Despite the fact that Jane Birkin became a house-hold name in the 60s her style still holds huge relevance today. Known for her penchant for casual chic and tousled hair – the emphasis being the word ‘chic’... Jane's style did not stoop to trackpants and rehab like many of today’s starlets! Jane Birkin’s name became so aligned with style that she had a Hermes bag named after her! Emma Gleason investigates Jane Birkin’s iconic beauty…

When it comes to beauty icons, I tend to look to muses with a natural, unique, beauty and a sense of perfect imperfections. One of my all time favorites is Jane Birkin; she posesses a timeless beauty and the perfect Anglo-Francaise aesthetic combination.
Her hair alone has always made me want to get myself a fringe. Hers is tomboyish and almost childlike – imperfect, bitty, insouciant and pushed to the side. The straight, touselled, sunkissed brown is a world away from the blonde bombshells of the same period – and conveys simplicity and integrity.

Likewise Birkin’s makeup, or lack thereof enhanced the natural beauty look she is so admired for. The trick is to let your own features shine – healthy, sunkissed skin and clear eyes. I’m a real fan of natural skin and as little base as possible – only wearing foundation for nights out. The cornerstone of the look is a light yet perfect base; I find MAC’s Studio Moisture Tint SPF15 followed by a sweep of glow-inducing MAC Mineralize Skinfinish create that natural-but-better look perfectly. For the eyes, forego shadow or liner and simply coat your lashes in casual sweep of mascara – let them be a bit tangled and clumpy for that appealing “just woken up” look. The brow is important however; strong yet natural and definitely not plucked. Clear brow gel lightly brushed through will get that artfully dishevelled look and if you’re fair, use a small amount of brow liner first. For the lips, just a sweep of non-glossy balm. Does it get easier? This is particularly perfect for summer as it’s so low maintenance and lets healthy summer hair and skin take centre stage.

The thing I love about beauty muses like Jane Birkin is that their look focuses on their natural beauty; endearingly imperfect features and a carefree nonchalance, rather than “The Eye” or “The Lip” and I think it is this that makes them so timeless and classic.

Article by Emma Gleason
Emma Gleason is a fashion fiend who shares her musings and ramblings on collections, editorials, muses and clothes that inspire her at Rag-Pony