French Makeup Brands: Top 10 You Should Try in 2024
Sophisticated, elegant, and effortless – just a few reasons why French makeup brands are growing in popularity. For any beauty lover, both luxury and affordable French makeup brands have something to offer.
From classic luxury brands like Dior and Chanel to trendy brands like Sisley and Lancome, the best makeup brands in France are well known for their high-quality products and timeless packaging.
So, what are the best French makeup brands to invest in? Whether you’re looking for bold red lipstick or volumizing mascara, these are the most iconic brands to try.
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The Best French Makeup Brands To Try
French makeup brands have been around since the early 20th century when Armand Petitjean founded Lancôme in 1935 – it’s now one of the largest French cosmetic companies!
Since then, there have been several famous French makeup brands on the scene. Here are the best of the best in my French makeup brands list.
#1 Christian Dior
One of the most iconic French makeup brands is Christian Dior. The brand was founded by the legendary fashion designer Christian Dior in 1946 and it’s now synonymous with timeless beauty and elegance.
When it comes to makeup, they have an incredible range. Dior Backstage is my all-time favourite undereye concealer, while the Diorshow Mascara is amongst the very best mascaras money can buy (trust me, I’ve tried a lot of them!). However, the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara is also a cult favorite among makeup lovers, with its unique curved brush that lifts and curls lashes for a dramatic effect.
And then, of course, there are the amazing lip products too! The Dior Lip Glow is a beautiful tinted lip balm that enhances the natural color of your lips while providing long-lasting hydration. It comes in a range of shades to suit every skin tone, and is perfect for everyday wear.
#2 Chanel
Chanel is another one of the top French makeup brands, with iconic packaging and products. One of their best makeup items is the Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra which is perfect for creating a range of eye looks. This eyeshadow palette comes in a range of shades to suit every skin tone, and features a range of finishes from matte to shimmer.
Another classic choice is the Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish with its long-lasting formula and iconic shades like Rouge Noir and Ballerina.
French women are known for their effortless and chic makeup looks, and eyeliner is a key component of this. The Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner is a fan-favorite, with its creamy formula and long-lasting wear.
#3 Lancôme
Lancôme is one of the best France makeup brands, with a wide range of products, from skincare to makeup and fragrances.
Lancôme is known for its high-quality products with the Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation a favorite among many makeup enthusiasts.
They also do amazing mascaras – the Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara is a bestselling French girl mascara you must try. It provides up to 12x more volume and an intense false lash effect for a dramatic look.
#4 Sisley
Sisley is a French brand that is known for its plant-based skincare products. However, they also have some beautiful makeup. The Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Tinted Lip Balm, for example, is a luxurious French beauty product that provides long-lasting hydration and a subtle wash of color to the lips.
I also really like the Le Phyto Rouge lipsticks, which are creamy and highly pigmented.
#5 Givenchy
Givenchy has many exceptional makeup products in its collection, from face powder to lipsticks. Some notable mentions include the Volume Disturbia Mascara, which provides volume and length to your lashes, and the Le Rouge Lipstick, which comes in a variety of shades and provides long-lasting color.
There’s also Le Prisme Visage; a multi-tasking powder that can be used as a bronzer, blush, or highlighter. This iconic French beauty product comes in a range of shades to suit every skin tone, and is perfect for adding a touch of warmth and radiance to your skin.
#6 Guerlain
Guerlain is well-known for its innovative formulas and luxurious packaging. One of their most iconic products is the Meteorites Powder which gives the skin a gorgeous radiant glow.
The Terracotta Bronzing Powder is another French beauty staple. This iconic bronzer adds a natural-looking sun-kissed glow to your skin without looking muddy or overly orange.
#7 Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent is a French brand that is known for its more bold and daring makeup products, from bright pink lipsticks to colorful eyeshadows. However, YSL is most known for its iconic Touche Éclat Highlighter. I actually prefer the high-cover version of this as it melts into the skin completely to cover imperfections, including small blemishes and redness.
#8 By Terry
By Terry has a variety of products, including foundations, powders, and blushes. Their Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow is a staple in my make bag, but I also like the Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder too. This translucent loose setting powder sets makeup in place for a flawless finish, while also hydrating and plumping the skin.
#9 Clarins
Clarins is famous for skincare and makeup, including foundations, lipsticks, and eyeshadows. One of their best products is the Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector since it’s lightweight yet makes the lips feel soft, smooth, and comfortable with a hint of color.
#10 Chantecaille
Chantecaille is what I consider to be an expensive French makeup brand but if you’re willing to splurge then they do have some brilliant products.
The Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer is ideal for achieving a natural, glowing complexion. This tinted moisturizer provides light coverage while also hydrating and protecting the skin with SPF 15. I also really like the look of their eyeshadows and blushes although I’m yet to try those.
French Drugstore Makeup
When it comes to makeup, French cosmetics have always been associated with luxury, elegance, and sophistication which is why the brands on this list have been mentioned.
However, if you’re looking for Cheap French makeup brands, there are plenty of options available as well. Here are a few affordable French cosmetics brands you’ll find online and at Sephora.
- Bourjois
- L’Oreal Paris
- Maybelline (American but owned by L’Oreal)
- Yves Rocher
FAQs
Which makeup brand is best in France?
Some popular options include Chanel, Dior, Guerlain, and YSL.
What is the most popular mascara in France?
There are a few popular options, such as Diorshow mascara by Dior and Hypnose mascara by Lancome.
What is France’s largest cosmetic company?
L’Oreal is the largest cosmetic company since it owns several other brands, including Maybelline, Lancome, and Garnier.
The Best French Makeup Brands: To Sum Up
From iconic names like Dior and Chanel to smaller brands like Sisley Paris, there are so many French makeup brands to choose from.
When it comes to the best makeup products, you can’t go wrong with any of the options mentioned in this guide. These brands are well-known for their exceptional quality and stunning packaging so whether you’re looking for a bold lipstick, a subtle blush, or a skin-perfecting foundation, you’re sure to find something that suits your preferences.
