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A French Christmas

Could it get any more swoon-worthy than celebrating Christmas in France?

Is there anyone who knows how to do Christmas quite as spectacularly as the French do?

The food is heavenly, the lights twinkle like stardust, while the traditions make the holiday season feel extra special. Their festive season stretches out for weeks rather than a couple of days. 

What’s not to love about that?  

Although celebrating Christmas in France may not be an option this year, you can bring France right to you! From cooking a French-themed Christmas dinner and decorating your home to some gorgeous French gift ideas, there are so many fun activities to enjoy this season.

Here’s how to do the perfect French Christmas and have a très chic Joyeux Noël (FYI: that’s French for Merry Christmas)!

France at Christmas time

Go to town on the Crèche

Nativity scenes are known as the “crèche” in France and are super popular across the country. 

But you won’t just find the usual suspects like baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph popping up. 

Oh no.

France likes to get the whole community involved in the celebrations, and rightly so! You’ll see a butcher, a baker, and a policeman on display too. And traditionally, these are all made of clay.   

In the month of December, certain towns like Marseilles have delightful Christmas markets (more on this to come) where you can purchase authentic, local versions of these nativity figures.

One of the unusual facts about Christmas in France is that, unlike the rest of the world, the crèche remains on display in homes until February 2nd, 40 days after Christmas

French markets 

Christmas market

Christmas markets (marchés de Noel) are a big part of France’s Christmas tradition. The first one can be traced back to 1570, which was Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmarik

Many of them start in the last weekend of December, running through into the New Year. And each one is slightly different from the next.

At these staple French markets, you can buy beautiful decorations, yummy festive treats, and high-quality artisan products from local producers. Each Christmas market is slightly different from the next, with its own unique charm. At every market, you’ll find beautiful decorations, yummy festive treats, and high-quality artisan products from local producers. 

The array of delicious food is perhaps the highlight and a brilliant way to bring France to you this year.

If you’re looking to bring that beautiful Christmas aroma into your home, start by roasting some chestnuts. This is one of the most popular snacks at French markets as you stroll around the different stalls. 

Delicacies like pâté, foie gras, cheese, and charcuterie are all French favorites, and each region boasts its own specialties. 

One dish that can’t be missed when visiting a French Christmas market is a cheesy tartiflette, which originates from Savoie. It’s a mix of real comforting ingredients: potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, onions, and herbs. 

 

Those with a sweet tooth can whip up a batch of homemade waffles smothered in melted chocolate, just like you’ll find at the Arras Christmas market. Other family favorites include beignets (a mini doughnut), macarons d’Amiens (an almond and honey cake), and gâteau battu (a brioche-like cake shaped like a chef’s hat).

Don’t forget to share a toast with a glass of gently spiced mulled wine, or vin chaud as it’s known in France. 

French market at Christmas time

Some of the standout French Christmas markets to head to are:

  • Colmar
  • Strasbourg
  • Amiens
  • Reims
  • Metz
  • Montbeliard
  • Lille
  • Avignon

Check them out, and make a note of the ones you want to head to next winter!

Le Sapin De Noël

Christmas tree

In France, a Christmas tree is called “un sapin de noël” or “un arbre de noël.” 

Strasbourg is said to be the birthplace of the festive tree. A fir tree is chosen because it doesn’t shed its leaves, a symbol of hope and eternal life. This tree was originally covered in red apples and lights and stood in front of Churches as a symbol of Christ. 

Many homes quickly adopted this tradition and would decorate their trees with apples and biscuits. However, one year there was a shortage of apples. To avert the crisis, glass-blowers created decorative versions of them, and that is how the Christmas bauble was invented!  

To create the perfect French-themed tree, decorate using ribbons, candles, and baubles, and place a star at the very top. 

If you want to go one step further, you can place your shoes under the tree (or by the fireplace) on Christmas eve instead of hanging stockings. It’s tradition for French children to do this in the hopes that Père Noël (Santa) will fill them with gifts. 

Spread the love like Père Noël

Christmas letter writing

Did you know that in France, it is illegal for a letter to Santa to go ignored?

