(Beauty)

The New Wave Of French-Girl Beauty

GC Images

Make no mistake: French-girl everything is still having a major moment. With all eyes on couture week in the City of Light, a slew of fashion shows and parties have Paris aglow with girls and that je ne sais quoi the rest of us are so eager to achieve. Whether French natives or Americans in Paris, these ladies continue to perpetuate our obsession with the uncontrived, effortless cool synonymous with the culture’s beauty standard. Pin these looks to your #goals board STAT.

Clemence Poesy

Her perfectly undone wavy ’do would've been enough to crown this a winning look, but add to it a smudgy, bronze smoky eye and it is truly game over. Rub a bit of shimmering shadow across the top lid with your finger (precision is not important here) and underneath the lower lash line (use a brush for good measure) for a sultry, lived-in effect.

Photo: Getty Images

Caroline De Maigret

A beauty muse to many and a member of today's French cool-girl crew, Caroline demonstrates how to rock straight hair like only a Parisienne can. She famously swears by skipping conditioner to give her tresses the proper amount of texture and a sleek-yet-slightly tousled look. Copy her style by keeping your makeup simple and focusing on the eyes—she routinely sings the praises of several coats of mascara.

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Anja Rubik

Everything about Anja's latest look screams off-duty cool. From a thoughtfully undone topknot to glowing skin, she looks at once put-together yet natural—the perfect vibe for a summer evening on the town.

Photo: Getty Images

Aymeline Valade

French-girl beauty at its core revolves around one main thing: having great skin. Aymeline shows off the power of a perfect complexion, as the rest of her glam is quite minimal (as in, not a trace of eye shadow or lipstick). With her sleek locks tucked into the back of her turtleneck, she is the poster child for a perfect no-makeup makeup look.

Photo: Getty Images

Kendall Jenner

As far as the French are concerned, it's an either-or situation when it comes to a strong lip vs. a strong eye. Kendall goes the former route here, opting for a classic rouge pout that serves as a striking contrast between her crisp ensemble and dark hair. We're dubbing this look the "modern-day Snow White does Paris."

Photo: Getty Images

Lou Doillon

When your mother is Jane Birkin—aka the queen of effortless chic—it's only fitting that you would carry on her glamorous legacy. Such is the case with Lou, whose ombre waves and messy bangs are the epitome of an uncontrived (yet striking) approach to beauty. She singlehandedly makes a case for ditching your blow-dryer and false lashes in favor of a less-is-more aesthetic.

Photo: Getty Images