Channelling Jean Seberg?

I am liking the short hair – a lot. Beyond it being easy to maintain (though going into colder weather I’ve realised how much warmth longer hair retains), it makes things feel easier, if you get what I mean.

And I’ve sort of discovered a makeup routine that works: concealer, mascara and subtle eyeliner (ie, brown – upper and lower lash lines). That’s great for quick trips out of the house and Zoom calls. I look defined and my eyes stand out (the short hair makes them stand out as well so might as well go with that). I’m working on adding in eyeshadow – still that subtle but defined thing.

No one really sees my mouth right now, but I’m exploring what sort of lipstick works. And I’ve never been big on blush, but I can do it when required.

Thing is, the hair is so extreme I need less than I did previously. Which is sort of interesting.

Anyway, somehow (not sure how) my mind turned to Jean Seberg and her look. The hair is similar but I can no longer do those fitted bodice, cinched waist, wide skirted dresses – just not a good look; and neither are cigarette pants (or even striped Breton jersey tops). But, yes, the hair.

I’ve never seen the film Breathless, which she seems best known for, except the trailer, and I’m not sure I really want to watch it, but the whole new wave look – that’s a thing.

Kristin Stewart starred in a biopic (Stewart seems to be making a thing of biopics: The Runaways 2010 – as Joan Jett; Seberg 2019; and now Spencer about Princess Diana [2021]).

I looked up ‘which perfumes did Jean Seberg wear?’ and didn’t find anything (I didn’t look that hard). Most articles about her focused either on her politics (progressive) or her style (and of course her work as an actor). So, I decided to impose some perfumes.

Given she was clearly a strong personality with a great idiosyncratic style, I would put forward the following.

She might have worn Guerlain l’Heure Bleue or Jicky. I don’t think Mitsouko fits and definitely not Shalimar.  Possibly Chanel Cuir de Russie?

I can see her wearing a masculine – maybe Caron Yatagan or Chanel Mouche de Monsieur.

Not something breezy and citrus.

Nothing gourmand or too soft.

Nothing too heavy or particularly linear or straight-forward.

So, Jean Seberg. Are you a fan of her work? Her style?

  • Calrayo says:

    Oh, I loved having short hair but I got tired of the maintenance (my hairstylist moved further away, so now I have longer hair mostly to stretch further between appointments). Be sure to keep cozy hats on hand, though – I remember even sleeping in them on colder nights. The hair really makes a difference!

    • cinnamon says:

      That would be a pain in short-hair circumstances. I’m 10 miles from the salon so it’s easy. Been looking at Uniqlo heat tech hats in vibrant colours.

  • Dina C. says:

    Isn’t it great to find that in middle age something can actually be the best ever about yourself, and not getting worse?!? Happy for you that you’ve found this great new style that you’re really pleased with. I’m also having my best hair ever nowadays, and it really makes a difference! Maybe Jean would wear something green and spritely like No 19. I suggest it because it’s a favorite of mine. :-p

    • cinnamon says:

      It is rather pleasing, isn’t it. Green? I don’t see it but then No 19 isn’t your average, light fizzy green.

  • Portia says:

    I’m utterly clueless as to who this person is you’re talking about Cinnamon. Sorry. She sounds super cool though.
    From your description Caron sounds right but maybe Infini (aldehydic narcissus amber) or Tabac Blond (Spicy leather vanilla)?
    Portia xx

    • cinnamon says:

      American actor, Portia, who starred in an important Godard French film, Breathless, released in 1960. Yes, maybe the Carons, particularly Tabac Blond.

  • March says:

    I vote for Jicky, seems perfect! I have at various points had short gamine hair, then I got bored with the maintenance, although I love the way it feels! And cuts like that really do play up the eyes.

    • cinnamon says:

      Ya think? I did have a hard time coming up with things. I don’t mind the maintenance. I tack on other activities to hair appointments. As to the upkeep itself, it gets washed and it gets goo in it. Even the makeup doesn’t take that long. I think I need a new hate though. A red cloche maybe.

      • March says:

        Yeah, the washing/styling ease is the BEST — so quick in the shower (or I stick my head under the faucet) a little styling goo and BAM. Won’t be shocked if I end up cropping it all off again, although the current chin-length choppy bob is pretty low-maintenance and I like how messy it looks haha

  • Mindy says:

    When my hair began to come back post-chemo, I let my hair grown into a pixie….that was three years ago and I still wear it short, textured and layered. I see Jean wearing a modern Chypre Floral.

    • cinnamon says:

      Wow on the chemo. Hope all is well. Hair in this style needs texture — definitely. I’m back to using goo after years of not.

  • Musette says:

    I didn’t know she was American. Huh. She has that Mia/Twiggy look which is perfect on a certain set of women and godawful on all the rest of us.
    I see her in a fizzy – maybe Lubin’s Gin Fizz. Jicky for a cool vibe.

    Wish I could rock a look like that – alas, I would look like that version of Beetlejuice, where the voodoo doctor shrinks his head! ;-(

    xoxooxo

    • cinnamon says:

      Yup, American. Her French accent in the trailer I watched is interesting.

      It really is a young woman’s look — I mean the whole package. I can do the hair (I think because I’m titchy), but definitely not anything else now.

  • carole says:

    She was an amazing person and an underrated actress! That sort hair cut is memorable, too. I loved Breathless. She does use a fragrance in that movie-a lavender cologne in a big splash bottle. Kind of matches the cool cerebral look. in real life I like lavender but I don’t love it. I like the smell of the plant. I have Eau de Lavender, from Annick Goutal, which I like, and Jicky in all its formats-i really love Jicky. Thought I’d hate it and was given a huge sample of perfume from a generous SA. She knew what she was doing-I was hooked.

    It’s fun to experiment with new looks-I bet your hair really suits you and you sound happy about it. It’s Canadian thanksgiving and my uncle is home after a serious bout of illness in the hospital. We feel very lucky to still have him with us. I hope you have a great weekend, and consider watching Breathless-I don’t think it’s a waste of your time 🙂

    best regards,

    Carole

    • cinnamon says:

      Best wishes to your uncle and happy thanksgiving. That’s an American holiday I miss (along with Halloween).

      I’m going to have to watch Breathless. I don’t own a TV currently — watch stuff on computer. She does sound like she was an amazing person from the very little I’ve read.

      I do think the hair suits me — been years since I’ve felt that about my hair.

  • MzChris says:

    I don’t really remember her (and I believe I am farther along in years than you, Cinnamon) but her haircut puts me in mind of Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby. I tried a cut that short aeons ago, but my head is too big and my face too wide for it to have been chic rather than grossly unflattering. I looked like a reluctant postulant getting ready to take final vows…

    That look IS classic and a well defined eye goes with it quite well, as does man tailored clothing with a feminine touch.

    I think Jean would have worn l’Air du temps or Bourjois’ Soir de Paris.

  • filomena813 says:

    I always liked her and she rocked that short hair and had her own unique look. She was also a good actress.