That’s right.

In 1962, France passed a law stating that all letters to Père Noël must be responded to with a postcard. Isn’t that beautiful? All those handwritten letters from children are saved from ending up in bins and storage boxes. 

Christmas is traditionally a time of giving and receiving, so how about giving to those less fortunate than you this year? 

You could volunteer to respond to children’s letters to Santa or donate food and gifts to a local shelter. Bake some French Christmas treats and give them out along with blankets and sleeping bags to homeless people in your local community.

This year has been a tough one for all of us, but Christmas is all about family, love, and compassion. Let’s end the year on a high and spread the Christmas cheer.

Enjoy a beautiful log fire

Christmas socks by the fire

Long ago in France, it’s said that a large log would be carried into the home on the eve of Christmas, sprinkled with red wine to make it smell nice (plenty leftover for you to enjoy), then left burning all night long. 

Yule logs made of Cherry Wood are always a firm favorite across French homes. 

There’s something about an open fire that feels so wintery, cozy, and festive. You might even want to make some mulled wine or hot cocoa, slip into some snuggly clothes and relax as the warmth fills your soul. 

The perfect stocking stuffers

Christmas stocking

Whether you’re filling shoes or stockings, it doesn’t matter! What really counts is what’s inside. 

What better way to celebrate Christmas like the French than by stocking up on some French beauty products? 

Our Long-Lasting Matte Lipstick Duo Pack in classic red is the perfect shade to see any woman right through the holiday season. Think Réveillon, Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve, and everything in between. And if red is too bold for you, there are plenty of tamer shades to choose from. 

No French woman can do without some classic French mascara in her beauty bag. Why not pick up the legendary Cabaret Première Classic French Mascara—promising natural volume and definition in one swoosh. 

How to celebrate Réveillon in style

Christmas dinner spread

In the US, Christmas dinner on December 25th tends to be the pinnacle Christmas meal. But the French like to do things a little differently.

The holiday season’s biggest meal is traditionally eaten around midnight on Christmas Eve, known as le Réveillon. Starters often include delicacies like foie gras, oysters, or escargots. The main course is usually roast goose or turkey. And the meal is completed with the bûche de Noël (Yule Log). There’s always plenty of wine on hand too.

Doesn’t Christmas dinner in France sound amazing?

If you’ve never done this before, why not mix things up this year and prepare a feast for Christmas Eve. It’s a perfect way to get into the French Christmas feels.

Sweet treats to indulge in

Holiday pastry

What I love most about the way the French do Christmas is their celebration of all things sweet.

One of the most noteworthy facts about Christmas in France is their tradition (in some regions) of eating a grand total of 13 different desserts! 

Yes. You read that right. 

Here are a few of the standout sweet treats to try


Chocolate Bûche de Noël (Yule Log) Cake

A French pastry chef invented this in the late 1800s. Traditionally, it’s a Genoise sponge layered with buttercream and shaped into a log. It’s then topped with some beautiful decorations like meringue mushrooms or even a fresh cutting of holly. 


Classic French Marrons Glacés (Candied Chestnuts)

These are a popular holiday treat in France and will fill your home with a deliciously sweet aroma. They take a few days to prepare, but they're definitely worth it.


Chocolat Chaud

This is hot chocolate, but it's not just any hot chocolate. This is probably the most decadent hot chocolate you’ll ever drink! Made with melted chocolate, warm milk, topped with whipped cream, and maybe some marshmallows for extra fun—the perfect companion to an open fire. 


Celebrate the Fête des Rois

Fête des Rois

Fête des Rois (known as Epiphany in the US) is celebrated on January 6th. This marks the official end to Christmas in France.

Baking and eating a galette des rois (king cake) is a tradition. This is a delicious flaky pastry filled with frangipane (almond cream). Hidden inside the pastry is a fève (a small baby figurine). Whoever is lucky enough to get the piece with the fève becomes the King or Queen for the day.

This is such a popular tradition that most French bakeries sell the cakes with a paper crown.   

