Netflix’s smash hit Emily In Paris has captured global attention not just for its captivating storyline but also for its eye-catching fashion. The talented costume designer Marilyn Fitoussi has created an array of striking outfits, featuring everything from towering platform shoes to vibrant neon gingham and exuberant houndstooth patterns, particularly in the highly anticipated season 3. Yet, the show’s allure extends beyond mere fashion; it has sparked conversations about beauty trends as well. Who knew that the decision to get bangs could be such a pivotal plot point? The representation of French beauty in the series has stirred debate, prompting us to consult five esteemed French beauty experts, each leading their own independent beauty brands, to understand their perspectives on what French beauty truly embodies and how Emily In Paris reflects this ethos.

Insights from Julie Perret, Brand Director of Embryolisse on Embracing French Beauty

Understanding French beauty through her lens… “To me, French beauty signifies healthy skin. My go-to destination for indulging in French beauty products is undoubtedly a local French pharmacy, where I seek out items formulated with straightforward, efficient active ingredients that deliver results without unnecessary complexity.”

The core philosophy of French beauty… “It revolves around simplicity and health. A natural, radiant complexion is inherently beautiful. Just like French fashion, French beauty celebrates an effortless aesthetic. Once the skin is well-cleansed, hydrated, and balanced, a light touch of makeup can enhance its natural luminosity. You might choose to accentuate either the lips or the eyes, but rarely both, maintaining that quintessential French elegance.”

Her favorite tradition in French beauty… “Incorporating evening cleansing with micellar water is an absolute necessity in French skincare routines. I recommend exfoliating and masking one to two times a week, alternating between hydration, anti-aging, and purifying masks. My essentials include Embryolisse Hydra Serum and, my absolute favorite, a floral water called Eau de Beaute Rosamelis, which I apply morning and evening on freshly cleaned skin; it’s both refreshing and wonderfully fragrant.”

How Emily in Paris encapsulates the essence of French beauty… “The show beautifully showcases the allure of Paris and its lifestyle—think leisurely mornings with croissants, vibrant flower and fruit markets, and long conversations at cafes. It’s about savoring the exquisite beauty of the city, embracing the joie de vivre that is distinctly French, along with the romance that permeates the culture.”

The quintessential product that embodies French beauty… “Without a doubt, Embryolisse Micellar Water stands out for its gentle yet effective cleansing properties. Additionally, our renowned Lait Crème Concentré serves as the ultimate multi-functional moisturizer, beloved by both makeup artists and dermatologists worldwide, perfectly embodying the essence of French beauty.”

Perspectives from Alexis de Brosses, President and Brand Ambassador of Talika on the French Beauty Experience

His interpretation of French beauty… “To me, French beauty represents a perfect blend of sophistication and casual charm, emphasizing that life should be lived freely, joyfully, and generously. It begins with the sparkle in the eyes and a genuine smile.”

The philosophy behind French beauty… “Being beautiful for oneself is an art de vivre, as well as for others. It’s about the vibrational connection that comes from within and radiates outward, embodying the harmonious balance of soul, mind, and attitude.”

His cherished French beauty tradition… “Indulging in champagne during a bath is a delightful ritual. Sharing affectionate kisses with loved ones without inhibition is equally vital. The essence of that renowned French glow is a combination of effective moisturizers, love, and the joie de vivre.”

How Emily in Paris mirrors French beauty… “Emily exemplifies themes of love, creativity, friendship, and personal achievement. The series illustrates how embracing your individuality and breaking free from self-imposed rules can lead to exhilarating possibilities. Freedom is the essence of what French beauty stands for.”

The product that epitomizes French beauty… “Our eyes communicate our innermost feelings, making eye care fundamental; hence, Talika Eyelash Lipocils Expert Ultimate Eyelash Growth Serum or Lipocils Mascara are must-haves in any French handbag. Following that, a Guerlain lipstick is essential. French and Parisian beauty continue to set benchmarks globally, as France has historically embraced individuals from diverse backgrounds who share values of freedom and generosity.”

Chloé Lamoureux Pony, US Business Director of Payot on Defining French Beauty

Her view of French beauty… “To me, French beauty is an all-encompassing experience that centers around the individual’s unique vision of beauty—how they perceive themselves and wish to present to the world.”

The philosophy of French beauty… “My experiences have taught me that perceptions of beauty can greatly differ across cultures, each rich in its own history. In France, beauty often connotes naturalness and an effortless routine. It’s about celebrating individuality by caring for oneself in subtle ways. Additionally, I believe that skincare is the essential first step in achieving this vision of beauty.”

Her favorite tradition in French beauty… “One cardinal rule is to never go to bed without removing makeup! It’s a non-negotiable for me!”

How Emily in Paris exemplifies French beauty… “The series captures the elegance and style of Parisian women exquisitely. It also highlights the playful side of French beauty, showcasing how French women relish sensory experiences, whether it’s savoring a delicious croissant or enjoying a coffee with friends. Taking time to appreciate the beauty of Paris is both relaxing and beneficial for well-being. The character Camille embodies French beauty impeccably. In season 3, she showcases newfound confidence reflected in her radiant skin and daytime looks, while at night, she experiments with bold makeup as any Parisian woman would.”

