In a world of fleeting trends and short attention spans, there’s one that’s stuck around for a few months now – the “French Girl” aesthetic. It seems like everyone wants to look, smell and dress like a “French Girl,” and when we think of her, a certain image comes to mind. Her hair is tousled but elegant, and her makeup is minimal (though she doesn’t say no to the rough red lip). Her lips rest in a perpetual pout, and there may or may not be a cigarette stuck between them. She wears ballet flats to run errands on the cobblestone streets of the city, but on vacation on the Riviera, she goes barefoot. The “French Girl” combines all the charm of vintage fashion with a touch of modern minimalism – so it’s no surprise that this style has taken over both Instagram Explore pages and Pinterest boards.

The term has become increasingly popular in hair and makeup. Some looks feature a messy wake-up-like-this hairstyle, while others sport a chic bob; some go all-natural, less-is-more makeup look, and others can’t get enough of red lips and cat eyes. The eternally trendy aesthetic is essentially one that appears minimalist and effortless—natural hair, fresh and glowing skin, and glazed lips to match. But one thing we do know: no matter how minimalist a look is, it requires a certain amount of effort—just like the classic French girl beauty look. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that French women prefer comparatively understated beauty looks; they follow the philosophy that you don’t have to hide your true colors. Think of the mysterious and tousled elegance of figures like Jane Birkin, Caroline de Maigret, Léa Seydoux, and Jeanne Damas. They are carefree, easygoing, and never have to try too hard. Being sophisticated, elegant and, above all, looking natural is the epitome of French girl beauty aesthetics and it’s safe to say we’re all obsessed with it.

Below are some of our French beauty favorites.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Serum, ₹5,800

A313 Cream, ₹2,050

La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid Sunscreen, ₹3,100

Avene Thermal Water Spray, ₹930

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water, ₹1,150

Clarins Water Lip Stain, ₹2,200

Guerlain Parure Gold Skin Matte Foundation, ₹9,350

Nuxe Honey Lip Balm, ₹2,200

Featured image: @caudalie/Instagram