Photo by © Antoni Shkraba Studio | Pexels
There’s something quietly assured about French women in summer. While everyone else is fanning their necks and regretting their makeup choices, they seem untouched by the heat. Skin stays hydrated, never shiny; hair falls loosely but remains neat and nourished; and handbags stay small — packed only with the essentials.
The secret behind their competence come rain or shine? Careful editing. French women know what they’ll need, and prepare for it in the simplest way possible. Clever handbag essentials play a part, of course — multi-tasking mists, sticks and balms are staples — but the real groundwork is often laid at home.
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Summer beauty routines are stripped back but thought through. It’s not about layering endless products, but choosing a few reliable ones that actually work and are easy to apply and maintain. Daily SPF is a given, a nourishing oil is smoothed through the ends of the hair, a soft lip tint — they focus on hydrating, protecting, softening — so by the time the heat sets in, they’re already ready.
Here’s what we’ve observed, borrowed and tested: the multitasking beauty staples that make it all look so effortless.
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A Refreshing Face Mist
A French summer handbag is rarely without a mineral water mist. Spritzed on the face or décolleté, these affordable mists are beloved for their ability to deliver instant cool and calm—even while navigating a crowded shopping street or braving the métro in August.
We particularly like Caudalie’s Grape Water Mist, an organic formula rich in minerals, potassium and moisturizing polysaccharides. Use it at home to set makeup or reduce redness as part of your morning routine; on the go, it’s perfect for a post-activity refresh, a mid-flight hydration boost, or even a quick clean-up after a sticky market lunch. Its travel-sized format slips easily into even the smallest straw basket, and the formula’s prebiotic powers help strengthen the skin barrier, making it as functional as it is refreshing.
A Subtle Self-Tanner
While the French still enjoy the sun, attitudes around sun exposure are shifting. More and more, women are opting for safer ways to achieve that natural, sun-kissed look— without the dryness or skin damage. Instead of hours spent tanning, the new approach relies on skincare-infused self-tanners, tinted face oils and natural supplements like beta carotene. These gradually build a subtle glow that’s never orange, and blend easily into daily routines.
Our trusted favorite is Typology’s Natural Tan Duo, a clever two-step system which includes a DHA-based self-tanning serum and a botanical radiance-boosting oil with buriti and beta carotene. Add a few drops into your moisturiser or serum for a soft golden hue that makes your skin look healthier (and your white linen pop).
A Handy Sun Stick
Sunscreen is an essential part of any beauty routine, and in summer you’ll often find French women carrying a compact sun stick in their handbags at all times. Unlike traditional creams or sprays, these formulas are quick to apply, even over makeup. They won’t spill in your bag and can also double up as highlighter, lip or cuticle balm, or can even be used to slick back stray hairs in an emergency.
Look for sun sticks with transparent consistencies, like Caudalie’s grape seed and buriti oil infused Invisible High Protection Stick. The finish is sheer, glowy and not at all greasy.
A Hydrating Lipstick
Keeping summer makeup to a minimum, French women favor tinted balms at this time of year. They provide just enough colour to lift the face, without the commitment of a bold red. Hydrating and easy to use, there’s no need for a mirror or liner. One swipe is all that’s needed before heading out the door — plus the odd touch-up during the day.
One of our favorite’s is Bisou Jelly by Violette FR, a balm-meets-lipstick with a jelly-like outer layer and pigment-rich core. The shade Pomme d’Amour, a glossy candy-apple red, was inspired by childhood market treats and delivers that perfect “just-bitten” lip. The formula melts into the lips, adding shine without stickiness — like skincare, with a little extra polish.
A Summer Hair Treatment
Just like skin, your hair suffers in the sun. And yet you rarely see a French women with crispy strands. Though we typically load on rich hair-masks in winter, the French treat their locks with the same level of care in summer. To prevent frizz or faded hair, they are keen users of protective oils and SPF infused hair serums, and apply them religiously, just like they would for their face.
A new cult favorite that’s perfect for adding sheen in the morning or applying to post-pool hair, is La Bonne’s Brosse’s Cair Sun Protection Oil. Packed with Karanja, argan, almond, camellia and Vitamin E oil, the lightweight formula shields hair from UV, pollution and dehydration, adding shine while reduces breakage, even in coloured hair. The compact 50ml bottle is also easily slipped into a beach bag, and the subtle floral smell lingers nicely into the afternoon.
A Portable Perfume
For feeling fresh in the heat, deodorant handles the heavy lifting. However, for a soft veil of scent throughout the day, French women often reach for solid perfumes. These richly scented balms offer a discreet, portable alternative to traditional perfume sprays — perfect for touching up on wrists, neck, or décolleté as you head from métro to apéro. Small yet stylish, they are incredibly portable, and there’s no risk of a shattered bottle in your bag.
Housed in a sleek refillable case, this wax-based version by Diptyque is our summer go to. The iconic chypre rose fragrance is beautiful and doesn’t overpower in the heat. Plus, the metal carry case feels delightfully old-school — like a powder compact for your scent.
Some Soothing Aftersun
Finally, even the most careful among us can forget to reapply SPF. A cooling aftersun is a staple in French households. These products repair and nourish stressed skin, and also help to prolong that holiday glow.
For saving face (and shoulders) after a little too much sunshine, we recommend Davine’s lightweight yet deeply restorative formula. It calms redness and rehydrates parched skin without the sticky feel of classic aloe gels. Its creamy texture feels more luxurious than a pharmacy buy, and leaves a faint citrusy scent.
Written by Madeleine Piggott
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