Executive summary: Aurélie Payen, the lead makeup artist for Netflix’s ‘Emily in Paris’, has unveiled the beauty secrets behind the show’s fifth season, highlighting a shift towards smoky eyes and contoured features for a modern French aesthetic. Her insights, shared in recent interviews, emphasize skincare preparation and product recommendations that fans can adopt for an effortless glam look.
The long-awaited fifth season of ‘Emily in Paris’ premiered on Netflix on December 18, 2025, bringing back the chic fashion and beauty that have become hallmarks of the series. In an exclusive interview with Page Six, Payen discussed her vision for Season 5, which moves away from the iconic red lip associated with French style to focus on more nuanced makeup techniques. She explained that this change complements the season’s vibrant costumes and aims to portray a stronger, more confident Emily, inspired by 1990s supermodels and figures like Victoria Beckham.
Payen’s approach centers on creating a timeless yet feminine look through meticulous attention to detail. She emphasizes the importance of contouring not just on the cheeks but also on the eyes, face, and lips, using products like Merit’s Bronze Balm to enhance natural features. For the eyes, she opts for modern smoky effects and bold liners, with Dior’s On Stage Kohl Liner being a preferred tool. This shift reflects a broader trend in beauty where definition and structure take precedence over bold color.
Skincare is foundational to Payen’s philosophy, as she believes healthy, glowing skin is essential for flawless makeup application. She recommends daily routines that include using a Gua Sha or beauty-tech device, exfoliating lips with scrubs like La Rouge Francais Lampyris Divine Lip Scrub, and incorporating makeup with skincare benefits. Payen notes that as a French woman in the industry, prioritizing skin health allows for quicker makeup application—sometimes as little as 10-20 minutes—without the need for heavy foundation.
In terms of product specifics, Payen highlights several key items used on set. For luminosity, she uses Saie Glowy Super Gel, which adds a subtle glow without being overpowering. To control shine and prolong makeup wear, she relies on By Terry’s Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder 8HA, as mentioned in a Mirror report. This powder helps blur pores and smooth texture while maintaining skin hydration, ensuring a natural finish.
Despite the move away from red lips in Season 5, Payen did share details on the iconic red lipstick used in previous seasons. According to the Mirror, one of her go-to shades is Victoria Beckham’s Posh Lipstick in ‘Pop’, a cherry red that offers rich pigment with a moisturizing balm base. This product exemplifies the balance between color payoff and lip care that defines French beauty ideals.
Payen’s recommendations extend to everyday beauty, encouraging fans to embrace simplicity and efficacy. She suggests using concealer sparingly, focusing on contour and blush for a polished look, and incorporating nourishing products like Tree Hut’s Overnight Lip Mask. Her tips are designed to be accessible, allowing viewers to recreate the ‘Emily in Paris’ aesthetic without professional help.
Looking ahead, Payen’s insights not only enhance the viewing experience but also influence beauty trends globally. As ‘Emily in Paris’ continues to captivate audiences, her emphasis on effortless glam and skincare integration offers a blueprint for achieving chic, Parisian-inspired beauty at home. Fans can expect these techniques to inspire makeup routines long after the season ends, solidifying the show’s impact on contemporary culture.