And why not?

We are all Queens in our own way. Let’s celebrate that more this year!

And that is how to do Christmas like the French do. Enjoy weaving a bit of French wonder and magic into your holiday season.  

Wishing you all a beautiful French Christmas, wherever in the world you’re celebrating this year.


Joyeux Noël!

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11 Effortlessly Chic Ways to Wear Eyeliner
August 22, 2021
11 Effortlessly Chic Ways to Wear Eyeliner

Are you looking for some super fun eyeliner looks to explore? From simple eyeliner styles to how to put on liquid eyeliner, and the best eyeliner pencil to use for a chic look, this article has it all! It’s easy to get into a rut with makeup, especially your eyeliner. Do you find you’re always creating the same look day in, day out?  Well, it’s time to mix things up! Whether you’re looking for something simple and chic, quick to apply, a pop of color, or something a little more special—we’ve got a look for you. There really are no limits when it comes to getting creative with your eyeliner. And beginners and pros are all welcome here.  Check out these 11 fun eyeliner looks below.  The less is more look Less can often be more, especially when it comes to French-girl makeup and beauty. After all, who doesn’t love rolling out of bed in the morning and getting their makeup complete in ten minutes? More time for sleeping in, getting your workout in, or even eating a delicious breakfast.  So, if this is your makeup philosophy, embrace it.  This is one of the more simple eyeliner styles on our list. First, you trace your upper lash line making a thin line along your top lashes with a black eye pencil. To complete the look, curl your lashes and add a healthy coat of lengthening mascara.  Told you this was going to be simple and effortless! The semi-outlined eye For this look, you’ll need a liquid eyeliner and an angled brush.  Use both together to trace your upper lash line, kicking the line out slightly at the outer corner of your eye to create a winged effect.  Next, using the liner and brush again, draw a line from the outermost part of the wing you just drew, all the way back to the halfway point of your lower lash line. And voila—you just created your semi-outlined eyeliner look! The French flick The French flick is also described as the toned-down version of a French woman’s classic eyeliner look. The difference with this look is you start at the center of the upper lid instead of the inner corner. This creates a subtle and smooth line. Use a micro angled brush to help you apply your eyeliner in whatever shade you like.  Black is the classic, and you can't wrong with it. Be sure to check your flick is symmetrical on both sides. Two is better than one For this look, you’ll need your standard black eyeliner plus another color for contrast. You can go for a neutral color here or something more vibrant—it’s up to you! Apply your eyeliner as usual to your upper and lower lash line. Next, apply your second color under the lower lashes for contrast. Use an angled brush if you want a thin, crisp line.  Don’t forget to finish your look with a swoosh of mascara to make your lashes pop.  A kitten-eye This look is all about dialing things back a notch from a full cat-eye, hence the kitten-eye name! We’re opting for a brown eyeliner for this one to create a subtler look, perfect to wear day or night. Use an angled brush to lightly line your top lash line. Start at the inner corner and extend it out into a baby cat-eye.  If you want to make this look all about the eyeliner, avoid curling your lashes and adding mascara.  Barely there eyeliner Here’s another simple eyeliner style for those of you who don’t want your eyeliner to steal the show. Applying a long-lasting eyeliner between your lashes is more than enough to add some beautiful definition to your eyes. And if you choose the best eyeliner pen for the job, it’ll last you all day and well into the night.  It’s true what they say—a little goes a long way. Without a doubt, this is an effortlessly chic way to wear eyeliner.  Smudged and smokey To create a smudged, smokey look, use a black pencil to line your lashes. Next, use a smudger brush to blend it out into an almond shape past your lash line.  Then sweep some shimmery gold shadow onto your eyelids and the inner corners of your eye, and blend for a sexy, smoldering finish.  Sleek ‘60s wing On the hunt for a classic winged eyeliner look? You’re going to love this sleek ‘60s wing. Use a peachy cream eye shadow as your base color, applying it from the lash line to the crease. Next, use a fine-tipped liquid eyeliner to draw a thin, straight line from the inner corner of your eyes, all the way to just past the outer corner. The trick is to extend the line upward, in the direction of the tail of your brow, but ease up on the pressure as you reach the outer corner. This will create a softer, faded line. Finish the look with some fluttery lashes by adding a coat of your favorite voluminous mascara. Thick and thin Have you ever played with the width of your eyeliner? This is a fun look to try while maintaining the definition of your eyes.  Try sweeping on a thicker line to your upper lash line, and keep the bottom lash as you usually would. You can even experiment with different colors to make this look extra playful!   Baby wings This is a cute spin on the classic winged eyeliner look. Connect your upper and lower eyeliner with the smallest flick at the outer corners. You’ll still create a winged look, but it’s simpler to achieve and can be just as dramatic. Metallic magic A flash of metallic can take a regular eyeliner look into something that is red carpet ready in minutes! Line your eyes as usual with your black eyeliner of choice. Wait for it to dry. Next, use a metallic liquid eyeliner and apply a thin line on top of the previous line. This will make sure it stands out and gives you that wow factor. We’re loving rose gold right now, but any metallic shade will work well with this look.   You now have 11 fun and almost effortless ways to up your eyeliner game, and try out a new look. Remember, makeup is all about feeling good and having fun. Classic looks are what we adore, but don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something a little different now and then. The golden rule? There are none!    

