The Lineup is a monthly series where we’re giving you an inside peek at the beauty lineups of cool fashion people, editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, and estheticians—all the people we trust the most. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at all the can’t-live-without products that make their worlds go ’round.
The allure of French beauty is undeniable. A signature red lip, tousled tresses, and flawless-looking skin are the quintessential elements of French beauty, and I need to know: How do these women make everything look so effortless? To uncover this enigma, I turned to Julianne Fraser, the founder of cool-girl marketing agency Dialogue New York. She’s been jet-setting between Paris and New York City for several years, so she knows a thing or two about what sets the French apart. Spoiler: They prioritize quality and craftsmanship above all else. “From sourcing the highest-quality cooking ingredients to the upkeep of their wardrobes, this dedication is not lost in beauty,” she says. “It’s a cliché, but I can attest that the French truly do luxury better.”
But don’t get it twisted: The French also do drugstore beauty better. “I flew back and forth between New York and Paris every six weeks, and my skin became dull and extremely dehydrated,” Fraser says. “Now I can’t travel without specific skincare products from brands like Bioderma, Nuxe, and Avène.” Fraser insists these brands always revive her jet-lagged skin. Keep scrolling to shop more of her French beauty essentials.
“This is my go-to makeup remover. I have it in travel and full sizes in every location I live. It’s the only product I’ve tried that fully removes my makeup without drying or damaging my skin.”
“This matte lipstick in ‘rouge casaque’ is a holy-grail item for me. After years of hardly wearing any makeup—and certainly not red lipstick—throughout COVID, I splurged on this perfect red lip. My favorite ways to wear it are without makeup on a hot summer night or when I need a boost of confidence heading into a business meeting.”
“I learned to always moisten my skin before applying cream so that it fully absorbs, and this spray is perfect to keep in my vanity kit for daily use and travel.”
“I first learned about this night cream from the French women in my husband’s family, and I think it’s truly France’s best-kept beauty secret. It’s magical. Unable to keep a secret myself, I’ve now turned upwards of 10 friends and family members on to the product, so it really speaks for itself.”
“I purchased this lip balm the first time I visited France with my now husband over 10 years ago and have never used another lip balm since. I pick it up at the pharmacy every single time I’m in Paris. it’s truly the best of the best.”
“I have dark circles under my eyes and searched tirelessly over the years for a product to help brighten and smooth. I came across this eye cream and have been using it religiously ever since. I also love the brand’s face masks.”
“This sun-tanning oil is another favorite of mine. It has SPF 30, the most incredible smell, and gives me a golden, protected hue during the summertime. Buying a new bottle marks the start of summer in France for me.”
“This is my favorite hand soap. I discovered it as a guest at a summer party in the South of France years ago and bought it for our Brooklyn apartment to offer my guests the same delightful surprise when I host. It’s my daily dose of luxury.”
“This brand was started in Paris by my good friend Gabriela Salord and her creative partner, Nuria Val. Not only is the packaging beautiful, but the products are plant-based, clean, and without additives. Beyond that, they truly work and have changed my beauty game. This body oil is a must-have on my vanity, and I buy a surplus for my summer travels to ensure I never run out. It smells incredible, melts into my skin, and has a non-greasy finish.”
“I love finding French beauty brands that are rooted in history and craftsmanship. I recently discovered this Mexican Tuberose shower oil, which arrives in a beautifully designed container with an elegant metal lid. It’s like nothing I’ve ever smelled before and feels so luxurious to use daily.”
“I recently tried this cleansing balm and was blown away. The fragrance is so unique and delicious, and there’s nothing artificial. It leaves my skin feeling clean and moisturized. I use it before my serum, eye, and face cream at night.”
“I live by this solid shampoo and have for several years. I have fine hair that can lack volume and turn oily easily, but this shampoo adds incredible bounce and shine to my hair. It also has organic and natural ingredients and is easy to travel with in its metal travel tin.”
“My beauty regimen expands beyond what I put on my face and hair and includes the scents that surround me daily. One of my favorite home beauty products is this diffuser. My favorite scent, ‘spirituelle,’ is diffused across a bed of lava rocks and fills my home with the most elegant and subtle smell. I’m complimented on it just about every time a guest arrives.”
