Achieve a laidback approach to lips and cheeks with the latest makeup collection from NARS
Among many beauty trends that have withstood the test of time, the pared-down approach of French-girl beauty has been a go-to for many, as seen through many videos and photos across social media platforms. A signature of the popular makeup look is the use of subtle and classic shades to create a natural, soft look.
Popular figures who embody the chic décontracté (laid back) aesthetic are the late Jane Birkin and her daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg, and actress Lily Rose Depp. This easygoing style is what French makeup brand NARS pays tribute to with the launch of the Afterglow collection, a lip and blush collection with a hybrid formula for a refreshing and weightless appearance.
Here are some tips from the French beauty brand to achieve the coveted look:
Choose your lip shade
A signature look synonymous with French-girl makeup is red lipstick, a swipe of which works to instantly brighten the face, making the mouth the focal point of the look. Choose a lip product that is lustrous and creamy, after all: “Lips should feel as incredible as they look,” says François Nars, founder and creative director of NARS.
The Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick has three shades in red: Voltage, Idolized, and Turned On. For a pared-down look, apply a volumizing or lengthening mascara on your lashes to add subtle definition to your eyes. For a more day-to-day look, go for the softer, pinker shades.
The NARS Afterglow lip range is a hybrid product that combines color and care. The 10-shade collection has a blend of antioxidants to protect the lips with NARS’ Monoï Hydrating Complex technology. It also contains mango butter and shea butter to hydrate and give a fuller pout for up to eight hours.
Apply a hint of blush
A flushed look is also key to the French-girl aesthetic. It adds to that laissez-faire style, with a dusting rose-tinted blush. Apply the product based on your preference: whether you’re looking to soften a look or add definition to one’s profile.
The Afterglow Liquid Blush is a lightweight and transfer-resistant creamy cheek color infused with hydrating properties thanks to ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate, vegan collagen, and vitamin E, and a buildable formula with a luminous finish.
Beyond a makeup trend, French-girl beauty showcases simplicity by using a delicate touch and classic shades that result in a natural, softly polished look. It’s about maintaining a balance and sticking to a wisely chosen palette that complements the wearer’s natural beauty.
To learn more about NARS Cosmetics, follow them on Instagram.