8 Easy Ways to Give Yourself a Mini Makeover at Home
August 11, 2021
8 Easy Ways to Give Yourself a Mini Makeover at Home

A beauty makeover is more than just a funny montage in a romantic comedy.  When life seems boring and mundane, giving yourself a new look is a sure way to improve your mood. You can transform yourself from head-to-toe or opt for a simple makeover that targets just one part of your look.  No matter what kind of makeover you choose, that moment when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror with a new style is incredibly energizing! We’ve collected a few makeover tips and suggestions for how you can give yourself an easy mini-makeover at home.  DIY facial   The first step to a truly rejuvenating one-day beauty makeover is a pampering facial. It’s a great way to give the skin a pick-me-up, especially if you plan to put some makeup on after.  The ideal facial should include some exfoliation, to remove dead skin buildup and prepare the skin to accept moisture. You can make your own scrub, or use an exfoliant from your favorite skincare brand. After that, give yourself a gentle facial massage, and follow it up with a nourishing mask or a thick layer of moisturizer.  Hairstyle Changing up your hair can make the biggest difference, and it’s the one thing that many of us have neglected over the last year. If you’re ready to make a big change, you can give yourself a haircut, but for most of us, taking the time to master a new hairstyle is a safer bet.  If you’ve been wearing your hair straight for the longest time, we recommend giving a tousled, wavy look a try! It’s a French girl staple that you can achieve with the help of a texturizing spray and a large curling iron. If your hair is naturally a little wavy, you can also just go to sleep with a braid in, and you should wake up with nice, natural-looking curls.  New style    The best way to give yourself a style makeover without having to spend much money is to invest in some new accessories. It’s amazing how big of a difference a nice silk scarf or a skinny belt can make to your look! Even smaller touches, like earrings and bracelets, can amp up an outfit.  If you’re willing to invest a little more, you can give yourself a complete style makeover by upgrading your wardrobe. Your first, and most relieving step, should be to get rid of the clothes you don’t like anymore—you can take some inspiration from Marie Kondo for that!  After that, consider what kind of aesthetic you’d like to have, and browse Pinterest for inspiration! You may decide to pick up a few new outfits or a couple of separates that’ll enhance your existing wardrobe. Building a French capsule wardrobe is another great way to go about things, especially if you’d like to simplify your life with classy yet versatile clothes. Lip color   If everything we’ve suggested so far seems a little too involved, you can give yourself the most low-effort beauty makeover with a simple lipstick change. Red is our favorite color, of course, because it adds glam factor even to a totally bare face, but any vibrant color will act as a quick pick-me-up.  One of the benefits of our Matte Constance lipsticks is that they come in a duo-pack, so you can experiment with the help of two lipsticks in one!  At-home mani Giving yourself a simple manicure will help you feel polished and put together, and it’s an especially nice treat when you don’t want to fuss with hair or makeup. Every time you look down at your hands, you’ll feel a little more composed.  You don’t even have to paint your nails—the simple act of soaking your hands in water, moisturizing the cuticles, and filing your nails into a nice shape is enough on its own. However, nail polish is great, especially if you decide to get creative and experiment with nail art.  New makeup technique    You don’t have to buy dozens of new makeup products just to improve your makeup game. If you always wear natural makeup, try a smokey eye. If you’ve been doing your eyeshadow the same way for the last five years, try a newer trend like a cut crease or a fox eye.  Many of us fall into the habit of doing our makeup the same way every day (that’s actually the secret behind the 5-minute face!). However, taking the time to experiment with styles and techniques you haven’t tried before can be a lot of fun, and you might even discover something new to add to your daily look!  Up your brow game Bushy brows are in these days! Upping your brow game will bring out your eyes, and going for a fluffier look will also give you a youthful air. It’s the best makeup hack for immediately transforming your face. You’ll feel more put-together, but unlike wearing a brightly-colored lipstick, it won’t make you feel too showy.  All you need to amp up your brows is a great eyebrow makeup product, like the Brow Arcade pencil. First, brush the hairs up for a feathery look, and then add a few strokes of color to fill them in.  Hair color    Another extreme (but surprisingly quick) makeover you can do is to change your hair color! Box dyes have come a long way over the last few years, so you can achieve shiny hair all by yourself at home.  We recommend choosing a color that’s not too far from your natural shade, so you don’t have to deal with damaging bleach. The key to finding a color that really flatters you is to choose a shade that is either slightly darker or lighter than your skin tone, but with a matching undertone. For instance, gold-based shades are great for those with warm skin, while blue-based or ashy tones are best for cool skin.  Coloring your hair can be a fun way to mix things up, but we’re also big fans of keeping it totally natural! Uplifting change  Small or big, a simple makeover is an instant mood-lifter. Whether you decide to give yourself a new look or just make a few small changes, we know you’ll feel renewed, energized, and ready to face the world!   

