I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product.

I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product.

      It is often said that the eyes are the gateway to the soul, and I would argue that eye makeup serves as a reflection of one's style. Whether you prefer a bold or subtle approach, observers can gain insight into your creative identity through the vibrant hues on your eyelids or the delicate touch of smoky eyeliner framing your eyes. Your eyes convey more than just whether you are warm and approachable or prefer solitude; they also indicate a familiarity with color theory, such as knowing that a deep burgundy shadow enhances your brown eyes or intentionally opting to forgo mascara to allow your lipstick to shine.

      As I constantly seek to refresh my eye makeup, I look to the French for inspiration, with their enchanting aura, stylish ensembles, and effortless beauty. While Parisian women are often renowned for their striking red lips, French makeup artist Violette Serrat claims that her latest creation, the Violette_Fr Plume Eye Shadow, represents a true embodiment of her lifestyle.

      "In a sense, Plume Eyeshadow may be the most French-inspired formula we’ve developed," remarks Serrat, who is both an artist and the brand's founder. ("After Bisou Balm," she specifies.) "I’ve always been captivated by the eyes in classic French cinema—nothing overly polished or excessively 'done,'" she shares. "Just a soft, lived-in sensuality that enhances your natural self yet adds an air of mystery." Although there are ample cream eye shadow sticks, liquid shadows, and powder variations, Serrat found herself searching for a sheer, user-friendly option that was distinctly French: easy to apply on the go. "I realized there was a lack of products in the market that offered that effortless, instinctive feeling," she tells Who What Wear. To address this gap, her team went to the lab to develop a cream-to-powder texture that provided the blendability she desired along with a smoky, airy finish. "It has this remarkable melt-to-matte effect that integrates with the skin, creating a soft veil of color rather than something overly stark or flat," she explains. Essentially, they’re resistant to errors. In Serrat's description, the captivating blue-tinted, dreamy shadows appear more like a play of light than actual makeup, allowing you to "build, smudge, and wear instinctively." It indeed feels like a French daydream.

      The "French Girl" Perspective

      Serrat describes the "French girl" method as one that emphasizes restraint. While sheer color washes and diffused tones may seem effortlessly breezy, they typically result from many ultra-thin layers expertly blended by a skilled makeup artist. "I aimed to create a formula you could simply swipe on with your finger in seconds and be ready to go. If you find yourself spending an hour perfecting your eye shadow, that effortless vibe is already gone," she asserts. After all, effortless beauty should be just that, effortless.

      5 Ways to Use the Plume Eye Shadows

      I soaked an entire paragraph into the French beauty philosophy, but the truth is surprisingly straightforward—it's messy, quick, and almost technique-free. However, as an American interpreting French beauty, I'm certainly complicating things a tad. Continue scrolling to discover five ways I’m using this shadow this summer.

      Watercolour Wash

      The first and most genuinely French method is the smudge-and-go technique. Thanks to these sheer, dreamy shadows, you can dab your fingertip into the cream powder and apply it to your eyelids for a soft wash of color. "One tip I adore is to apply the shadow to the volume of the eye," Serrat notes, referencing the eyelid's center. "I start in the middle of the lid, then deepen the crease and lash line, blending it toward the outer corner," she explains. "This creates a lively, smoky look that feels cinematic and sensual without appearing overdone." Color Used: Pluie Violette

      VIOLETTE_FR Plume Eyeshadow in Pluie Violette

      Hazy Liner

      One of my preferred ways to do eye makeup is by defining the lash line with a soft sweep of eye shadow instead of liner. It offers a gentler appearance, making it suitable for daytime, but it can also be deepened for an evening look. ("Or anytime you wish, it’s your choice.") "I enjoy using a small brush to press along the upper and lower lash lines, almost like a soft liner, and then slightly winging it out," says Serrat. "It gives the eyes clarity and depth in a much subtler way than traditional eyeliner." Color Used: Charbon Fumé

      VIOLETTE_FR Plume Eyeshadow in Charbon Fumé

      Soft Smoke

      Although I relish creating a clean wing with these soft shadows, the formula wraps the eye in a seductive haze when applied along the lash line. "I’ll use both my fingers and a brush to apply color across the eyelid, focusing on adding depth in

I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product. I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product.

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I found 5 French-girl techniques for applying eye makeup this summer, all thanks to a single product.

A touch of Parisian magic with every swipe.