My name is Natalie Setareh. I’m a makeup artist and beauty coach and I love to teach people how to wear makeup. For over a decade and counting, my inclusive, brand-neutral, and educational approach to makeup has helped (and is currently helping) thousands of makeup learners around the world feel empowered and more confident in how they show up, with or without makeup.

I belong to several makeup artist groups on Facebook and it seems like every so often, there’ll be a makeup artist traveling to Paris asking for recommendations on the best French makeup brands to buy at the pharmacy when they visit. Because I live in Germany and have fairly easy access to France (and a high-speed train directly to Paris in 3 hours), I thought I would write an article about some of the biggest Paris-based beauty brands and highlight some of my favorite products.

A Quick Note…

Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. But as I always say, I only use affiliate links for products I know, love, and use myself. If you follow me on social media, you’ve probably seen me link to these products in my reels and posts. I am not sponsored or incentivized in any way to use affiliate links, and the only reason I put them in my blogs is to cover my expenses. Blogs don’t run themselves for free, sadly! But again, I hope you can trust that I’m not here to sell you unnecessary products or promote things I haven’t even tried myself.

Well, are you ready to dive into my list of some of the best French makeup brands in the cosmetics industry? This might seem like a long list, but I wanted to include both luxury makeup brands and non-luxury makeup brands so you can find new products no matter what your budget is. Alright, let’s dive in!

Luxury Makeup Brands

Luxury makeup brands from France are renowned for their timeless innovative formulations. Whether you’re looking for the perfect lipstick for iconic red lips, or a signature French fragrance, this list of high-end makeup brands set the standard for sophistication and artistry the world over. I’m going to share some of the best French makeup brands (in my opinion). I’ll also highlight some of their standout products that have become must-haves for makeup lovers around the world.

Chanel

This makeup line was founded in Paris and headquartered in London and is one of the most iconic luxury makeup brands in the world. Created by Coco Chanel in 1909, the brand quickly became synonymous with timeless elegance and innovation in both fashion and beauty. Some of their best-known beauty products include the legendary Chanel No. 5, the quintessential fragrance that has remained a global favorite since its launch in 1921. Additionally, their Vitalumière Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup is a highly coveted lightweight foundation offering a natural, radiant finish. For a striking eye look, Le Volume de Chanel Mascara provides unbeatable volume and definition. It’s a personal favorite, though I don’t splurge on it too often.

Dior

Christian Dior revolutionized fashion and beauty when he founded the eponymous fashion house in 1946. Known for sophisticated elegance and bold innovation, Dior’s beauty line is equally as impressive as its couture. The Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil has gained viral popularity for its moisturizing formula and natural tint that enhances the lips. The Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is a versatile, buildable foundation loved by both professionals and beauty enthusiasts. Another highlight is J’adore Eau de Parfum, an iconic fragrance celebrated for its radiant floral notes.

Lancôme

Lancôme, established in 1935, is a prestigious French beauty brand owned by L’Oréal. The brand is renowned for luxurious skin care, makeup, and fragrances. One of its most celebrated products is the Hypnôse Mascara, which provides incredible volume and length to lashes. The Advanced Génifique Serum is another fan favorite, known for its anti-aging properties and ability to promote youthful, radiant skin. For those who love elegant fragrances, La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum is a signature scent that embodies femininity with its sweet floral notes.

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL Beauty)

Yves Saint Laurent is a brand renowned for its avant-garde approach to fashion, and its beauty line is equally bold and luxurious. Touche Éclat Concealer is one of YSL Beauty’s most iconic products, famed for its ability to brighten and illuminate the skin. Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick is another favorite, offering intense pigmentation and a luxurious finish. And, because I like to add a fragrance, I would recommend their sultry Black Opium Eau de Parfum if you’re looking for a bit of a splurge. It’s an elite fragrance, known for its warm, intoxicating blend of coffee, vanilla, and floral notes.

Guerlain

One of the oldest French beauty houses, Guerlain was founded in 1828 and has been a leader in both fragrance and cosmetics pretty much from those early days. Météorites Pearls, a light-reflecting powder, is a cult favorite for imparting a soft, radiant glow to the skin. Their Terracotta Bronzing Powder is another classic product, delivering a natural, sun-kissed look to the complexion. In the fragrance department, Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria collection features a range of light, fresh scents that are perfect for daily wear.

Givenchy

Givenchy — founded by Hubert de Givenchy in 1952 — is synonymous with sophistication and luxury. The brand’s Prisme Libre Loose Powder is a beloved product, known for its ability to create a flawless, luminous complexion. Their Le Rouge Deep Velvet Lipstick is another standout, offering a rich, velvety matte finish in ultra-pigmented shades. Givenchy’s L’Interdit Eau de Parfum, a captivating white floral fragrance, has been a classic since the 1950s, continually captivating fragrance lovers.

