You probably already have your Sephora sale t0-buy list — these are mine. Honestly I think it makes a lot of cultural sense that of the three categories, there’s more skincare than anything else here. As Violette Serratt (that Violette) told Vogue, “Generally, we don’t use makeup to disguise or change the face.”

Step 1: A Bare Face (“Bare”)

The biggest difference between American beauty and French is — well, everything, including the bottom layer. Even in my extremely fashion-centric neighborhood, I see bare skin, plenty of character, and absolutely no contouring. Here are five skincare picks to get you there (plus water, sleep, lucky genetics, and the rest):

1. Paula’s Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, $26

They say: “A gentle foaming cleanser thoroughly rinses away excess oil, makeup and sunscreen while maintaining skin’s protective barrier.”
We say: The last French person I asked about a cleanser said she uses “tap water” — but I’m not sure I didn’t see her lined up at the extremely popular Paula’s Choice pop-ups this summer.

Among the French brands they stock, in terms of an alternate cleanser I guess I would choose the Caudalie?

2. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Refillable Moisturizing Cream with Squalane, $39

They say: “A bestselling face cream formulated with squalane, glacial glycoprotein, and pro-ceramides to support your skin’s barrier for up to 72-hour hydration.”
We say: Kiehl’s is everywhere in Paris and this moisturizer gets the job done — miraculously, across skin types and seasons. A classic for a reason.

3. Sunday Riley’s Good Genes, $43-$205

They say: “A lactic-acid, AHA serum that targets the look of pores, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots and is clinically shown to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.”
We say: A do-or-die resurfacer, if often on sale elsewhere.

4. Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint, $42

They say: “A lightweight skin tint that layers beautifully for sheer-to-light coverage with a natural-looking finish.”
We say: Ultra-sheer coverage for coverage-phobes.

5. The Ordinary Mini Discovery Kit, $28

They say: “A full regimen featuring travel sizes of The Ordinary’s clinically effective bestsellers for skin that looks smoother, brighter, and more hydrated.”
We say: The Ordinary is another brand that hosted some incredibly well-attended pop-ups this summer in Paris — when I finally made it in, the sales rep said that this starter kit had sold out in the first two hours.

II. Color

X. Glossier Balm Dotcom Lip Balm, $16

They say: “A moisturizing lip balm with antioxidants and emollients that nourishes for smooth, hydrated lips without the shine.”
We say: You can’t wear red lipstick 24 hours a day — sometimes just a little will do the trick. A staple, now in its original (better) formulation. Favorite shade: Rose.

7. Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Matte Lipstick in Power, $26

They say: “A lightweight, soft-matte lipstick that has a nondrying formula for buildable color that feels like nothing on the lips.”
We say: Everyone’s got their own favorite Parisian red lip — this is mine. Matte, buildable, and cool.

8. Nars Powermatte Lipstick in Dragon Red, $34

They say: “A transfer-resistant, matte lipstick that glides on, delivering bold color with all-day comfort for up to ten hours.”
We say: Long wearing and surprisingly easy to wear for such an attention-getting shade.

9. Guerlain Kiss Kiss Bee Glow Lip Oil, $40

They say: “A honey-infused tinted lip oil that enhances lips’ natural color and shine with a made-to-measure shade.”
We say: Speaking of Violette, this was developed at Guerlain under her watch — it’s a moisturizing (great for winter!) lip balm. Wish it were less sticky, but it’s a great way to leave the house wearing barely anything but still looking v. polished. More color than it looks like in this image!

III. Fragrance

10. Tom Ford Lost Cherry eau de parfum, $450

They say: “Lost Cherry‘s candy-like gleam of exotic black cherry and liqueur touched with teasing almond gives way to a Turkish rose and jasmine sambac blend that penetrates the senses.”
We say: It smells so beautiful I just want to crawl inside it, it smells like love and possibility and cherries and wonder — Paris in a nutshell.

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