How to Achieve That ‘French Girl’ Glow — Without a 12-Step Routin
The effortless French girl glow: it’s dewy, understated, and endlessly aspirational. But contrary to the 12-step routines crowding your algorithm, real radiance doesn’t come from excess — it comes from intention.
At Rêve de Rive, we believe beauty should feel like second nature — refined, not rigid. Here’s how to simplify your skincare and radiate je ne sais quoi without overcomplicating things.
1. Think Skin-First, Not Product-First
Before chasing glow, prioritise skin health. The French approach is all about respecting the skin barrier — using fewer, better products that support, not strip.
Focus on:
- A gentle cleanser (cream or oil-based)
- A nourishing moisturiser with ceramides or botanical oils
- SPF — always.
Skip:
- Harsh exfoliants
- Over-cleansing
- Anything with 10 promises and no clarity.
2. Embrace Moisture, Not Mattifying
French beauty isn’t afraid of a little shine. Dewy skin signals hydration and vitality — not imperfection.
Glow tip:
Add a facial oil or balm as the last step in your routine. Pat, don’t rub. It should look lived-in, not lacquered.
3. Use Makeup Like Skincare
Makeup is minimal, and often multitasking. Think skin tints, lip-to-cheek creams, and highlighters that look like skin — not sparkle.
Key French girl staples:
- Tinted moisturiser
- Cream blush
- A brow brush
- Lip balm with a hint of rose or nude
4. Hydration Is an Accessory
Glow starts from within — water, herbal teas, and skin-supporting supplements are more valued than flashy treatments.
Bonus tip:
French women swear by thermal spring water sprays or simple hydrosols — not for show, but as daily refreshers.
5. Know When to Step Back
The French secret? Not overdoing it. Not every line must be erased, not every pore covered. Beauty is allowed to breathe.
Glow isn’t perfection — it’s how at ease you are in your skin.
Final Thought: True luxury lies in ease. You don’t need more to glow — just better. At Rêve de Rive, our swimwear and bodysuits are designed with the same philosophy: effortless, confident, and made to last.