Ice blue eyes. Sculptural cheekbones. That shoulder-grazing silver bob. French model Mino Sassy has espoused her effortless Gallic beauty everywhere from the late Karl Lagerfeld’s atelier and the cover of Italian Vogue to recent runways like Vivienne Westwood and Lemaire. Between shows during Paris Fashion Week last month, Sassy sat down with Gucci to talk French allure, while the pair whipped up a Helmut Newton-esque smoky eye and tomato lip made for festive nights.

“Je commence?” asks Gucci. “Oui,” says Sassy, as her skin is enhanced using Vital Skin foundation in Atelier II and IV. To ensure the overall effect is “less makeup-y,” and more fresh, Gucci uses it only where needed, then goes over any imperfections and pigmentation with the fine-tipped Spot Check brush.

A swish of matte Beauty Butter bronzer and a few swipes of Lit Up Highlight on the temples, cheekbones, and bridge of the nose add a warm, lit-from-within glow. “Everyone in the world is a little envious of French girls because they’re naturally so pretty,” says Gucci. “They look like they don’t do anything and they’re so beautiful.” 

To make Sassy’s clear blue eyes pop, Gucci uses Eye Pods in a combination of Les Jours and Les Nuits, applying a wash of Tabac on lids, before smudging the rich brown Chocolat along the lower lashlines. The trick is using fine layers of the luminous cream-powder formula and blending well, before adding a touch of Vin Rouge pigment and Noir in eye-extending strokes along the outer corners. “It really isn’t about a trend, it’s just focusing on what will make you feel the most beautiful," says Gucci as she coats the lashes with Eye Love Mascara in a volumizing shade of inky black.

A quick dip into the Lip Suede Les Rouges compact for a dash of tomato red makes for the final insouciant touch. In tandem with naturally radiant skin and that subtly sooty eye, it’s just the touch of skin-brightening magic to carry anyone through party season.

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For more festive red lip makeup looks, watch how Gucci pairs a bold poppy shade with Super Loaded Tinted Highlight, then takes a matte rouge lip into high-gloss territory, Plus, brush up on our easy guide to making a vibrant shade last all night. 

Need gift ideas? The ultimate merry-making beauty guide is here!