For (and from) the girl who doesn’t really wear makeup.
Skin
I’ve never really been a foundation person. I’m much more of a skin tint girl, partly because I’m lazy, partly because I just prefer seeing skin, even when it’s not perfect. I love products that multitask, which is why Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is always in my rotation. I use shade ST8 Shela. It gives just nice healthy coverage, but most importantly has SPF 30, and genuinely feels like skincare.
If I’m looking a little more tired and need a bit of a pick-me-up, I’ll reach for the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick. I wear 2N in winter and 2.5N in summer so it never looks too perfect. I never apply it straight onto my skin, I usually mix a little on the back of my hand with a milky toner. In winter I love Rhode’s Glazing Milk, but in summer it’s a little too rich for my acne-prone skin, so I use something lighter like Celimax’s barrier toner.
I also use the Dior stick as concealer from time to time because, in true French-girl fashion, I don’t mind a little darkness under the eyes. It makes me look alive. Ask me again in a few years.
Another forever favourite is Glossier Stretch Concealer. It’s been around for years, but every makeup artist still seems to carry one. I’ve probably been using it for a decade.
I don’t particularly love foundation. I do, however, love blush.
Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush is probably my most-used. Mine is the Warm pink, a rosy brown shade.
In a slightly nostalgic mood but also , there’s Benefit Benetint. Yes, the packaging is still wonderfully tacky, but the product remains brilliant. Tiny enough to fit anywhere, impossible to overdo, and equally pretty on cheeks and lips. Victoria Beckham’s Colour Wash in Flushed gives a similar watercolour effect if you’re after a more luxurious version.
Speaking of Victoria Beckham (clearly I’m a bit obsessed), her new Blush Stylus is probably the most practical blush I’ve carried in a while. The shade Fiore bright pink just-pinched flush and the pencily format is perfect for touch-ups throughout the day.
Finally, needless to say Rhode’s Pocket Blush in Tan Line is the perfect warm, melty sun-kissed flush. The shade sits somewhere between blush and bronzer, which is exactly where I like it in summer. One product, two jobs, my favourite kind of makeup.
Bronzer
I’m fairly loyal here. Hermès Plein Air H Trio in Sahara has been living in my makeup bag for years. If I want something a little fresher and glowier, not powdery finish, I recently tried (and love) Refy’s Water Bronzer, very sheer, like water. It seems to have disappeared from every shelf in the country, but in simliar fashion, I’ve heard very good things about SimiHaze Beauty’s Skin Suede Melting Bronze Balm.
I almost forgot what might actually be my favourite!!! Chanel Les Beiges Eau de Teint, I wear shade Medium plus. It’s expensive, but one of the few products I consistently repurchase. On a good skin day, this is all I’ll wear. I’d actually recommend going one shade deeper than you think, you can get away with it because it’s so sheer, and it gives the nicest healthy warmth.
As for tools, I’m still very much a less-is-more person. I only own two brushes: Victoria Beckham’s Buffer Brush No. 12 and Powder Brush No. 15, and I use them for almost everything. The wooden handles are beautiful and the brush quality is exceptional. Exactly the kind of object I like having around : pretty and useful.
Brows
I almost always carry a clear brow gel. I genuinely believe that after a certain age, brows that droop ever so slightly can make the whole face look more tired.
Victoria Beckham’s FeatherFix Brow Gel is my favourite, but L’Oréal’s Infallible Brow Lamination Mascara bought on Amazon does a surprisingly good job for a fraction of the price.
If I’m feeling particularly motivated, I’ll fill a few sparse areas with Victoria Beckham’s BabyBlade. It’s the only brow pencil I’ve found that doesn’t immediately make me look like I’ve… drawn on my eyebrows.
Eyes
I wear very little eye makeup, especially in summer. Mascara is usually enough.
My lashes are naturally very blonde, so I usually tint them before going on holiday. Sadly I didn’t have time this year, so I packed the most natural mascara I know: Trait d’Hermès in brown (shade is called Brun Bistre). I always prefer brown to black, especially in summer.
In winter, though, I become mildly obsessed with their red terracotta shade “Rouge-H”. It sounds strange, especially with blue eyes, but trust me, it somehow makes them look even bluer.
If I want a little more definition on the lid without venturing into eyeshadow territory, I’ll usually reach for Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal in Bronze (yes… again). I smudge it with my finger so it melts into the lash line rather than looking like eyeliner. Most days, though, I simply run a little bronzer, or my Westman Atelier contour stick in Biscuit, on the lid. It’s almost imperceptible, which is exactly the point.
I’ve never really liked myself in obvious makeup.
One last little trick I shamelessly stole from TikTok (yes, yes… this old lady is on TikTok): Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Boy dabbed across the eyelids. It’s the perfect balmy taupe and somehow makes you look more awake without looking like you’re wearing eyeshadow.
Lips
Same philosophy here: I never want lips to look too “present”. I also have quite a big mouth, so restraint generally works in my favour. I just like a hydrating balm with the slightest hint of colour to make me look a little more alive.
My all-time favourite was Hermès Rouge Brillant in Beige Croisette. It has sadly been discontinued. Hermès, if you’re listening… please bring it back!
In the meantime, Victoria Beckham’s Posh Balm is permanently in my handbag. Cannelle is my everyday shade, while Cassis gives a slightly moodier, berry-stained lip without ever feeling heavy.
I’ve also stolen (permanently, I think) my friend Jeanne’s lip balms from Les Filles en Rouje. I usually mix BB and Chéri.
Fragrance
I don’t think I’ve ever been complimented more on a perfume than when I wear Diptyque Orphéon. It’s woody and powdery yet incredibly soft.
In summer, I also love Frédéric Malle’s Musc Ravageur Hair & Body Mist. It’s a lighter, airier interpretation of the original Eau de Parfum that I wear usually, with the same musky warmth but without feeling overwhelming in the heat. Divine.
Clqssique, August ‘26.