Just In Time For ‘Emily In Paris,’ 5 Experts On What French Beauty Means To Them (2024)

Netflix’s smash hit Emily In Paris is known for its head-turning outfits, the creations of costume designer Marilyn Fitoussi. Sky-high platforms, neon gingham and houndstooth gone wild are just a few of the over-the-top looks that Emily sports in season 3. But the show has also become just as popular for its beauty looks. When else does getting bangs count as a plot line? As the show has become controversial for its interpretation for French fashion, the same can be said about French beauty. That’s why we turned to five French beauty experts, who are all at the helm of French indie beauty brands, to share what French beauty means to them—and how Emily In Paris embodies French beauty.

Julie Perret, Brand Director of Embryolisse, on…

What French beauty means to her… “Healthy skin. My favorite place to buy French beauty is a French pharmacy. I am looking there for products with simple formulas and efficient active ingredients.”

The French beauty philosophy… “Simple and healthy. Healthy skin is naturally beautiful. French beauty, as French fashion, is about an effortless and natural look. Once the skin is properly cleansed, hydrated, protected and well-balanced, light makeup will enhance the natural glow of the skin. Voluptuous focus may be brought to the lips or the eyes, but rarely both.”

Her favorite French beauty tradition or treatment… “Evening cleansing with micellar water is a French must. Exfoliate and mask once or twice a week (I switch between hydration, anti-aging and purifying masks). Embryolisse Hydra Serum, and my favorite: a floral water (Eau de Beaute Rosamelis) morning and evening on clean skin, so refreshing with a delicious scent.

How Emily in Paris reflects French beauty… “The beauty of Paris for sure, and the delectable lifestyle: croissants, flower markets, fruit markets, hours talking in a cafe, strolling the streets without the need for shopping, just enjoying the beauty of the city. Taking it all in and embracing the joie de vivre that is so French and of course the love stories that are so French too.”

The product that best embodies French beauty…“Embryolisse Micellar Water for the effortless but deep and very gentle cleansing. And our famous Lait Crème Concentré: the best multi-function moisturizer, favorite of makeup artists but also dermatologists around the world: it says it all.”

Alexis de Brosses, President and Brand Ambassador, Talika, on…

What French beauty means to him… “A perfect combination of perfection and nonchalance, never forgetting life must be, free, smiling and generous. French beauty starts with a look in the eyes, then a smile.”

The French beauty philosophy… “Being beautiful for yourself is a simple art de vivre as well as being beautiful for others. Beauty is a vibration going from inside towards outside and not the reverse. It is the perfect alignment between your soul, mind and attitude.”

His favorite French beauty tradition or treatment… “Drinking champagne in your bath. Kissing the man or woman you love without any fear. The best beauty cream are the kisses of the person you love. This natural French glow is so known for [it] is a mix of a good moisturizer, love and joie de vivre.”

How Emily in Paris reflects French beauty… “Emily is all about love, creativity, friendship and achievement. The series shows how the freedom to be yourself, breaking your inner rules, makes everything possible and exciting. Freedom is the key DNA of French beauty.”

The product that best embodies French beauty…“Eyes are the language of our soul so eyes comes first; Talika Eyelash Lipocils Expert Ultimate Eyelash Growth Serum or Lipocils Mascara is definitely a must in a French purse. Then Guerlain lipstick. French and Parisian beauty is and will remain a reference in the world because France has always welcomed women and men from all over the word, people who are sharing the same values of freedom and generosity.”

Chloé Lamoureux Pony, US Business Director, Payot, on…

What French beauty means to her… “French beauty is holistic and puts the individual at the heart of their chosen beauty, as they really are and as they want to present themselves to others.”

The French beauty philosophy… “The experience allowed me to discover how the vision of beauty can vary from one country to another. Culturally, it is incredibly rich. In France, beauty is often associated with naturalness, something very easy, an effortless routine. Being yourself by highlighting or taking care of what you want, to sublimate with great subtlety. Moreover, I would say that skincare is culturally the first essential step in this idea of ​​beauty.”

Her favorite French beauty tradition or treatment… “Never going to bed without removing make up! Never!”

How Emily in Paris reflects French beauty… “The show is perfect at reflecting the elegance and fashion of Parisian women. There is also a very playful aspect that shows how French women are enjoying sensorial experiences, like a good croissant or coffee with friends. Taking its time and absorbing the beauty of Paris is relaxing and good for your well-being. The Camille character has probably the most of French beauty. In Season 3, she is much more self-confident and her looks reflects it. She has the perfect skin and her day looks shows its radiance. At night, she plays more with makeup like eyeshadows, eye liners and lipsticks like a Parisian woman.”

The product that best embodies French beauty… “The entire My Payot line, dedicated to radiance that brings an immediate healthy glow. And more specifically My Payot Super Énergisant Regard, a 2-in-1 radiance-revealing eye contour care. It is a French must-have, made from 96% ingredients of natural origin. A daily care you can use morning and evening, or even apply a thick layer as a sleeping mask and leave on overnight. A product that you can use according to the needs of your skin but also your mood. A beauty companion that adapts to your desires in perfect harmony with the French way of life.”

