The 20 Best French Makeup Brands in 2025
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There’s something timeless and effortlessly chic about French beauty. French women seem to master that flawless, "I woke up like this" look without trying too hard. So, what’s their secret? A big part of it is in the makeup. French makeup brands are iconic for a reason—known for luxurious textures, subtle finishes, and skin-friendly ingredients.
Here’s a curated list of 20 of the best French makeup brands to add to your beauty routine. These are the brands French women swear by, and I’ve frequently spotted them in the makeup bags of my French friends!
While most of these makeup brands are available in the U.S., this list is also perfect for inspiration when you’re in Paris or planning your next trip to France.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a cult favorite or an under-the-radar gem, this is your go-to guide for the best French makeup brands to shop in 2025.
Discover the crème de la crème of French beauty with these recommended reads:
20 Best French Makeup Brands and Their Standout Products
1. Chanel
When you think of famous French makeup brands, Chanel is always at the top of the list. Founded in 1910 by the legendary Coco Chanel, this luxury fashion house brings its signature elegance and quality to every makeup product, from foundation to nail polish.
One of Chanel's most popular products is the LES BEIGES Healthy Glow foundation, a lightweight formula packed with skin-loving ingredients that gives you a fresh, natural glow.
Another fan favorite? The ROUGE COCO ultra-hydrating lip color—it’s long-lasting, creamy, and weightless. If you're trying to achieve that iconic French girl pout, grab the shade “Gabrielle,” a rich, elegant red.
Chanel may be a splurge, but trust me, it's worth every penny.
2. Dior
For designer makeup, Dior is undeniably one of the most iconic names out there. Since its debut in 1946, it’s become a symbol of luxury and cutting-edge beauty.
You definitely won’t want to miss the Dior Backstage line for professional-quality makeup products inspired by the backstage at runway shows. Among the standout products in this range is the Backstage face & body foundation, known for its hydrating formula and buildable coverage.
Their Diorshow mascara has been a cult favorite for years, delivering perfectly defined lash-by-lash volume. More recently, the Dior Addict lip glow balm has become a viral favorite thanks to its hydrating formula that offers a "your lips but better" look.
3. Givenchy
Givenchy is another legendary French beauty brand that has been around for decades. The brand's couture heritage is reflected in its makeup products, which are known for their high-quality formulas, bold colors, and luxurious textures.
One of Givenchy's standout products is the Prisme Libre loose powder, known for its ability to blur imperfections and set makeup with a flawless, natural finish that lasts all day.
For those who love a unique lippie, you can’t miss their Rose Perfecto hydrating tinted lip balm & gloss. It’s the first marbled liquid lip balm that combines skincare benefits with a subtle hint of color, giving you naturally radiant lips.
4. Yves Saint Laurent
YSL Beauty is the cosmetics and fragrances line of the iconic French luxury fashion house Yves Saint Laurent. The brand’s signature boldness and avant-garde spirit are reflected in its range of makeup products, bringing rock ‘n’ roll chic to your makeup routine.
Their Touche Éclat all-over brightening concealer pen is renowned for a reason, providing radiant coverage and brightening the under-eye area with just a click.
If you’re seeking a hydrating pop of color, the Loveshine lip oil stick won’t disappoint.
I’ve recently become obsessed with the new Make Me Blush 12H blurring liquid blush. This creamy liquid-to-powder blush blends beautifully, offering a buildable, natural flush that's perfect for that effortless French no-makeup look.
5. Hermès
Hermès may be best known for its iconic bags and silk scarves, but their venture into beauty is equally as luxe. Launched in 2020, Hermès Beauty brings the brand’s signature elegance to a curated collection of makeup products that includes buttery-soft shadows and luminous blush powders.
If you’re looking to splurge, consider the Rouge Hermès matte lipstick and Rose Hermès silky blush powder—both earning spots on Allure’s Best of Beauty Award Winner list in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
For timeless luxury in your beauty routine, Hermès is the French brand to add to your lineup.
6. Lancôme
Lancôme is one of the most esteemed names in French beauty and has been a leader in skincare, makeup, and fragrance since 1935. Now part of L'Oréal’s Luxury Products division, Lancôme continues to impress with its luxurious formulations and high-quality ingredients.
Among its most popular products, the Lash Idôle lengthening & volumizing mascara has earned cult status for its ability to deliver long, full lashes.
The Teint Idole Ultra Wear foundation is another favorite, known for its long-lasting coverage that feels lightweight and comfortable. Pair it with the Teint Idole Ultra Wear all over full coverage concealer for a flawless complexion that lasts all day long.
7. Guerlain
Guerlain is a prestigious name in French beauty, with a legacy that dates back to 1828. Known for its iconic perfumes and high-end skincare, Guerlain also delivers top-notch makeup products.
One of the brand’s most iconic products is the Terracotta sunkissed natural bronzer powder, a fan favorite that creates a seamless, true-to-skin bronzed glow that makes it look like you’ve just returned from a sun-drenched getaway to the French Riviera.