La Mer

La Mer is a brand synonymous with luxury skin care, beloved for its nutrient-rich and transformative formulations. At the heart of the brand is the legendary Crème de la Mer, a moisturizer that features the brand’s signature “Miracle Broth” for intense hydration and renewal. The Concentrate is a potent anti-aging serum designed to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. For lip care, the brand’s Lip Balm is a deeply hydrating treatment that delivers soothing nourishment to dry lips.

Sisley

Sisley is a luxury French skin care brand known for its use of botanical ingredients and cutting-edge formulations. Their Black Rose Cream Mask is a multi-award-winning product that hydrates and plumps the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. The Ecological Compound, a nourishing tinted moisturizer, is another hero product that enhances the complexion while providing plant-based hydration. If you’re looking for something to help brighten your skin, Phyto-Blanc Le Concentré is a highly effective serum targeting dark spots and uneven skin tone.

La Bouche Rouge

La Bouche Rouge is a newer French brand that focuses on sustainable, luxury beauty. The brand is renowned for its ethical approach to makeup, particularly its environmentally friendly and refillable packaging. They are best known for their iconic Lipstick… after all, what could be more French than a luxurious red lippie? You can purchase one of their Leather Lipstick Cases and fill it with your favorite La Bouche Rouge lipstick, balm, blush stick, or highlighter stick!

Non-Luxury Makeup Brands

Luxury makeup brands are amazing, but sometimes you need something a little more affordable. Don’t worry, I gotchu. There are several non-luxury makeup brands and French skin care brands that are both popular and accessible. And they’re still beloved by beauty experts! In fact, some of the best beauty products out there come from non-luxury makeup brands. In this section, I’ll share some of my favorite French beauty products. What’s nice is that a lot of these products fall under the “clean beauty” category, too!

Klorane

Klorane is a botanical-based French beauty brand that’s best known for its haircare products, but its skin care offerings are equally impressive. For example, their Klorane Dry Shampoo is a cult favorite, especially among busy individuals. The brand also prides itself on using sustainably sourced plant-based ingredients, like oat milk and chamomile, which are key components in their gentle and effective products.

Nuxe

Nuxe is a popular natural skin care brand that combines the power of botanical ingredients with luxurious textures. One of their most famous products is the Rêve de Miel Lip Balm. This is a nourishing treatment that hydrates and softens dry, chapped lips. The brand is also known for its Huile Prodigieuse. This is a multi-purpose dry oil that can be used on the face, body, and hair, giving the skin a healthy, luminous glow.

Embryolisse

Embryolisse is a dermatologist-developed brand that has achieved cult status among makeup artists and makeup lovers for its versatile and nourishing skin care products. The Lait-Crème Concentré is a rich moisturizer that works as a primer, makeup remover, and face cream all in one. It’s a staple in many professional makeup kits due to its ability to create a flawless base for makeup.

Caudalie

Caudalie is a French beauty brand that emphasizes natural ingredients, particularly those derived from grapes and vineyards. The brand’s Beauty Elixir is a refreshing facial mist that hydrates and tones the skin, leaving a radiant glow. Caudalie also offers a wide range of skin care products that harness the antioxidant power of grape seeds, including their highly effective anti-aging Vinoperfect Radiance Serum.

Bioderma

Bioderma is a dermatologist-recommended brand known for its gentle and effective skin care products. Their Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is a cult favorite makeup remover, praised for its ability to cleanse the skin without irritation. You’ve probably even seen it at your local big box store! It’s perfect for sensitive skin types and is loved by makeup artists and everyday users alike for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Vichy

Vichy is a French skin care brand that harnesses the power of mineral-rich thermal water from the town of Vichy. One of their standout products is the Vichy Mineral 89 Serum, which strengthens the skin’s barrier and boosts hydration. The brand is also known for its anti-aging LiftActiv line. This skin care line includes creams and serums designed to combat wrinkles and firm the skin.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay is another dermatologist-approved brand that focuses on creating gentle yet effective skin care solutions, especially for sensitive skin. Their Effaclar Duo acne treatment is widely regarded for its high quality and its ability to unclog pores. The brand’s Cicaplast Baume B5 is another popular product, loved for its ability to soothe and repair irritated or damaged skin.

Avène

Avène is a dermatological skin care brand that centers around the healing properties of Avène Thermal Spring Water. Their Thermal Spring Water Spray is a soothing mist that can calm redness, irritation, and sensitive skin. Avène Cicalfate is another highly recommended product from the brand, particularly for those with dry or damaged skin looking for quick and gentle healing.

Whew, what a list, right? And if you’re thinking to yourself, wait what about Estee Lauder? With a name like that, you would assume that the namesake brand and brand house are French. But alas, Estee Lauder is from the United States. Interesting, right?

There are so many great luxury makeup brands from France and I love stocking up on my faves whenever I get a chance to visit. Did you learn about some new brands? Anything you are dying to try? If you want to dive more into makeup with me, my book is a great resource! Be Your Own Makeup Artist is an inclusive, unbiased, educational book on the fundamentals of makeup. Discover makeup can unlock the untapped confidence living within you!