Here are ten French beauty essentials for summer I can’t live without! Summer is the season that requires the biggest shift in our beauty stash, from skincare and hair care to makeup. Indeed, the warmer months call for a less-is-more approach to our beauty routines. Think iridescent highlighters, lightweight formulas infused with SPF, multi-purpose moisturizing oils, and effortless hair care products.
So, to help you make the transition into summer easier, I’ve curated an edit of the best beauty essentials to slip into your bag this summer. From multi-protection sunscreen with SPF 30 and the perfect after-sun care to shimmering body oil and the perfume that captures the stunning scent of the Côte d’Azur, here are ten beauty essentials that will keep you looking relaxed, restored, and radiant this summer. Je vous souhaite un très bon été à tous! Happy summer!
I independently select all products featured on Leonce Chenal. If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love.
1. L’Huile de Leonor Greyl
L’Huile de Leonor Greyl is a protective, beautifying hair treatment with a luxurious blend of natural oils (organic Jojoba, Coconut, Sunflower seed, and Sesame seed oils) that detangle, protect and restore damaged strands and ends. You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment (leave it on for at least 10 minutes) or as protection from the drying and damaging effects of sun, saltwater, and chlorine.
2. Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is a luxurious oil-based treatment with shimmering mineral particles illuminating skin and hair with a satin-like sheen. Specially formulated with seven precious plant oils, this dry oil offers ultimate hydration, leaving skin sumptuously soft and hair glossy. It has a non-greasy, lightweight feel with a captivatingly sweet fragrance featuring notes of Orange Blossom, Rose, Lily, and Vanilla. It’s one of my favorite beauty products for summer!
3. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer Powder
Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer Powder is an iconic, best-selling bronzer with nourishing argan oil and up to 96% naturally derived ingredients for a long-wearing, sun-kissed glow. Apply it using the Terracotta powder brush, and trace a figure “3” on each side of your face. Start by sweeping across your forehead, down and around the cheekbones, then down along your jawline and chin.
4. Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Created in 1997 and inspired by the ancient youth elixir recipe prepared for the Queen of Hungary in the 16th century, Mathilde Thomas —founder of the French skincare brand Caudalie— wanted to reinterpret this infusion of plants for the skin.
Beauty Elixir is used and recommended by make-up artists and celebrities worldwide. Enriched with Green grape, Rose essential oil, and Rosemary essential oil, this mist reveals the complexion’s glow and tightens pores, all while setting makeup.
5. Chanel Rouge Coco Baume 928 Pink Delight
This summer, opt for the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume in 928 Pink Delight. Enriched with a deeply hydrating oil made from fruit and olive leaves, this comfortable moisture-rich balm smooths the appearance of lips and offers buildable color. It’s the perfect lipstick for a very natural, barely-there makeup effect.
6. Sisley Paris After-Sun Care Tan Extender
Sisley’s After-Sun Care Tan Extender is one of the best skincare to soothe and hydrate the skin while making tans last longer. Repairing, moisturizing and restorative properties of stevia leaf extract, plant glycerin, and shea butter comfort, nourish, and soften the skin. Whilst a careful combination of self-tanning active ingredients enhances the skin’s color in a very natural way.
7. Guerlain Terracotta Le Parfum
Guerlain Terracotta Le Parfum is one of my favorite perfumes for summer. Thierry Wasser, Guerlain’s in-house perfumer, interpreted the legendary powder Terracotta as a fragrance, which he describes as “the allure of the sun in a bottle.”
The composition opens with accords of bergamot, coconut, and tiare flower. Its heart includes white florals such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, and orange blossom, laid on the sultry base of musk and vanilla. C’est divin!
8. Sisley Self-Tanning Body Skin Care
Sisley Self-Tanning Body Skin Care is one of the best French skincare that offers a natural and uniform tan for immediately moisturized and radiantly golden skin. Designed for all skin tones, it features a fresh, floral scent and rich, comfortable texture that leaves behind a velvety, streak-free finish on the skin. It’s one of my favorite beauty essentials for summer!
9. Sisley Tinted Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
I absolutely love this tinted sunscreen! Sisley Tinted Sunscreen Cream with SPF 30 is a water-resistant cream with a combination of UVA and UVB mineral filters. Silky and nongreasy, this tinted cream melts into the skin to smooth fine dehydration lines and even complexion.
10. By Terry Tea to Tan Face & Body
By Terry Tea to Tan is a formula for the face and body that gives your skin a nontransferable sheer bronzed or silky amber glow. When unshaken, the formula creates a sheer, warm, matte finish. Shake to create a sun-kissed tan effect with a subtle glittery shimmer. It’s easy to wash off, too, as it doesn’t contain tanning agents.
Et voilà! I hope my edit of the best French beauty essentials for summer will inspire you. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment.
