Lily Collins' French Beauty Rules in "Emily in Paris" Season 4
Let's decode the keywords that created Lily Collins' classic, French beauty in season 4 of "Emily in Paris".
After two years of waiting, Emily Cooper is back on screen. The first part of season 4, consisting of 5 episodes, has officially debuted, treating the audience to the elegant fashion style of Parisian chic. Emily's beauty is a mix of American and French style, according to the main makeup artist Aurélie Payen.
Emily is no longer the innocent, awkward girl she was in season 1. Her makeup is a clear testament to that change. "When Emily comes to Paris, she's very American. But I wanted to show Emily's Paris years with a little bit of real French beauty," Payen shares. "In season 4, we're going for a full makeup look or almost no makeup. Going on a date or shopping without makeup is a signature of Parisian confidence."
Season 4 saw a marked shift in Emily’s beauty style, moving towards a natural, French-chic look. Actress Lily Collins ’s skin became more radiant and natural thanks to the $799 LED mask she used daily during filming. The main character often used matte lipstick to outline, blend, and create a blurred effect, a characteristic of French girls. Blush was pale, and eyes were only accented with a thin layer of mascara to create a special highlight.
Aside from Emily, each character in the series embodies a distinct French beauty. Sylvie Grateau (played by Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) is the epitome of natural beauty, without the need for botox or foundation.
No matter which character's beauty style you love, "Emily in Paris" offers tons of French beauty secrets you can learn from.
Dark lips
A bold red or berry lip is Emily Cooper's signature look. "Her character is constantly communicating and expressing her emotions," says makeup artist Aurélie Payen. "I wanted to focus on her lips because that's how she communicates with people, how she speaks her mind."
Each lipstick shade had to match Emily's outfit or setting. "Every look tells a story," Payen explains. "The French like bold lipstick and no eye makeup, compared to Americans, who like lip gloss." That's why she chose Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Nicole, a deep burgundy brown.
The name of this shade has a French twist, with an application technique that's straight out of a Parisian beauty manual. "First, I apply Yon-Ka Nutri-Contour to my lips; it helps the product last longer. Then, after I apply the lipstick, I cover it with a tissue, and then I'm 100 percent sure it's going to last."
Prioritize healthy skin
French women, like Leroy-Beaulieu, prioritize skin health over the invasive procedures and injectables popular in the United States.
To maintain Collins's beautiful skin throughout her grueling filming schedule, Payen adopted a strict skincare routine. She partnered with skincare brand Foreo to ensure the cast stayed in tip-top shape. Payen is particularly fond of the Luna facial brush, which she uses in conjunction with the cleansing oil. "It feels like brushing your teeth, and your skin feels so smooth and fresh and clean."
Additionally, Payen recommends Collins use a serum from French newcomer Mimétique, followed by Beau Domain's Liquid Moisturizer. She also loves Foreo's Bear massager, and the FAQ Swiss LED mask, which helps calm acne and hyperpigmentation while boosting brightness. Talika sheet masks and eye patches are also popular. "Those habits help keep skin healthy, and then makeup application becomes easier," Payen says.
Don't apply too much eye makeup.
French makeup tends to focus on the lips, leaving the eyes more subdued. In "Emily in Paris," you'll rarely see heavy eyeshadow, but instead, long lashes are accentuated by mascara from a popular French cosmetics brand. "Dior's Diorshow Pump N Volume XXL Volume Squeezeable mascara is my favorite," Payen says. "It rarely smudges or leaves little black dots under the eyes."
You don't have to avoid eye makeup altogether, though. Even Emily wore a little bit of eye makeup for her masquerade ball. Whatever look you choose, keep it as simple as possible.
Natural blush
Americans are big fans of blush, with makeup tricks like sunset blush and boyfriend blush all the rage. But in Paris, you won't find such bold pinks and reds. Instead, the French prefer soft cream blushes. "Emily is a blusher," says Payen, explaining that she uses the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Bichette and Petal or the CHANEL Blush Duo. Both have a creamy texture that melts into your foundation, creating a natural, sun-kissed glow.