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How to Use a Makeup Sponge

Is a makeup sponge part of your beauty toolkit? For us, it’s a must-have! Makeup blenders, in particular, are a fairly recent innovation that has had a big impact. 


French girls have totally fallen in love with makeup blender sponges because, when used damp, they give a glowy finish that’s integral for achieving natural-looking makeup in seconds. 


Whether you only apply a touch of concealer once in a while or you like a full foundation and contour makeup look, using a makeup sponge correctly will help up your makeup game. In this post, we’ll focus on a more French approach to using a makeup blender, with tips for simplistic makeup that’ll help your skin look naturally radiant. 


First, we’ll give you a quick overview of the different types of makeup sponges, and then we’ll provide tips for using them depending on the products you like. 

Types of makeup sponges

There are two major types of makeup sponges to choose from, so let’s quickly summarize the details you should know about them. 

Makeup blender sponges

Colored makeup sponges on a white background 

When we hear the word makeup sponge, the first thing that comes to mind is a round, reusable sponge, much like the original Beauty Blender and the other sponges inspired by it.

These sponges are meant to be used damp to apply and blend complexion makeup. You wash them with soap and water after every use. You can use the same sponge again the next time you do your makeup. 


These reusable sponges are fantastic for complexion makeup. They blend away streaks and harsh lines, and because they’re damp, they don’t absorb your foundation. The water in the sponge helps add more moisture and glow to the foundation, contributing to a healthier and more natural finish.   

Disposable sponges

Colorful makeup sponge set on white background 

Before blenders became standard in all of our makeup kits, many women were using disposable sponges to do their makeup. They were usually wedge shapes, but occasionally you could also come across flat sponges. They were never especially popular in French beauty since French women preferred to use their fingers to apply their makeup. 


Some brands market their wedge sponges as reusable. In practice, they’re usually flimsier and more likely to harbor bacteria compared to makeup blender sponges, so while you might be able to wash and reuse them, we don’t recommend keeping them around for long. 


These days, many makeup artists still use disposable wedges. They can just throw them away instead of having to carefully sanitize a reusable sponge for their next client. They work well in a pinch, although their smaller size and straight edges mean that getting a seamless blend takes a little longer. 

How to use a makeup sponge for foundation makeup

Drizzling liquid foundation on a clean pink makeup sponge

 

This is the French approach to using a makeup blender for natural-looking makeup. It works whether you use a foundation or a product with lighter coverage like tinted moisturizers or BB cream. 


  • Always start with clean and very well-moisturized skin. If you want, you can even use your sponge to apply your skincare steps! 
  • Next, soak your sponge with water until it doubles in size, and then wring out the excess, so it’s damp but not dripping. 
  • Dispense your cream or liquid foundation makeup on the back of your hand. The heat from your skin will help warm it up so it’ll glide more easily. 
  • Dip the sponge into the makeup on your hand. 
  • Start with the area of your face where you would like the most coverage, and gently bounce the sponge over your skin. 
  • Never drag the sponge over your skin since that can leave visible streaks. 
  • Use overlapping bouncing motions to spread your foundation and to give your skin a seamless, poreless blend. 
  • If it looks like you’ve overapplied makeup to any part of your face, use one of the sponge’s clean sides to blot away the excess and to prevent a cakey look. 

Applying concealer with a sponge

Woman applying concealer with a sponge 

Many French women use concealer instead of foundation since they can just dab it where they’d like to even out their skin tone a little. Getting a concealer to blend into bare skin isn’t always easy, but with a makeup sponge, it’s a piece of cake!


It’s best to apply concealer directly to the area that needs the added coverage, either with a brush, a finger, or the applicator that comes with your concealer. Then, use the clean, pointed end of your damp sponge to blend out the concealer into the rest of the skin so it becomes truly undetectable.  

Using a makeup sponge for blush and contour

Woman in bathrobe applying makeup with a black makeup sponge 

Powders aren’t especially popular in French beauty because they can leave the skin looking too matte and dry. Instead, cream blushes, bronzers, highlighters, and contour makeup are much more common. 


Using a sponge blends out those colorful, precise complexion products in a way that gives them a skin-like finish. 


  • As with concealer, it’s best to first dab the product on the skin, concentrating on the areas where you want it to be more saturated. 
  • For blush, that means the apples of the cheeks, while for contour or bronzer, it usually means below the cheekbone and along the temples. 
  • Using a clean side of the sponge, gently tap over them to blend, and add a bit of a dragging motion if you also want to distribute the product further out. 
  • Finally, if you think your blush or contour is a little too dark or vibrant, you can actually dip the sponge into a bit of your foundation and concealer and then bounce it over the makeup. It’ll help to soften the blush, as though it’s emanating from within your skin.  

