While the timeless beauty of French women is something that deserves air time on the daily, there really is no better time to celebrate iconic figures with a certain ‘je ne sais quois’ than Bastille Day. Non?
So we asked some of L’Oreal New Zealand’s beauty experts to share with us their tips and tricks for mastering these coveted looks. Vive la France!
Brigitte Bardot
“The iconic sex symbol is still a muse for many designers, makeup artists and hairdressers. Her blonde hair had that natural carefree casualness to it with a little bit of height at the crown to give it that hint of ‘sex bomb.’
“Long layered hair works best for this. Apply L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Full Volume Extra Mousse and once blow-dried, take five or six random sections and curl on a large barrel tong. Brush thoroughly to get more air in the hair, then back comb at the crown with a centre parting. Spray L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Wild Stylers Crêpage de Chignon at the roots to give hair a more voluminous, dusty texture.”
– Michael Beel, Bouy Hairdressing
“60s sex symbol Bridgette Bardot was known for her iconic sultry eyes. Black eyeliner, such as L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Kajal Eyeliner (for a soft smudgy finish) or L’Oréal Paris Superliner Gel Intenza (for longer wear) and a lash building mascara like L’Oréal Paris False Lash Superstar Mascara, is all you need to achieve this look.
“Simply apply eyeliner along the top – thickening the line from mid eye to outer corners – and bottom lash line to and from each inner corner. Then finish the outer corners with a small cat eye flick and apply lashings of mascara.”
– Lisa Matson, L’Oreal Paris NZ makeup director
Catherine Deneuve
“This actress is once again an icon for many. She holds more of a classic glamour and her hair has remained much the same throughout the decades. For her voluminous do, you will need a good set of hot rollers.
“The first step is to tilt your head upside down after spraying a generous amount of L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Volume Lift and allow to dry completely to achieve maximum root lift. Once dried, spray your head of hair using L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium Hairspray and roll the hair under using the hot rollers. Once completely cooled give the hair a good brush and another spray of the hairspray.”
– Michael Beel
“Veteran actress Catherine Deneuve started her career with a fresh-faced makeup look which evolved to a more sophisticated, soft smoky eye look. What has never changed though is her penchant for impeccably sculpted brows.”
– Lisa Matson
Charlotte Gainsbourg
“The key to Charlotte’s look is all about proportion; having a bold heavy fringe and keeping the hair length long. As far as styling goes, give the hair a natural blow wave and texturise the hair with a sea salt spray to give it a lived-in look.”
– Pete Dutton, Wolf & Wolf Salon
“Actress Charlotte Gainsbourg is a big advocate for natural beauty. Wearing makeup, without looking like you are, is all about neutral tones and sheer finishes. To achieve her look opt for a BB Cream base, a soft blush shade with a peach undertone, a natural finish mascara like L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara and a nude lipstick in a shade one or two tones darker than your natural skin colour.”
– Lisa Matson
Lou Doillon
“The multi-talented daughter of Jane Birkin, Lou is the epitome of the French ‘It Girl’ – casual and cool without looking like she has tried too hard.
“With a great ombré colour and a long layered haircut, her signature look is achieved by working with her natural curl. To do this, spray generous amounts of L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Wild Stylers Beach Waves through the hair and allow it to dry naturally. If you don’t have one already, ask for an eyebrow skimming fringe – it is so on point this season and so très chic.”
– Michael Beel
