Defenseload

By now, you know that Im very inspired by free-spirited European ladies who traipsed around France creating beautiful works of art in the 60s and 70s. (If youre a new reader, check out my posts about Anna Karina and Françoise Hardy.) Having said that, Jane Birkin is an obvious addition to my list of muses.

Sometimes it can take a lot of work to be so effortlessly chic but Janes look is easily attainable. To get the same kind of laissez-faire and low-key beauty, you might even have everything you need in your makeup bag already. 

After extensive research, (read: obsessively Google-image-searching) Ive found there are two key elements to French beauty: doll-like eyelashes and the look of that natural flush that occurs to your cheeks after youve just made love. Cest la vie! Well, I mean like in movies and other various editorials. (Because really, who looks that good after a romp in the sheets?) Thats why for me, Benefits Theyre Real Mascara and Narss blush in Orgasm (see? fitting!) are the cornerstone of this look. Im getting ahead of myself though, because it really starts with some great skin. 

If you hung out in Cannes all the time, youd probably have some perfect skin and hair. The sea breeze and sun can do that. Since you probably cant do so, having a great cleanser and foundation will have to do. I love Philosophys Purity for a simple but effective cleanser and Ultra Repair Cream as a moisturizer. Boots No7 Airbrush Away Foundation is perfect for that Jane Birkin flawless skin and Herbivores Sea Mist spray will give your tresses that "fresh off the beach" look. Dont forget the blush!

Next, the eyes. You may not have Janes doe eyes but you can certainly fake em. The mascara is the most important thing here. Make sure you pay extra attention to the lower lashes, as theyre kind of the stars of this show. Youre going to want a super dark liner that wont fade, which is why I love Anastasia Beverly Hills Darkside liner. Its simple as that: no eyeshadow-- just mascara and a little cat eye. If your brows need some help, I highly recommend BBROWBARs eyebrow gel.

Last are the lips. Some sheer gloss will do but if you want that peachy-perfect pout, Macs Cherish gets the job done.

Super simple, no? Definitely going to try this look for myself this week.

xo,

e.m.