French girls always seem to look effortlessly poised and polished, so it's no wonder we're all obsessed with capturing that nonchalant elegance for ourselves.

As Parisian artist Violette explained to Violet Grey, it's all about simplicity: "Makeup has to be done in five minutes, max. Most of the time it's just foundation, no mascara. We'll go out with super messy hair; we don't care... Don't make anything too perfect — we like it to look like we've done it ourselves."

In other words? Pare down your routine — and you too can be très chic. Keep reading for a few of our favorite French girl beauty essentials.

Image via @violette_fr

Cover image via @violette_fr

The key to French beauty is amazing skin. Achieve a flattering natural glow with a smoothening serum like Caudalie's Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum, $49.

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Another French girl beauty staple? A refreshing face mist for midday touch-ups, such as the iconic Avene Thermal Spring Water, $14.

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A bold red lip is always in style, especially when it comes to all things Francophile. Keep everything minimal and swipe on a luxurious rouge like Nars Audacious Lipstick in Rita, $34.

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French women have healthy, lived in hair. They swear by second-day hair for an amazing texture like you just rolled out of bed. Use a texturizing spray, like French Girl Rose Sea Spray Hair Texture Mist, $18, scrunched into the strands and allow to air dry for an effortless look.

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