Hey there, picture this: It’s a drizzly morning in Paris, and I’m rushing through the Marais with my coffee in hand, bangs slightly askew, a swipe of red lipstick that’s already half-smudged from the croissant I scarfed down. That’s me—half-French by marriage, full-time beauty junkie—trying to nail that elusive French-girl vibe. I’ve spent years chasing it, from poring over Vogue spreads to stalking Violette Serrat’s Instagram like it’s my job. Violette, the makeup wizard behind Guerlain and her own line Violette_FR, gets it right every time. Her approach? Effortless, joyful, and unapologetically you. No 10-step routines or contouring marathons here—just seven simple steps that turn “I woke up like this” into “I chose to glow like this.” If you’re tired of overdone looks that scream “trying too hard,” stick with me. We’ll dive into her secrets, sprinkle in some real-talk stories from my own mishaps (spoiler: I once looked like a raccoon from bad smoky eyes), and get you that chic, lived-in radiance. Ready to embrace your inner Parisienne?
Who Is Violette, and Why Should You Care About Her Beauty Secrets?
Violette Serrat isn’t just a name in the beauty world—she’s the heartbeat of modern French glamour. Born in France and now splitting time between Brooklyn and Paris, this self-taught makeup artist rose from doing looks for indie shoots to creative director at Guerlain, then launched Violette_FR in 2021 as a love letter to joyful, no-fuss beauty. Her philosophy? Makeup should feel like an extension of your mood, not a mask. Think vegan formulas, art-inspired packaging, and products that blend with your fingers because, as she says, “To look effortless, you have to be effortless.”
I’ve followed her since her YouTube days, where she’d demo red lips while chatting about life like an old friend. It’s that warmth that hooked me—especially after a disastrous date where my full glam melted into clown territory. Violette’s steps remind us: French-girl chic is about enhancing what Mother Nature gave you, with a dash of fun. No wonder her brand sold out in hours; it’s not hype, it’s heart.
Drawing from her interviews (like that gem in Vogue where she debunked the “no contour” myth), Violette’s routine prioritizes skin health, minimal tools, and bold accents that pop without overpowering. It’s for busy mornings when you want to feel put-together but not polished to death. If you’re nodding along, great—her seven steps are about to change your mirror game.
Step 1: Start with Glowing Skin – The Non-Negotiable Base
Before a single brush touches your face, Violette insists on skin that looks like it just had a spa day. French women skip heavy foundations for radiant, prepped canvas—think dewy, not matte. Her go-to? A simple cleanse, hydrate, and protect routine that lets your natural glow shine.
This step sets the tone for everything else; without it, even the best red lip falls flat. Violette’s Boum-Boum Milk spray (a three-in-one toner-serum-moisturizer) is her hero, misted on post-shower for instant plumpness. I tried it last summer in Provence—my jet-lagged skin went from dull to lit in seconds, like I’d slept 12 hours instead of four.
Pro tip: Layer SPF like it’s your favorite scarf. Violette swears by La Roche-Posay for that invisible shield.
Why Hydration Beats Perfection Every Time
Dry skin? It’s the enemy of chic. Violette’s trick: Fermented birch sap in her formulas draws in moisture without greasiness, mimicking that post-rain Paris glow.
I once skipped moisturizer before a beach wedding—disaster. Flaky cheeks under blush? Never again. Her step reminds us: Healthy skin is the makeup.
Step 2: Skip the Contour, Embrace the Light
Contouring? Violette laughs it off—French women bring light to the face, not shadow. Use creamy highlighters on cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow for that “I just laughed at a good joke” lift.
This keeps things fresh and forgiving, especially on no-makeup days. Her Tendre Floutter pressed powder sets without caking, blurring pores like a soft-focus filter.
Remember my first trip to Paris? I contoured like an Instagram pro—ended up looking like a bronze statue in the Louvre. Violette’s way? Subtle sheen that says “effortless,” not “extra.”
Highlighter Hacks for Instant Radiance
Dab, don’t sweep—Violette blends with fingers for a lived-in vibe. Pair with her Satin Glaze for a pearlescent pop that lasts through dinner.
