I’ve always had a slight fascination with French Girl Beauty, but it has turned into a complete obsession lately. Perhaps because it’s the antithesis of the Instagram makeup that we see so much of now. It’s remained classic, fresh, modern and always beautiful. There is a timeless quality to it that I love - each of these images were taken in decades spanning from the 1960s to the 1990s yet to me they look covetable and contemporary .

The French beauty aesthetic is often a little undone which I resonate with, the glamour element is almost always there, but it has a nonchalance to it which might be what makes it so editorial and modern.

With this in mind, I have compiled a Capsule Beauty Collection (is this a thing? It should be...) Remember that the French have a strong emphasis on quality over quantity. Buy as little as possible, but buy well.

Skincare

Impeccable skincare is something that is taught to French girls from a young age. French pharmacy brands are world renowned. You just cannot go wrong with Avene or Vichy and the price point is very affordable.

Since nature has recently thrown me the curve ball of both hormonal breakouts and the first signs of ageing (oh joy) my favourite products to use include La Roche Posey Serozinc and Redermic Treatment ( an excellent retinoid).

Highlighter

I hesitated on using this word as it seems to have acquired a different meaning in a few short months. It no longer brings to mind a luminous glow, but has become an essential part of heavy makeup styles. Do not let this put you off . Its really important, but you need subtlety, no chunks of glitter . Becca Skin finish is one of my favourites. I only have it in moonstone as, to me, it is the most beautiful shade and suits most skin tones from Asian to pale caucasian.

Concealer

There’s a reason I’ve skipped foundation in this edit. We’re not going to use it. That right, your skincare is going to be so impeccably executed that all you will need is the lightest touch of an excellent concealer that is an exact match to your skin in order to create a skin that looks like it has nothing there.

French women take great care of there skin - why on earth would they want to cover it up? It’s considered very high status to wear as little skin makeup as possible in order to show off your time and effort that you have invested into your beauty regime

Mascara

On every makeup artist’s forum I am a member of there is a mascara that comes up time and time again, Loreal Volumous in Carbon Black. I personally don't believe in expensive mascaras. When you have shelled out £25 for a pretty from Dior it is far too tempting to keep it for longer than the recommended 3 months, which puts you at risk from infection. I believe in buying cheap and replacing often, but in this case cheap doesn't mean sacrificinging quality- this is an amazing mascara.

Brows

The French have not embraced the heavy brow trend in the same way as the English have in recent years, in fact I’m fairly sure they would describebe them as ‘de trop’.

However, they also didn't pluck them out in 2000 trying to look like Gwen Stefani (guilty). In order to fake that French girl nonchalance you’re going to need to fake the fullness a bit. Keep it soft pale and feathery. I use Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade in Blonde on almost every client as I favour the illusion of shadow to create depth rather than deep colour which I feel is too obvious.

A red lip

One word: Chanel. OK two: Coco Rouge. Keep the rest of your makeup simple and it is just perfection.

Do you have any French beauty products you particularly love? Tell me about your favourites in the comments.

Nothing works in makeup unless the skin is right does it? You can call a smudged liner wabi-sabi, a faded lip a stain, but there no saving a look from bad skin.

As a makeup artist I'm often working on people I have never met before, who have multiple skin issues. If I'm on a job and their skin isn't flawless then it's my responsibility. You'd think it was the foundation that was the important part but it's actually the skin care which forms the basis of the whole look. Here's my drill:

Products needed - Micellar water, Cream cleanser, Facial oil, Acid toner, Sheet masks, Rose water, Hyaluronic Acid serum, Moisturiser.

Pre-cleanse to remove makeup

Micellar, remover whatever you have. Just get that first layer of makeup and dirt off.

Embrace the benefits of a cream cleanser

Work in a gentle creamy cleanser, really paying attention to any congested or dry areas.

Quick lymph drainage massage

Now the surface skin is cleansed thoroughly, it's time to go further. Use firm circular motion all over the face to bring the blood to the surface of the skin, this helps give your skin that really fresh refined, awake look that we're all looking for. The other massage technique I use focuses on the lymph, I massage quite firmly under the jaw, then when the area is warmed up I drain the lymph by massaging away from the jaw and down the neck. This lymph stimulation can make quite a startling difference to any puffiness that may be present in the face.

Use a flannel to improve blood flow

Saturate your flannel with hand hot water, wring and lay over your face breathing deeply. When the heat goes it's time to gently work the flannel over your face again in soft circular motion. This is going to work in 2 ways by stimulating your skin and also give you a gentle exfoliation treatment. Repeat.

Tighten your pores with a cold compress

Now fill your sink with cold water and throw in a few ice cubes. Hold your flannel over your face. You know that look when you come in from the cold and you look all flushed and bright eyed? This does that.

Fight congestion with liquid exfoliant

Take some acid toner ( I like the little gycolic acid pads) and swipe all over your face paying particular attention to any flaky or congested areas.

Relax with a sheet mask and deep breathing

Saturate a sheet mask with rose water and lie down for 2 minutes. While your at it, take the opportunity for some deep breathing. The extra oxygen will goes straight to your muscles, and tight musculature can make a face appear distorted, so this has real benefits to your appearance.

Spray with mineral water

Make sure that you have plenty of moisture on your skin before we move onto the next step.

Use serum to deliver benefits

I favour hyaluronic acid for most people. It's surprising how many people have dehydrated skin, including oily skin types. It's totally temporary, but it plumps and softens instantly.

Seal and soften with moisturiser

To seal in all your hard work, warm a small amount of moisturiser in your palms and press gently into your face.