Another product you don’t want to miss is the Météorites illuminating powder. These beautiful pearls of powder set makeup, color correct, and mattify shine, all while illuminating your complexion. Not only is this powder amazing, but the packaging is to die for—a gorgeous addition to your makeup vanity.
8. Sisley Paris
Founded in 1976 by Hubert d'Ornano, Sisley Paris combines natural ingredients with scientific innovation, creating makeup that nourishes the skin while enhancing your features.
One of Sisley's most popular makeup products is the Phyto-Hydra Teint tinted moisturizer, a cocktail of healthy skin ingredients to help even, correct and illuminate your skin while providing hydrating coverage.
Another face product to check out is the L’Orchidée highlighter blush. It’s just as stunning in the packaging as it is on your skin, delivering a healthy-looking flush and soft, pearly glow.
Sisley can be on the pricier side, but it’s totally worth it if you’re looking for high-performing, plant-based makeup.
9. Laura Mercier
Founded by French makeup artist Laura Mercier in 1996, this French-American makeup brand is known for its effortless, “flawless face” philosophy. Laura Mercier is all about enhancing natural beauty with products that are both luxurious and easy to use.
The translucent loose setting powder is a cult favorite and a must for anyone looking to set their makeup without caking or creasing. It gives a soft-focus finish that blurs imperfections and keeps your makeup looking fresh all day.
Another hero product is the tinted moisturizer, which offers just the right amount of coverage with a natural, dewy finish. It’s perfect for that "no-makeup makeup" look French women seem to master so well.
The Caviar stick eyeshadow is another one of the best products from Laura Mercier that makes it easy to glide on rich, long-lasting color for a seamless day-to-night look.
If you love a natural, radiant complexion, Laura Mercier is a brand you can always count on for that effortless glow.
10. Make Up For Ever
Originally founded in Paris in 1984, Make Up For Ever started out for professional makeup artists but quickly became a favorite for anyone who loves high-performance beauty products.
One of their standout products is the HD Skin foundation, which was designed to be undetectable on camera and in real life. It’s lightweight, buildable, and leaves a natural, flawless finish—perfect for a day when you need your skin to look its best.
For eyes, the Aqua Resist color pencil eyeliner are another favorite. Waterproof, smudge-proof, and available in a range of bold colors, they’re perfect for creating a statement look that lasts all day (and night).
I’d also highly recommend the Artist Color Pencil longwear lip liner for perfectly defined lips and a fuller pout. The shade ‘Wherever Walnut’ has gone viral, and it’s easy to see why—this warm rose nude looks incredibly natural on the lips.
11. T. LeClerc
Founded in Paris in 1881, T. LeClerc has a rich history in French beauty. Known for its finely milled loose powders, this brand was initially created by pharmacist and chemist Théophile LeClerc, who formulated his famous rice powder to give women a flawless, matte complexion. To this day, the brand continues to be loved for its ability to create a naturally radiant finish.
One product worth shopping is the T. LeClerc loose powder, especially the iconic ‘Banane’ shade, which neutralizes redness and sets makeup for hours. It’s a beauty classic that many French women swear by.
If you're looking for a product to enhance your complexion, check out their pressed powder compacts. They deliver the same flawless finish with the convenience of a compact, perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
I also have to mention their gorgeous eyeshadow palettes. Not only is the pigment stunning, and they come in these beautiful fan-shaped pans. So chic!
12. By Terry
Founded in 2000 by French makeup artist Terry de Gunzberg, By Terry is a luxury cosmetics brand adored for its complexion-perfecting formulas that blend the lines between makeup and skincare. Terry de Gunzberg’s philosophy is simple: healthy, radiant skin is the foundation of beautiful makeup.
The Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer is a top favorite, known for its hydrating properties that not only minimize imperfections but also smooth out fine lines. Set it with the Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder for a flawless, matte complexion and skin-loving ingredients.
For a gorgeous glow, the brightening CC serum is another must-have from the brand. If you’re obsessed with that luminous, hydrated look, By Terry should definitely be on your radar.
13. Chantecaille
Chantecaille is a luxury botanical skincare and cosmetics brand founded in 2002 by Sylvie Chantecaille and her daughter Olivia. Known for its focus on botanical ingredients, the French beauty brand prioritizes using the power of nature to deliver effective beauty products.
One of their most beloved products is the Future Skin gel foundation, an award-winning oil-free gel foundation that feels weightless on the skin. It’s packed with natural botanicals, so it also hydrates and soothes as you wear it.
For the eyeshadow enthusiasts, their Luminescent Eye Shades are a must-try. These shimmer-packed shadows give a gorgeous wash of color—all while supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
Even better, Chantecaille maintains a commitment to cruelty-free practices and does not test its products on animals. For those looking for clean and natural French beauty, Chantecaille is definitely worth exploring.
14. La Bouche Rouge
La Bouche Rouge, which translates to “red lips” in French, is a luxury beauty brand founded in 2017 by Nicolas Gerlier. Based in Paris, this brand has quickly made a name for itself with its stunning range of over 40 lipsticks, all crafted in France with clean, natural ingredients. The formula is both creamy and long-lasting, providing intense color while nourishing your lips.