It’s emotional, too: That glow-up moment? Pure confidence boost, like slipping into your favorite jeans.
Step 3: Brows That Whisper, Not Shout
Forget over-plucked arches; Violette grooms brows to frame the face softly. Brush up with a tinted gel for natural fullness—no pencils needed unless you’re filling sparse spots.
This step grounds the look, making eyes pop without drama. Her Yeux Paint in neutral shades doubles as a brow definer, smudged on for subtle definition.
My brows were a bushy mess post-quarantine—Violette’s minimalism saved me. A quick comb-through, and suddenly I looked awake, not arched for battle.
Tools You’ll Actually Use Daily
- Spoolie brush: For fluffing without fuss.
- Clear gel: Holds shape, adds shine.
Humor alert: Overdone brows? You end up looking perpetually surprised. Violette keeps it real—soft and sisterly.
Step 4: Fresh Cheeks with a Flush of Color
Blush is Violette’s love language—a marbled cream stick swirled on apples for that wind-kissed flush. No powders here; creams melt into skin for authenticity.
Her Bisou Blush in shades like “Louise” (soft rose) builds from sheer to bold, perfect for transitioning day to night.
I wore it to a café date in New York—got compliments on my “healthy glow,” not the makeup. It’s that sneaky chic: Looks like joy, feels like a hug.
Pros and Cons of Cream vs. Powder Blush
| Aspect | Cream Blush (Violette’s Pick) | Powder Blush |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Fingers for blendable ease | Brush for precision |
| Longevity | 6-8 hours, dewy finish | 10+ hours, matte hold |
| Skin Feel | Lightweight, natural | Can dry out combo skin |
| Best For | Quick, effortless routines | Oily skin or formal looks |
Cream wins for French-girl speed—pros outweigh cons if you’re chasing vibe over vinyl.
Step 5: Messy Smoky Eyes Done Right
Violette’s smoky eye? Creamy, finger-blended, and imperfect—like you rubbed yesterday’s liner awake. Use her Yeux Paint pots in “Bain de Jetée” (smoky taupe) for depth without fallout.
This adds sultry edge without the tutorial struggle. Smudge along the lash line, blend out—no brushes, promise.
My failed attempts always looked like I lost a fight with charcoal. Violette’s finger method? Transformed it into “I meant to do that.” Emotional win: Eyes that tell stories, not screams.
Building the Look Layer by Layer
Start light, build dark—Violette layers for dimension, finishing with mascara for flutter.
It’s playful: One swipe for coffee runs, three for date night. Who knew imperfection could feel so powerful?
Step 6: Lashes That Flutter, Not Fan Out
Mascara is Violette’s eye secret—volumizing without clumps, curled first for that wide-eyed innocence. Her go-to? A tubing formula that lifts and separates.
Skip falsies; French girls curl and coat for natural allure. Pair with her Bain Fétichiste conditioner for overnight growth.
I curled mine religiously after a bad breakup—sudden lift, sudden mood shift. It’s subtle therapy in a tube.
Best Mascaras for the French Flair
- Tubing (Violette’s Rec): Waterproof, easy removal.
- Wand Shape: Curved for lift without poking.
Pros: Effortless lift. Cons: Reapplication mid-day if you’re a crier (guilty).
Step 7: The Red Lip – Your Chic Signature
End with Violette’s pièce de résistance: A bold red lip, blotted and blurred for that “just kissed” pout. Her Petal Bouche Matte in “Poupée” (true red) glides on velvet-smooth.
Wear it solo or with minimal base—it’s the accessory that ties it all. Blend edges with a Q-tip for softness.
That time I rocked it to a job interview? Felt unstoppable, like Catherine Deneuve in heels. It’s not vanity; it’s armor.
Shades for Every Mood
| Mood | Shade Recommendation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Day | Soft berry | Subtle pop, versatile |
| Bold Evening | Classic crimson | Statement without scream |
| Everyday Neutral | Nude rose | Effortless enhancement |
Red lips? Pros: Instant confidence. Cons: Eats your sandwich—worth it.