Christelle Clarac-Boutot, Director of Development for Le Domaine on…

What French beauty means to her… “French beauty is above all an attitude, a charm that people have and that differentiates them from others. It's also a certain élégance, an indefinable chic. Also, French beauty means a real beauty expertise for many years, with a strong knowledge of the best ingredients and products.”

The French beauty philosophy… “It's a subtle mix between high quality, strong requirement of efficiency and a certain elegance. The French beauty philosophy has been evolving over the past few years toward a strong desire for naturality and sustainability with the lowest impact on the environment, while keeping its promises of effectiveness.”

Her favorite French beauty tradition or treatment… “Like most French women, I inherited my mother's beauty rituals. From a young age, I loved watching her do her face and makeup. My favorite tradition that she taught me is to cleanse my face morning and night and moisturize it perfectly. And, naturally never go out without mascara, even for sports or shopping, and a light spray of perfume!”

How Emily in Paris reflects French beauty… “Emily in Paris is always very chic and elegant, in a natural way and without too much sophistication. She seems to enjoy it. She has a real personality and a lot of cheerfulness, which gives her a lot of charm.”

The product that best embodies French beauty… “Le Domaine The Cream could be the best embodiment of French beauty because it is an exceptional product. It combines a very high level of effectiveness proven by demanding clinical tests, a strong naturality (96%) with active compounds sourced in Provence, a real elegance, with its exclusive design and a high sensorial with its whipped cream texture and its addictive light scent made in Grasse in the south of France.”

Amal Amgaad, Director of Communications, YON-KA, on…

What French beauty means to her… “For me, French beauty begins with wellness, feeling mentally strong and healthy, taking care of your whole self. It is connected to eating clean and consuming pure. The everyday habits and rituals that support a strong mind and body generate a glow and life on which everything else rests. On that foundation, French beauty also takes on elements of effortlessness and minimalism. At a young age, I observed my mother in her own beauty ritual, with a focus on skin cleansing and hydration. I remember her taking me to the pharmacy to get my first moisturizer so that I could build my own routine. To this day, my sense of beauty is built on the goal of healthy skin.”

The French beauty philosophy… “French beauty is about living life, being in the world and with your family, and connecting with your friends rather than endlessly preparing for some show. Much is made of effortless chic and minimalism—it is true these are goals of French beauty, but not just because the aesthetic is pleasing, but because the priority is on health, individuality and expressing one’s true best. The goal is not to have perfect flawless skin of a specific look, but rather, through consistent rituals, to maintain healthiness with little need for enhancement, which then expresses itself in confidence for family, for work, for life. Natural products are regarded highly for this reason. On the other hand, French beauty is rooted in respect of mother earth. We love to use French products that are green, clean and genuinely give back to the planet!”

Her favorite French beauty tradition or treatment… “My approach to beauty is straightforward; I aim to look very natural. But it still requires some effort to achieve. My top priority is taking good care of my skin, which is not only good for looking my best, but for feeling my best. In this sense, French beauty is skin deep! From a young age, I was educated to look after my skin, focus on hydration, and opt for natural skincare where possible. French skincare is focused on healthy natural skin and that comes from proper hydration. Skin that is fully nourished is better protected to resist external factors and the signs of aging. In addition to a good skin regimen, I watch my diet (eating tons of fruits, mostly avoiding greasy foods, and limiting my meat intake). No matter how good or expensive your makeup or skincare is, your skin will show signs if you don't look after what you eat. Adding to this, I am a tea lover and will drink gallons of water throughout the day! This is key to getting glowing skin. And lastly, as a quick fix (as I am far from being a fan of surgery and more into enhancing what I already have), my mum has introduced me to some tricks and techniques to massage and exercise my face to keep the skin youthful!”

How Emily in Paris reflects French beauty… “When it comes to Emily in Paris, Camille is the genuine article, the representation of iconic French beauty with devil-may-care elegance that starts with healthy vitality. She perhaps wears some flourishes, but wears little makeup and the basis of her beauty is healthy glowing skin and energy. As a result, she looks great and authentic whether dressed down on vacation or at a dinner party.”

The product that best embodies French beauty… “While there is a focus on an appearance of effortless and minimalism, French women are very serious about their beauty products and their skincare routines. At the same time, simplicity and the adage of ‘less is more’ is held high. The key is to focus on self-care routines and rituals that work and are also straightforward enough to become consistent habits. For the French, it is natural to invest in quality over volume, and to invest in aging gracefully. Our velvety anti-aging creams, Time Resist Duo—a day/night ritual—helps to reverse time. It is infused with a youth-activating complex that helps skin defend against multiple signs of aging. The French have adopted micellar water as a gentler solution to tap water that helps clear away impurities without stripping the skin of its natural elements. Yon-Ka’s Eau Micellaire is a gentle cleanser and the most efficient makeup remover I have tried (even stubborn mascara will disappear with a simple swipe). We all invest in many serums or moisturizers, but a good cleanser is a base for healthy skin.”