Brigitte Bardot: The Icon, The Style, and Her Timeless Beauty
Brigitte Bardot. The name itself evokes images of sun-drenched Saint-Tropez, iconic gingham dresses, and a beauty that defined an era. More than just an actress, singer, and model, Bardot became a global phenomenon, a symbol of liberation and effortless French chic. Her influence on fashion and beauty continues to inspire decades after she left the silver screen.
At Mimic Makeup, our mission is to make premium beauty accessible to everyone. We believe in empowering you to create your own authentic looks, inspired by timeless icons like Brigitte Bardot. This post delves into the history and legacy of the woman who changed the face of beauty, and how you can capture a piece of her enduring style with products from the world’s top beauty brands, available right here.
Who is Brigitte Bardot? The Making of a Star
Born in Paris, France, on September 28, 1934, Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot’s journey to stardom began not in film, but in dance. She started ballet at a young age, and her grace and poise were evident early on. Her modeling career took off in her teens, and she graced the cover of Elle magazine in 1950, which caught the eye of film director Roger Vadim. He would become her first husband and the director of the film that made her a legend.
Her early filmography includes roles in movies like Doctor at Sea and Helen of Troy. But it was the 1956 film, And God Created Woman (Et Dieu… créa la femme), directed by Vadim, that catapulted her to international fame. Her portrayal of Juliette Hardy, a sensual and free-spirited young woman in a small coastal town, was a revelation. It cemented her status as a “sex kitten” and a cultural icon. The film was a massive success and introduced the world to the “Bardot” look: sun-kissed hair, a natural pout, and a rebellious spirit.
A Career Beyond the “Sex Kitten” Persona
While many remember her for her bombshell image, Bardot’s filmography is diverse. She worked with acclaimed directors like Jean-Luc Godard in Le Mépris (Contempt) and Henri-Georges Clouzot in La Vérité (The Truth). Her on-screen partners were some of the biggest names in cinema, including Alain Delon, Jean Gabin, and Sean Connery. Her collaborations with Jean-Louis Trintignant, both on and off-screen, were the subject of much fascination. The chemistry between Brigitte Bardot and Alain Delon in their films created an unforgettable cinematic pairing.
She showcased her versatility in films like the western Shalako and the musical comedy Viva Maria!, where she starred alongside Jeanne Moreau. Despite being considered for a James Bond girl role, she never appeared in the franchise. After a prolific career spanning over 40 films, Bardot retired from acting in 1973, just before her 40th birthday, to dedicate her life to animal rights activism.
The Bardot Style: A Legacy in Fashion and Beauty
Brigitte Bardot’s influence extends far beyond her movies. She was a trendsetter whose style is still emulated today. From the Brigitte Bardot gingham wedding dress she wore for her wedding to Jacques Charrier, to her love for off-the-shoulder “Bardot” necklines, her fashion choices were iconic. She popularized the bikini, ballet flats (specifically Repetto, for which she requested a custom design), and high-waisted jeans.
Her beauty look, however, is arguably her most enduring legacy. It was a mix of innocence and sensuality that was completely new at the time. Let’s break down the key elements of the iconic Brigitte Bardot makeup and hair.
The Signature Hair: The “Choucroute” Beehive
Bardot’s hair was a character in itself. The voluminous, slightly messy beehive updo, known as the “choucroute” (sauerkraut), became her trademark. This Brigitte Bardot updo was a departure from the perfectly coiffed styles of the 1950s. It was sexy, effortless, and a little undone. Paired with her signature curtain bangs, or the Brigitte Bardot fringe, it framed her face perfectly.
To get that volume and hold for a Bardot-inspired hair tutorial, a good foundation is key. While we focus on makeup, the principle of a good base applies everywhere.
The Iconic Eye: The Cat-Eye and Smoky Lid
The Brigitte Bardot eyeliner is legendary. She perfected the feline flick, a dramatic cat-eye that accentuated her almond-shaped eyes. Her eye makeup often featured a thick, black line along the upper lash line, winged out at the corners. This was complemented by a soft, smoky shadow on the lids and plenty of mascara to create a doe-eyed effect. Her eye color, a beautiful hazel, was made even more captivating by this signature look.
To achieve this, you need a flawless canvas. Start with a high-quality primer like the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer to ensure your makeup stays put all day. For a smooth, even base that hides imperfections without feeling heavy, the Hourglass® Vanish™ Airbrush Concealer is a must-have. Set it all with the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder for a look that lasts. Finish with a dramatic wing and coats of Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High® Mascara to get those full, fluttery lashes.
The Perfect Pout: Nude and Natural Lips
While her eyes were dramatic, Bardot often kept her lips simple. She favored nude, peachy, and pale pink shades that enhanced her natural lip shape without competing with her bold eye makeup. This created a balanced, yet incredibly sensual look. The Brigitte Bardot lips were all about looking full and soft.
For a modern take on the Bardot pout, a nourishing lip product is essential. The LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask EX – Berry works overnight to ensure your lips are smooth and hydrated. For a daytime tint of color and shine, the rhode Peptide Lip Tint offers a sheer wash of color with plumping benefits. If you prefer an oil, the Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil or Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil provide hydration and a gorgeous, non-sticky sheen. For a classic balm feel, the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is a cult favorite.
Life After the Limelight: An Enduring Legacy
After retiring, Brigitte Bardot dedicated her life to her passion: animal rights. She established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986 to advocate for animal welfare. She now lives in her famous home, La Madrague, in Saint-Tropez, continuing her activism. While her public statements have sometimes been controversial, her impact as a cultural figure is undeniable.
Her relationships were as famous as her films, with husbands including Roger Vadim, Jacques Charrier (with whom she had her only son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier), Gunter Sachs, and her current husband, Bernard d’Ormale. Her life has been the subject of numerous documentaries and a recent TV series, all attempting to capture the essence of who Brigitte Bardot is.
Get the Bardot Look with Mimic Makeup
Brigitte Bardot’s beauty was authentic and empowering—values we champion at Mimic Makeup. We believe that everyone deserves to feel like a star. You can capture the spirit of her timeless style with premium products from the best brands.
Start with a flawless complexion using the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation. Add a touch of natural-looking color to your cheeks with the NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush or the innovative Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint. For a radiant glow, the Pixi On-the-Glow Blush is perfect for achieving that healthy, sun-kissed look Bardot was known for.
Protecting your skin is the foundation of any great beauty routine. Before applying any makeup, use a high-quality sunscreen like the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. To keep your skin hydrated and radiant, incorporate serums like the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum into your skincare regimen.
From her iconic cat-eye to her perfectly nude pout, Brigitte Bardot’s beauty remains an inspiration for makeup enthusiasts everywhere. Her style proves that true beauty is timeless. At Mimic Makeup, we bring you the tools to recreate these iconic looks and discover your own authentic beauty. Explore our collection and let your inner icon shine.