But La Bouche Rouge doesn’t stop at lipsticks. Over time, they have expanded their collection to include other makeup essentials like mascara, eyeshadow, bronzer, highlighter, and more.
What truly sets La Bouche Rouge apart is its dedication to sustainability. The French makeup brand offers refillable, handcrafted cases made from upcycled leather for several of its products, encouraging a more eco-friendly approach to beauty. Très très chic!
15. Les Filles en Rouje
Founded in 2017 by Jeanne Damas, Les Filles en Rouje embodies the essence of French beauty. This brand is all about infusing your beauty routine with that effortlessly chic French touch.
Their La Palette palette is one of their most iconic products. With its four creamy colors, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for creating custom looks on your eyes, cheeks, or lips. It’s such a unique product that I even featured it in my Francophile gift guide!
And if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for a radiant complexion, the La Palette Visage is another do-it-all favorite that offers a beautiful collection of blushes and highlighters to create a fresh, glowing look with minimal effort.
16. Oh My Cream!
This brand is one that you might not have heard much about—a hidden gem.
Known for its clean beauty concept stores across France and the UK, Oh My Cream! offers a curated selection of brands like Tata Harper, Ilia, Goop Beauty, and more. Plus, they’ve got their own amazing in-house line of skincare and makeup products.
Two standouts worth adding to your beauty routine are their mineral powder foundation with SPF20 and eye shadow stick—both are bestsellers for a reason.
If you’re ever in Paris, treat yourself to one of their boutique facials, or book a free skincare consultation where they’ll personalize a routine just for you. I’ve been curious to visit their boutique in Strasbourg.
17. Violette_FR
Founded by French makeup artist Violette Serrat, Violette_FR is all about embracing your authentic self and using beauty as a form of creative expression. The brand is built around the French philosophy that makeup should enhance your natural features, not hide them, helping you feel confident in your own skin.
A fan favorite is the Bisou balm, a sheer matte lipstick that doubles as a hydrating balm. It gives your lips a natural flush of color with a soft, blurred effect—perfect for that effortless, just-kissed look.
Another must-have lippie is the Petal Bouche matte lipstick, a highly pigmented matte lipstick that gives you that bold, perfect red lip without drying out your lips. It’s French beauty at its finest: bold, confident, and always chic. (Bonus: it snagged an Allure Beauty Award in 2022!)
18. L’Oreal
You can't have a list of French makeup brands without mentioning L’Oréal Paris—the global beauty powerhouse that’s been around since 1909. Known for combining luxury-level quality with affordability, L’Oréal offers a wide range of products that cater to just about every beauty need. Whether you're looking for a classic lipstick or the perfect foundation match, their products are always reliable and accessible.
Two cult favorites you can’t miss? The True Match foundation for a flawless, natural finish and the Voluminous Lash Paradise mascara for major lash drama.
And while I love shopping for makeup in France, I always stock up on L'Oréal in the U.S., where the prices are often better. Anytime I visit, I fly back to France with a stash of mascaras and my go-to powder foundation.
19. Bourjois
If you’re looking for affordable French makeup brands that still deliver excellent results, Bourjois is a must-try. Originally founded in 1863, Bourjois has long been a staple of French beauty, known for its high-quality formulas that don’t break the bank.
One product that’s always worth shopping for is their Healthy Mix foundation, which gives you a radiant, dewy finish while providing just the right amount of coverage. It’s infused with vitamins and leaves your skin looking fresh and luminous.
Another classic is their Little Round Pot blush, which has been around for decades. It’s easy to blend, beautifully pigmented and adds that perfect pop of color to your cheeks.
You can find Bourjois on Amazon in the U.S., or if you’re ever in France, check it out at stores like Monoprix, Leclerc, and Nocibé.
20. Kure Bazaar
To wrap up this list of French makeup brands, we’re talking nails. Kure Bazaar is the French brand that’s shaking up the manicure game with its eco-friendly approach. Launched in 2012, Kure Bazaar focuses on sustainability without compromising on quality or style. Their polishes are up to 90% natural, making them perfect for anyone who wants gorgeous nails without the harsh chemicals.
Their nail lacquers are clearly a must-try. Not only are they non-toxic and long-lasting, but they come in a range of stunning shades—from classic nudes to bold, Parisian brights. If you’re after a polish that’s kind to your nails and the planet, Kure Bazaar has you covered.
Shop French Makeup
When it comes to beauty, there's no denying that the French have mastered the art of effortless elegance. Whether you're splurging on a luxury brand like Chanel or discovering an eco-friendly gem like Kure Bazaar, these 20 French makeup brands are certain to bring that je ne sais quoi to your beauty routine.
Visiting France? If you’re wondering where to buy makeup in Paris, I’d recommend visiting the flagship Sephora on the Champs-Élysées for a great selection of luxury and international brands, or browse Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché for a curated selection of high-end beauty products. For more affordable finds, check out Citypharma’s pharmacy or popular chain stores like Nocibé and Marrouinaud.
Which French makeup brands are your favorite? What are your must-have products from these brands? Let me know in the comments below.