The product that captures the essence of French beauty… “The entire My Payot line is dedicated to enhancing radiance and delivering an immediate healthy glow. Particularly, My Payot Super Énergisant Regard offers a dual-purpose eye contour treatment designed to reveal luminosity. This product is a French essential, composed of 96% natural ingredients. It can be seamlessly incorporated into morning and evening routines or applied thickly as a sleeping mask for overnight rejuvenation. It adapts beautifully to your skin’s needs and your mood, making it a perfect ally in line with the French lifestyle.

Expert Insights from Christelle Clarac-Boutot, Director of Development for Le Domaine on the Essence of French Beauty

Her understanding of French beauty… “French beauty embodies an attitude, a unique charm that sets individuals apart. It also implies a certain élégance and an indefinable chic quality. Furthermore, it reflects years of genuine expertise in beauty, showcasing profound knowledge about the finest ingredients and products.”

The philosophy of French beauty… “It represents a delicate balance of high quality, stringent efficacy, and elegance. Over recent years, the philosophy has evolved towards a strong commitment to naturality and sustainability, aiming for minimal environmental impact while maintaining effectiveness.”

Her cherished beauty tradition… “Like many French women, I inherited my mother’s beauty practices. From a young age, I found joy in watching her perform her skincare and makeup rituals. A cherished lesson from her is to cleanse my face thoroughly both morning and night and to ensure it’s perfectly moisturized. Naturally, I never leave the house without mascara, even for casual outings or workouts, along with a spritz of light perfume!”

How Emily in Paris illustrates French beauty… “The series consistently portrays chic and elegance in an accessible manner, devoid of excessive sophistication. Emily embraces her personality with cheerful exuberance, which adds to her charm.”

The product that signifies French beauty… “Le Domaine The Cream encapsulates the essence of French beauty, as it is an extraordinary product. It combines exceptional effectiveness, proven through rigorous clinical testing, with a high level of naturality (96%) and active ingredients sourced from Provence. Its exclusive design radiates elegance, while its whipped cream texture and delightful fragrance crafted in Grasse, France, enhance its sensory appeal.”

Insights from Amal Amgaad, Director of Communications at YON-KA on the Foundations of French Beauty

Her perspective on French beauty… “For me, French beauty commences with wellness—feeling mentally robust and healthy, while nurturing your holistic self. It’s intertwined with the practice of consuming clean, pure foods. The daily habits and rituals that support a sound mind and body foster a vibrant glow that underpins everything else. On this foundation, French beauty also embraces elements of simplicity and minimalism.”

The philosophy of French beauty… “It’s about living life fully, connecting with family and friends rather than merely preparing for a superficial display. While effortless chic and minimalism are indeed aims of French beauty, they stem from a focus on health, individuality, and authentic self-expression. The goal isn’t to achieve flawless skin according to a specific standard, but to maintain healthiness through consistent rituals, resulting in confidence that permeates family, work, and life. Natural products are highly valued for this reason, and there is a deep respect for our planet within the realm of French beauty. We favor using green, clean products that genuinely contribute to environmental well-being.”

Her favorite tradition in French beauty… “My beauty approach is refreshingly simple; I prioritize a natural appearance. However, achieving this look requires consistent effort. My primary focus is on caring for my skin, not just to look my best but to feel my best. In this regard, French beauty is fundamentally about skin health! I was raised to prioritize skin care, emphasizing hydration and favoring natural skincare products. A well-nourished complexion is better equipped to withstand external factors and signs of aging. Alongside a robust skincare routine, I remain mindful of my diet, enjoying plenty of fruits, minimizing greasy foods, and limiting meat consumption. Regardless of how high-quality your makeup or skincare may be, neglecting your diet will inevitably show on your skin. Additionally, as a tea enthusiast, I ensure to drink copious amounts of water throughout the day—this is essential for achieving that coveted glow. Lastly, I utilize techniques passed down from my mother to gently massage and exercise my face to maintain youthful skin.”

How Emily in Paris represents French beauty… “In Emily in Paris, Camille truly embodies iconic French beauty, exuding effortless elegance that stems from her vibrant health. While she may adorn herself with subtle embellishments, her minimal makeup approach emphasizes her naturally glowing skin and vitality. Consequently, she looks effortlessly stunning, whether she’s casually dressed on vacation or elegantly attired for a dinner soirée.”

The product that exemplifies French beauty… “While the emphasis is on a seemingly effortless and minimalist approach, French women take their beauty products and skincare routines very seriously. However, simplicity reigns supreme, and the philosophy of ‘less is more’ holds significant weight. The key lies in cultivating self-care rituals that are both effective and straightforward enough to become habitual. For the French, investing in quality over quantity is second nature, focusing on gracefully aging. Our luxurious anti-aging creams, Time Resist Duo, offer a day/night regimen designed to turn back the clock. Infused with a youth-activating complex, they help combat multiple signs of aging. The French have embraced micellar water as a gentle alternative to regular tap water, effectively removing impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Yon-Ka’s Eau Micellaire is a gentle yet powerful cleanser and the most effective makeup remover I’ve encountered, effortlessly dissolving even stubborn mascara with a simple swipe. While we often invest in multiple serums or moisturizers, a good cleanser forms the foundation for maintaining healthy skin.”