10 Surprisingly Easy Bold Makeup Looks You Can Do At Home
July 20, 2021
10 Surprisingly Easy Bold Makeup Looks You Can Do At Home

You might be pleasantly surprised to know that bold makeup looks can be simple and easy to create. A lot of makeup can take time to perfect and recreate. But these easy and fun makeup looks will be like a breath of fresh air. We’ve searched high and low to bring you the best bold makeup looks that will only add a few extra minutes to your current makeup routine (we’re talking ten minutes max!). Even if you’re spending most of your time at home right now, adding something fun and different to your makeup routine might be just what you need. You get to be creative, try out a new look, and feel pampered. And the best part is if you mess it up, there’s no one to judge you! Just wipe it off and start again.  Plus, there’s no need to stock up on a ton of extra beauty supplies. The charm of these makeup looks is that so many of them can be done working with the products you already have. Dig deep in your drawers and vanity case and pull out everything you have. Chances are you’ll have a bright eyeliner or bold lipstick or eyeshadow palette in there that hasn’t seen the light of day in a while! And now is the time to use it.  Here are ten easy bold makeup looks to try at home today. Red carpet ready Who says you can’t get dressed up to the max and look a million dollars when you’re not going anywhere? Makeup was created for us women to have fun, reinvent ourselves whenever we please, and feel good.  This red carpet look is easy to do, requires just a small amount of makeup and a ton of sass. Find the boldest shade of red lippy, a matching lip liner, and a tube of your favorite sexy mascara.  A red lip combined with fluttery lashes is a classic combo that will never go out of style.  Wanna take this look further? Put on the most glamorous outfit you can find, and strut around your house like you are literally walking the red carpet. Because, why not?!  Smokey eye with a twist We all love a sexy, smokey eye—it has to be one of the best eye makeup looks ever invented. And even if you’ve never tried this look before, it’s simpler to recreate than it first looks.  But today, we’re giving you a smokey eye with a twist and a bucket load of drama. This look focuses on the under-smoke on your lower lash line.  Top tip: use a combination of chocolate brown and black eyeshadow for this look. Using the two together will create a warmer, more luxurious finish. Really layer the shadow under your eyes to create a rich, sultry look.      All-over shimmer To create an all-over shimmery look, you’ll just need a few key products. For a simpler look, opt for a neutral color palette. And if you want something a little more fun, pick one color and apply different shimmery and glossy shades on various features. Use a shimmer-filled highlighter along your cheekbones and below your brows. Choose a gloss to swipe over your eyelids for extra dewiness. Complete the look with a glossy lip.  And voilà! Let the light catch your face and shine like a diamond all day long.  Double metallics The metallic trend is so hot right now. But what’s better than metallic eye shadow? Double metallic eyeshadow, of course! Pick your two colors of choice. You can stick with classic metallics like silver and gold or make this look even more fun by throwing in a jewel-toned metallic color.  