Soak it up

When you use it correctly, a sponge is the ultimate makeup aid. No other tool can blend things quite so seamlessly for natural-looking makeup every time. Use it damp, and that added moisture will help you realize all of your French beauty fantasies! 

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8 Chic Springtime Hats to Add to Your Wardrobe
April 02, 2021
8 Chic Springtime Hats to Add to Your Wardrobe

This article is dedicated to women’s spring hats, and we’ve got some beautiful types of hats for you to try out this spring! Hats can be challenging to coordinate, but not when you know what you’re doing. By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro on the types and names of hats and ready to find the perfect one to add to your spring wardrobe.  Whether you’re soaking up the sun in your garden, taking a sunset walk on the beach, spending a weekend on a yacht, or jetting off for a summer vacation, a stylish hat is a must. Not only will it complete your look, but it’ll also protect your skin from those damaging rays.  No matter what your personal style is, we have a hat on this list to suit you. Here are our favorite springtime hats for women.  Brimmed Classics To kick things off on our list of women’s spring hats, we’ve got brimmed classics. Think fedoras, boaters, and Panama styles. Anything with a classic, structured, brimmed silhouette. This shape is timeless and will instantly get you feeling like you’re on vacation! This is the perfect hat to invest in if you’re new to hats and looking for something simple yet elegant that will work with multiple outfits. How to Style It:  A classic wide-brimmed hat can be paired with pretty much anything. If you’re heading on a trip somewhere and only have space for one hat, make it this one.  It’ll look effortlessly chic paired with a white suit, a floral wrap dress, or even a pair of tailored Bermuda shorts.  For a vacation look, pair with swimwear and coverups as you please, and some lace-up leather sandals or embellished mules. Throw on some oversized shades and a woven handbag on your shoulder, and you’re ready to go.    The Bucket Hat The bucket hat is a super casual boho-style hat that has an inherently sporty and nostalgic vibe. But don’t let that put you off. High-end fashion houses like Dior and Prada have consistently shown that the bucket hat can be sexy and feminine for a perfect spring/summer look. You’ll find bucket styles in an array of fabrics, including raffia, satin, and embroidered styles. The key here is to keep things simple and minimal.  How to Style It:  To keep this look chic, stick to a neutral color palette when it comes to the rest of your outfit.  And if you want to go all-out ‘90s throwback, add a choker necklace and some platform sandals. Think TLC in their “Waterfalls” video.    Oversized Straw Hat If you’re looking for a springtime hat that makes a statement, opt for an oversized straw hat. You’ll likely have seen this accessory completing many looks of Instagram influencers as they pose by the pool or the beach. The brim is both dramatic, chic, and oh-so-glamorous.  When it comes to the size of the brim, you can go as large as you please. Many will extend past your shoulders, providing welcomed extra protection from the sun. Choose a floppy or woven brim depending on the look you prefer.  How to Style It: The oversized straw hat was made to accompany swimwear. Pair it with a classic black one-piece or high waist bikini, some designer sunnies, and one piece of your favorite gold jewelry.  The Garden Hat The Garden hat can be found in many different shapes and sizes, with wide brims, taller crowns, scalloped edges, and divine neck-tie details. Perfect for lounging in your back yard on a sunny spring day. Go for a classic neutral color or a black/white version for a more modern look.  How to Style It: This hat is perfect for creating a flirty, feminine look. Pair with your most fabulous floral dress or sarong. Add a pair of heeled sandals, and you’re ready for dinner and drinks in a flash! The Garden hat also lends itself well to city-style linen separates for a chic springtime outfit.   The Baseball Cap Baseball caps don’t have to be kept for running and working out. They’re part of every model & influencer’s off-duty look, and we can see why. They’re easy to throw on, work particularly well if you’re having a bad hair day, and add a sporty vibe to any look.  To elevate this look, opt for a designer version or a style that mixes fabrics or embroidery for extra detail.  How to Style It: Baseball caps are so versatile. Wear them on a walk, at the beach, while running errands, or even for lounging in your garden. Pair with your favorite leggings or trainers for an extra sporty vibe.  Grosgrain Band Panama Hat Meghan Markle is renowned for loving the Panama-style hat because it’s both stylish and functional. Not too big, but large enough that it shields you from the sun. Plus, it’s classic and elegant, and simple to throw on to complete your outfit.  How to Style It: Pair with denim shorts or a printed jumpsuit for a chic summer look.  Lamé Papier Hat This chic French straw hat is famous for having a black grosgrain ribbon around the brim and a metal bee detail on the side. It’s one of the trickier hat styles to pull-off, but nothing to be afraid of.  How to Style It: There’s no better time to wear this hat than at a spring or summertime garden party.  Pair with your favorite babydoll dress, a lightweight blazer loosely thrown around your shoulders, your favorite heeled sandals, and you have perfected this look! The Frayed Hat Our final hat on this list is the frayed hat. It has a lovely boho, artisanal feel that will add texture and detail to any look. Go for a floppy style for a laid-back beach look or a structured shape for a downtown vibe.  You’ll find so many variations to choose from with different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. If you’re looking to add just one hat to your wardrobe, choose something that will go with lots of outfits.  How to Style It: The frayed hat is the perfect companion for any vacation. Wear it with a monochrome swimsuit, some gold sandals, and some delicate jewelry. Looking fabulous! Are you ready to add one of these hats to your spring wardrobe?    Here comes the sun, and we can’t wait!