Comparison: Violette’s Routine vs. American Glow-Up
| Element | Violette’s French Chic | Typical American Routine |
|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 10-15 mins, finger-focused | 30+ mins, tools galore |
| Focus | Enhance natural features | Sculpt and define |
| Key Product | Multi-use creams | Layered powders/liquids |
| Mindset | Joyful, mood-driven | Perfection-oriented |
Violette’s wins for speed and soul—less stress, more strut. I switched post-vacation; my mornings feel lighter, my mirror happier.
Pros & Cons of Adopting French-Girl Chic
Pros:
- Time-Saver: Seven steps mean coffee with your routine.
- Versatile: Scales from desk to dinner seamlessly.
- Boosts Confidence: That “me but better” vibe? Addictive.
- Skin-Friendly: Minimal layers = happier pores.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: Finger-blending takes practice (my first smoky? Abstract art).
- Bold Choices: Red lips intimidate—start sheer.
- Product Investment: Violette_FR pieces aren’t cheap, but they last.
- Weather Woes: Dewy looks melt in humidity (hello, blotting papers).
Overall? The pros glow brighter—pun intended.
People Also Ask: Real Questions from the Search Trenches
Based on what folks are Googling right now (hello, 2025 curiosity spike), here are answers straight from Violette’s world—optimized for those “aha” moments.
What is French girl makeup?
It’s not a trend; it’s a mindset. Violette describes it as enhancing your features with minimal, joyful touches—like a red lip or dewy skin—that celebrate who you are. No heavy coverage; think glowy base, flushed cheeks, and lived-in eyes. For inspo, check Violette’s Vogue breakdown.
How to get the French girl look on a budget?
Start with drugstore dupes: NYX cream blush mimics Bisou, and e.l.f. gel liner nails the smoky. Focus on skincare first—Bioderma micellar water for €10 cleans like a dream. Violette’s tip: Invest in one hero piece, like a versatile red from Sephora’s French section.
Where to buy Violette FR products?
Snag them at violettefr.com for exclusives, or Sephora for in-store swatches (U.S./Canada). International? Check Cult Beauty. Pro: Free shipping over $50; con: Sells out fast—sign up for alerts.
Best tools for French girl makeup?
Fingers first (Violette’s rule), then a lash curler and Q-tips for blurring. For transactional wins, grab the Tweezerman curler on Amazon—under $20, lasts forever.
Why no contour in French beauty?
Violette calls it “scary”—it alters your face’s natural sculpture. Instead, highlight for light play. It’s freeing: My round cheeks thank her for ditching the bronzer chisel.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Can I do Violette’s steps if I have oily skin?
A: Absolutely—opt for matte finishes like her Petal Bouche. Blot pre-blush, and her powders keep shine in check without drying you out. I’ve got combo skin; it transformed my T-zone from oil slick to subtle sheen.
Q: How long does the full routine take for beginners?
A: 10 minutes tops once you practice. Start with skin and lips; add eyes as confidence grows. It’s forgiving—smudges become “style.”
Q: What’s the one Violette product I need to start?
A: Boum-Boum Milk. It’s skincare-makeup hybrid magic—hydrates and preps in one spritz. $45 at Sephora, and it multitasks like a pro.
Q: Does this work for mature skin over 40?
A: Oui! Violette’s creams plump without settling into lines. Focus on hydration; skip heavy mascara. French icons like Jane Birkin prove age is just a number—chic is timeless.
Q: How to maintain the look all day?
A: Touch up lips with a compact mirror; mist face for dew. Carry blotting sheets for sweat. Evening? Re-smudge eyes for that “dinner-ready” sultriness.
There you have it—Violette’s blueprint to French-girl chic, wrapped in stories, laughs, and that warm fuzz of possibility. I’ve woven these steps into my life, and honestly? Mornings feel less like chores, more like mini-adventures. You deserve that joie de vivre too. Grab a red lip, spritz some glow, and step out like the chic force you are. What’s your first step? Drop it in the comments—let’s chat Paris dreams.
