Want The Parisian Glow? This Is The Makeup Brand French Women Actually Use
If you’ve ever wondered how Parisian girls always get that glow, without foundation, then here’s the big reveal. Enter VIOLETTE_FR, the beauty line by French makeup-artist-turned-brand-founder Violette Serrat, designed to deliver that effortless, ‘I woke up like this’ radiance. Founded in 2021 and now making waves in the UK, the brand swaps heavy glam for smart enhancement. Here’s the lowdown…
Why it’s the French brand everyone’s talking about
At its core, VIOLETTE_FR is built on three very French principles: skin comes first, beauty should enhance, not hide, and a little chic never hurts. The formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and housed in sleek packaging that whispers luxury. It has an intimate, carefully curated feel, like it’s a secret find that you only share with your sister or bestie.
The must-have products, according to our Beauty Editor
How French girls actually get their glow
Rather than layering ten products, French beauty is about smart minimalism. Violette’s philosophy?
Enhance your traits, don’t erase them.
Violette’s real-world rulebook also says:
• Skin first: spray, moisturise, let texture show through.
• One standout: maybe a blush or a bold lip, not everything at once.
• Effortless chic: a hint of colour, a good brow, the illusion of easy, natural makeup.
Other French brands worth a peek
If, like the entire Handbook staff, you’re in full French-girl beauty mode, here are a few more products to add to your hit-list:
My all-time favourite body wash, and only €3 in any supermarket (I stock up every time I’m in France). It smells incredible and leaves your skin ridiculously soft and hydrated especially for such a cheap product. Lait de Vanille is my go-to, but the Lavender Honey is heavenly if you can find it… I’ve never managed to track it down in London!
Caitlin, Senior Campaign Success Manager
I love the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum – it instantly makes my skin feel firmer and smoother. As someone in my early 30s who doesn’t use retinol, this one feels like a great substitute.
Andrea, Contributing Food, Culture & Lifestyle Editor
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume has saved my skin from a multitude of situations throughout my life: getting sunburnt, preventing scarring, restoring my skin barrier, helping with really dry and parched hands in winter, etc. It is a “does it all” product and a staple I never go without.
Nicole, Senior Graphic Designer
Less of an ‘essential’, given its higher price point, but definitely one I’ve been enjoying trying lately is La Mer’s The Rejuvenating Night Cream – it’s super gentle and soothing on the skin after a long wintery day.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O is the micellar water that melts my makeup off fast. It’s the backstage, bedside-table, every-bag essential; gentle, foolproof, and forever the French gold standard.
Tamara, Contributing Beauty Editor
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