Learn French Phrases: Morning & Evening Beauty Routines
March 25, 2021
Learn French Phrases: Morning & Evening Beauty Routines

Welcome to the first post in our brand new series: Learn French phrases! Each post in this series will be centered around a different theme, so you can walk away a Parisian pro when it comes to French culture and cosmetics. Don’t worry; this isn’t going to be like the French classes you remember from your school days. Forget the boring phrases — we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about French beauty, from la crème solaire to les lingettes démaquillantes.  Next time you’re looking at a product and notice the label or tag is entirely in French, you won’t be phased. You’ll feel right in your comfort zone! This post is all about learning French phrases relating to morning and evening beauty routines.    Are you ready to learn some fabulous French with us? Learn French Phrases: Morning Skincare Routine What you put on your face first thing in the morning matters. The main focus? Protection and preservation. And while some skincare experts swear by 12-step routines, most of us just don’t have time for that.  The good news? Follow these steps, and you can say hello to a flawless face. La crème solaire: Sunscreen La crème solaire is a must, and no French woman leaves home without it. Try and find a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, but 30 is best. Make sure you apply it to your face, neck, and décolletage.  Un sérum: A lightweight moisturizer  A serum is a thin moisturizer that helps to smooth out imperfections and reduce the appearance of pores. This will protect your face from bacteria, pollution, and your dirty phone screen.  When it comes to un sérum, a little goes a long way.  L’huile: Oil L’huile helps hydrate your skin, replenish it with vital vitamins and nutrients, and leaves your skin glowing and firm.  Just a couple drops of oil will be more than enough. Une crème hydratante: Moisturizer There are so many moisturizers on the market, so your best bet is to pick one that works with your skin type (sensitive, dry, or combination). Moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated all day long. But remember, it’s not a replacement for drinking water! Une crème mains: Hand cream While we’re pampering our skin, let’s not forget our hands — they age as quickly as your face does.  Regularly applying hand cream throughout the day (after washing your hands) can improve elasticity and lock the moisture in.  We hope you’re enjoying learning French phrases with us! Ready for some more? Learn French Phrases: Nighttime Skincare Routine Your night skincare game is just as important as your daytime one. When you sleep, your skin has a chance to repair and recover from the damage done throughout the day.  So the products you put on your skin before bed matter. This is the optimum time for the ingredients to work their magic because your skin is most receptive at night.   Les lingettes démaquillantes: Makeup remover wipes L’huile démaquillante: Makeup remover Boules de coton: cotton balls Leaving your makeup on when you go to sleep is like committing a crime... against yourself.  No matter how tired or hungover you are, always remove your makeup! Remember to be gentle as you do it, especially around the eye area.  Une mousse nettoyante: Cleansing foam  Using a cleanser is vital for getting rid of dead cells and any residual damaging agents at the end of the day. Like most beauty products, the best cleanser for you will depend on your skin type.  Une lotion / Une crème de corps: Body lotion After you’ve showered, you want to lock in your skin's moisture with a nourishing body lotion. This will help your skin stay hydrated and elastic, and prevent it from becoming dry or flaky.  Une crème de nuit: Night cream Applying a night cream is a must before going to sleep. This is the one thing that will keep your skin barrier healthy, and keep your skin looking radiant.  Tip: use a special eye cream for your delicate eye area, and apply gently.    Une masque de nuit / une masque de sommeil: Night mask Sleep masks are a brilliant invention. You cover your face with the mask before bed, it absorbs into your skin, and the ingredients gradually release through the night.  The best part? All you have to do is pop the mask on, and your work is done. Do this once or twice a week instead of your regular crème de nuit. A night mask can reduce dullness and improve hydration, plus so much more! High five ladies — you are now a pro with French phrases about morning and evening beauty routines. 

