colors are not really your cup of tea, you can never go wrong by coating your lips in a generous layer of a similarly-colored lip balm or oil that will soften and nourish the delicate skin while adding a subtle hint of color to your look to perfectly reflect the lively spirit of the Riviera!

Product To Try: ROSE INC Longwearing Matte Liquid Lipstick with Squalane, $28

Closing Thoughts

Flawless skin, bronzed complexion, and subtle enhancements like sparkly blue eyeshadows, along with bolder pops of color like coral and pink lips, are the elements beautifully reflected in the makeup trend influenced by the iconic location.

So gather your makeup bag and manifest a European vacation through the French Riviera-inspired makeup look we guarantee will spin heads everywhere you go!

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