In a recent New York Times article, Laura Mercier, the French woman who created the cosmetics line bearing her name, expresses the view that American women sport a “vulgar painted-doll look.” Mercier says, “It really astonishes me the way American women wear so much makeup. In America, even teenage girls are overly made-up. And when you are overly made-up, you send out the message that you are overly sexual, that you want to be visible to attract men.”
In contrast, chic French women wear very little makeup. The makeup they do wear is applied to appear as though they have no makeup on at all. Their emphasis is skincare with the goal to glow, with invisible pores and highly polished skin. This means that often they do not even wear foundation. Generally, the French do not worship the sun the way Americans are known for doing, so a paler look is more the norm in France. Too much makeup, French women say, makes a woman seem older, less refined. Mercier says: “French women are not flashy. They must be subtle. The message must not be, ‘I’m spending hours on my face to look beautiful’. ”
The criticism of American women was recently picked up by French Elle, which poked fun at what it called the “too much” look of the American woman, illustrated by a model in an electric pink shirt, short shorts, an orange print scarf, mirrored sunglasses, a Louis Vuitton handbag and gaudy gold high-heeled sandals, earrings, necklaces, chain belt, bangles and rings.
Necklaces, chain belt, bangles and rings.
That’s the opinion of a very successful woman in the cosmetics business. I agree with her that skin care is a vital part of looking good BUT I disagree with her about the look of American women. We have a sense of individuality and freedom that I do not sense anywhere else in the world. We are not a country of look a likes. We may not choose to wear a lot of makeup but we all celebrate the choice to do so. We are a country of many opinions and as a results many different looks. Some women do want to be noticed – nothing wrong with that. That is why designers created three inch heels – they demand head turning.
Celebrities, Nicole Richie and Britney Spears have definite make up looks. Madonna changes her looks consistently and is admired for it as a savvy businesswoman and free spirit. Jennifer Lopez, Hispanic, exudes glamour and exotic style. She loves make up and is an expert in changing her fashion look.
