Last week, I traveled to Corsica for a wedding. I wore this simple yet chic Sandro tweed dress (reminiscent of Chanel) paired with Goya flat espadrilles by Castañer. For my makeup, I went for a very natural and minimalist look, perfect for the hot summer weather. I loved the result so much that I thought it would be great to share it with you :)!
I call this makeup look “très Français” (very French) because it’s incredibly minimalist and only requires four products (yes, just four: a concealer, a powder, a blush, and a mascara). And it takes only a few minutes to recreate. I drew inspiration for this summer makeup from Max Mara’s latest Resort collection and Chloé’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection. In these collections, the models look like they’re just wearing a bit of concealer and a lot of pink blush (though I’m sure it’s more complex than that!). I adore this look because it’s very natural yet not at all neglected. Keep reading to find out how to achieve this look step-by-step, along with the products I love and use.
P.S.: This makeup look is ideal if you already have good skin. I struggled for many years with adult acne, but it’s been several months since my skin finally cleared from redness, breakouts, and acne scars. If you’re interested, I can write a blog post about my acne journey and the routine products I use to maintain clear skin.
This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. I only feature products I truly love and personally select. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
- Aime SPF Powder Foundation
- Le Correcteur de Chanel
- Sisley Paris Correct Concealer Pen
- Aime Healthy Cheek & Lip Cream
- Aime Lash Tubing Mascara
- Sisley Paris L’Orchidée Highlighter Blush
1. Concealer
First, I apply a small amount of concealer only to problem areas: the inner corners of the eyes to cover dark circles, acne scars, redness around the nose, and any spots. I use a tiny bit of concealer and then dab with my fingers to blend it in. For this summer makeup look, I suggest using less concealer than usual, as sometimes the issue isn’t the type of product but the amount used. My current favorite concealer is Le Correcteur de Chanel in shade B20.
For the best results, I recommend using a good hydrating and moisturizing cream like Embryolisse’s Lait Creme Concentre and Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream (a truly fantastic eye cream!). These work wonderfully with Le Correcteur de Chanel on my skin! If your budget allows, I highly recommend Sisley’s Phyto-Cernes Éclat Eye Concealer, which has a creamier formula. When combined with the Stylo Correct Concealer Pen, it creates a flawless finish. Sisley truly has some of the best makeup products ever!
2. Powder Foundation
I absolutely adore Aime’s SPF Powder Foundation! Last year, the brand kindly sent me their Makeup Care Routine to try out their products, and ever since, I’ve been using the SPF Powder Foundation with its Face Brush every time I do my makeup. I used to prefer tinted moisturizers and BB or CC creams in liquid form (by the way, I highly recommend Erborian CC Cream, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, and Sisley Paris Phyto-Teint Nude), but since discovering this product, I’ve completely fallen in love with using powders! It truly lives up to its claims: it unifies the complexion naturally with a blurring effect, giving a second-skin finish. I don’t experience any shine by the end of the day, and this powder can easily be slipped into my bag for touch-ups throughout the day.
I’m using Aime’s SPF Powder in the shade Light, which has a warm golden-yellow undertone that is perfect for a summer look. I’ll also be testing other foundation powders, like By Terry Hyaluronic Tinted Hydra-Powder and Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder, both of which have received excellent reviews.
3. Blush
Lately, I have developed a passion for blush, whether in cream or powder form. I absolutely adore having flushed cheeks, and I believe a beautiful shade of pink blush can transform the entire look. For this French summer makeup look, I’m using Aime Healthy Cheek & Lip Cream. At first, I was apprehensive about its very bright color, but once I tried it, I fell in love with it! It gives my skin the healthy glow I adore. If you prefer powder blush to cream, I highly recommend the stunning Sisley L’Orchidée Highlighter Blush.
4. Mascara
I finish the look with just a bit of mascara. I either use Le Volume de Chanel in color 10 Noir or Aime Lash Care Tubing Mascara. The latter is not your typical mascara: it features a unique formula that envelops each lash in a tiny tube to add volume, curl, and length, all without smudging (which usually happens to me by the end of the day). What I love most about this mascara is that it can be removed with just warm water. It does require a different application technique than regular mascara: make sure to curl your eyelashes before applying the first layer. Then, wait a bit for it to dry before applying a second layer, et voilà!
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post! What are your favorite summer makeup products? Share your recommendations with me in the comments below—I’d love to hear your suggestions ;)!
Bonjour! I’m Léonce, the founder of Léonce Chenal, a blog dedicated to French fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. I’m French, and I'm originally from a small town near Annecy. I launched Léonce Chenal in 2018 while working as a data analyst in London to share my love of effortless French style. After living in Paris, London, and Amsterdam, I’ve now settled in the beautiful city of Bordeaux. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me baking pâtisseries, exploring hidden museums, or searching for the perfect perfume. I hope this space brings a touch of beauté to your everyday life!
Would love a post about your skincare journey and the products you used to heal.
Thank you Julie <3 I'll definitely do that :)!
Thank you for sharing the make up products. I would definately like to know what you use to maintain clear skin. Lately I have been suffering from adult break outs.
Thank you Kasey! I’ll definitely write a blog post, probably next week, about the products I use and love that help me maintain clear skin :).
I would love to hear about your skincare routine and how you healed your adult acne. Thank you for sharing your recommendations and what works for you!
Thank you so much Jessica! I’ll be writing a blog post about it soon, stay tuned ;)!
I was a little confused as there are 6 products in the list and only 4 described. No lipstick?
Thanks!
Bonjour Joanna, sorry for the confusion! To recreate this makeup look, you only need the 4 products mentioned in the blog post: a concealer, a powder foundation, a blush, and a mascara. The photo shows 6 products to give you some options. I’m not using a lipstick for this look, but feel free to add your favorite one :)!
Bonjour!
I absolutely love following your journey
May I ask which color Sisley Paris L’Orchidee highlighter blue you prefer?
I am trying to order some of the Aime products that you featured in your summer makeup favorites.
I am having a bit of trouble. I live in the US.
THANK YOU for your assistance
Bonjour Linda! Thank you so much for following my journey <3 I bought the L'Orchidée blush in the color Corail, and I absolutely adore it. For your Aime products, I'd recommend contacting the brand directly. I'm sure they'll be happy to help you with your order, even in the US :). Bon shopping! xo
Bonjour Leonce!
I know exactly what you mean about being intimidated by the appearance of a blush color! Lately I have been loving the brand RMS and their lip-to-cheek color Beloved. It is a very bright red in the little pot, but when applied to the lips and cheeks with a light touch, it brings the most natural rosy glow. I have found, especially over the age of 40, that blush makes all the difference!
Bonjour Romy! I discovered RMS a few years ago at SpaceNK when I was living in London and absolutely love it! I agree with you—blush (and concealer) really makes all the difference, especially as we get older. Beloved sounds like a beautiful shade; I’ll have to give it a try. Thank you for sharing your experience :)! xo