How to Get the Perfect French Girl Hairstyles
March 16, 2021
How to Get the Perfect French Girl Hairstyles

French women are known for their effortless yet sophisticated look. French girl style is all about looking like you basically "woke up like this,"  perhaps with just a touch more polish. It’s never too much or too little — it’s always perfect.  The same philosophy applies to French hairstyles. They should never be too complex or intricate. Instead, the focus should be on having a flattering haircut styled to honor your natural hair texture and to frame your beautiful features.   If you’d like to give French girl hair a try, we’ve got some ideas to inspire you. We’ve selected our four favorite ladies’ hairstyles for 2021, and we’ll explain how you can achieve them, along with some matching makeup tips.  French bob cut   A bob cut is one of the most popular French haircuts right now! Vogue called it the biggest hair trend of 2020, and we can assure you that it’s going strong well into 2021. While every bob is tres chic, consider adding bangs to your look to truly embody that French girl style.  To get the bob cut   The secret to getting a bob to work for you is to make sure that it hits your features just right. The eye will be drawn to the spot where the bob ends or where the fringe falls, so consider which features you’d like to emphasize with the length and layering.   You can try to cut your hair on your own, but we’d recommend going to a professional hairdresser. A great hairdresser will take the time to chat with you and help you figure out which lengths will flatter your face shape the best.  Matching your makeup to a French bob If it’s your first time going short, you may want to put a little extra effort into making sure your makeup is visible. We’re partial to pairing this popular French haircut with a vibrant red lip, using our Matte Constance Lipstick in Classic Red.  Wavy French girl hairstyle    You don’t have to go short to achieve amazing French girl hair. Soft waves and natural-looking texture are just as chic, and they work beautifully on longer bobs, shoulder-length hair, and even ultra-long tresses. While a natural wave looks totally effortless, it does take a little bit of technique.  To get soft waves  If you’re naturally blessed with wavy or curly hair, the curly girl method is ideal because it skips the damage of heat styling and brings the very best shape out of your tresses.  If your hair is naturally straight, you’ll have to resort to just a bit of heat styling. First, spray your hair with a texturizing salt spray, and blow dry it if needed. Then, use a large-sized curling iron to create alternating curls in your hair, focusing only on the bottom half of each strand. Finally, once your entire head is curly, use your fingers to gently loosen up the curls to turn them into gorgeous waves.  Tie it together with makeup  The beautiful thing about softly textured waves is that they match any makeup look, including barely-there makeup. The key is to keep the eyes nicely framed by your brows, so they don’t disappear behind the mane of hair. All you need to do is lightly fill them in with the Brow Arcade pencil and then brush them up into a groomed look.  Effortless messy bun While it’s important to have a signature look, French girl style is also about knowing when to change things up. Before dates or nights out, having a go-to effortless, yet sophisticated, bun really comes in handy.   Creating a simple bun The more effortless and messy you want your bun to look, the more bobby pins you’ll need, so make sure to have plenty on hand. You’ll also need strong, tight hair elastics. Start with your hair already a little wavy, and consider using a little dry shampoo to add some grit.  First, pull your hair into a ponytail, leaving a few loose strands at the front to frame your face Next, twist your ponytail, and then wrap it around the elastic so it forms a donut-shaped bun.  Use bobby pins to secure the base of the bun.  Then, gently pull on the bun with both hands to slightly expand it and give it a more voluminous look. If any strands come loose, you can tuck them under the bun and then pin them into place. It’s super easy to create, but the results are impressive.  Match it with soft-glam makeup You’ve already gone through the effort of pulling and pinning your hair up into a bun, so finish off your look with a careful swipe of liquid liner to make your eyes gleam, and then a healthy dose of our Provocation volumizing mascara.   Flirty ponytail French girl hairstyles can lean into a playful, feminine vibe as long as they retain their chic simplicity. A hairstyle with a low-ponytail does the trick, and it’s great for days when you want your hair out of your face. Tying it off with a scarf gives rustic charm and a bit of color to the look!   Styling the perfect ponytail You can rock a sleek ponytail if you like, but we’re partial to this voluminous style. You can start with air-dried hair or go all out and use a hair curler to achieve loose waves. If your hair is feeling a little flat, section it at the crown, and tease a little bit to add some volume.  Then, pull your hair back into a low, loose ponytail. Leave a few loose strands around your face, and give them a quick curl with a curling iron. Finally, pick a colorful scarf, and tie it around the base of the ponytail!  Playful makeup to match This kind of look pairs best with a fresh face. We suggest giving your pout a sheen; so first, use our volumizing Polynesie Francaise gloss in Bora Bora, and then add a sheer wash of pink blush over the cheeks.  Finishing in style  Which of these French hairstyles will you try in 2021? From changing things up with a short bob to embracing length and texture, French girl haircuts and styles give easy options that’ll keep you feeling chic and sexy!