Apply one color on your eyelids (right up to about 1-2 cm below your brows) and the other to your lower lash line. Don’t worry about trying to apply it perfectly—this look is more about letting those metallics work their magic.  Finish with a coat of mascara.  Half and half This bold makeup look is a ton of fun and can be created in a couple of minutes.  All you need is two different eyeshadow colors that you love, and an eyeshadow brush.  The brighter the colors, the louder this look will be.  Remember to use an eyeshadow base on your lids first to help your topcoat stay put and have a more vibrant finish.   Pretty pastels This is a gorgeous look, especially for the spring/summer season.  Choose a bright, punch pastel eyeshadow or eye pencil, and apply it to your upper lash line. If you want a simpler, subtler look, keep your line thin. And if you want to make more of a statement, thicken the line up and even extend it up and out past the outer corners of your eyes.  We’re loving this fresh, minty-aqua shade. Don’t forget to finish your eye makeup with a coat of classic mascara to make your eyes pop.    Color clash Clashing colors is not a fashion faux pas. Forget everything you ever learned growing up—the secret to a bold makeup look is often about breaking the rules! Playing with color is an easy and fun way to create a striking look. For a statement color clash, use two different colors for your lips and eyes.  For example, shimmery gold eyeshadow and a satsuma orange lip. A cherry red lip and a purple eye shadow.  The choice is yours. Play with different colors. See what you like and what works best with your skin tone.  French girl daydream This play on the classic French look is so simple to do and looks stunning. It’s all about a winged eyeliner with a twist. The twist being, you exaggerate the upper lash line and only draw half of your lower lash line. Keep the rest of your makeup natural and low-key; tinted moisturizer, some concealer wherever needed, a bit of brow gel, and a hint of blush on your cheeks. And no French beauty look would be complete without some voluminous mascara.       Punchy pink lip A bold red lip is a classic choice for making a statement. But why not mix things up and opt for a pop of pink instead? A bright pink lipstick is fun, feminine, and can be just as dramatic as a red lip. Plus, it’ll pair really well with a natural overall makeup look. That means you can recreate this look in minutes! Don’t forget to line your lips to ensure your lipstick lasts all day long.  Filled-in cat eye We all know and love a classic cat eye, but eyeliner is fiddly, and it can take a long time to learn how to properly put on eyeliner for this look. This is why we love a filled-in cat eye for an easy, bold makeup look that anyone can do at home.  Outline the under and upper eye (including the outer edges). And don't worry, it doesn’t have to be immaculate because it won’t be the main focus here. When you’re done, fill in your full lid with an eyeshadow color of your choice. Match your color to your outfit, clash it on purpose, or keep it simple with a subtler shade. It’s up to you!   Are you ready to try these easy, bold makeup looks at home? If you’re looking to inject some fun and newness into your ordinary makeup routine, these looks are a great place to start. The key to creating a stunning makeup look is learning what colors, textures, and styles work with your skin tone and structure and accentuate your natural features.  There’s no better time than now to experiment and try out some new looks!