Everything you need to know about the French beauty line …
There’s a whole lot of make-up out there – but, for us, French brand Violette_fr manages to stand out. Founded by make-up artist Violette Serrat in 2021, Violette_fr has brought out some of the best formulas and ideas in recent years.
I met Violette back in 2017, when Estee Lauder smartly bagged her to be global beauty director. Her first collection broke new territory for Lauder. The bold colours – including what has become Violette’s trademark rich cornflower blue – and striking ideas such as a glossy, light-reflecting eye balm, were refreshingly modern, yet still wearable.
And Violette‘s own-name line continues to champion modern minimalism and creativity. Serrat studied art originally, and there’s definitely a painterly approach to how colours and pigments are presented. Serrat works with Luc Jugla, Head Chemist for Skincare & Innovation, a world-renowned scientist and pioneer in clean beauty of nearly 30 years’ experience. This shows in the minimal, natural ingredients; it’s all vegan and cruelty-free.
While it’s not available in Irish stores just yet (we’re hoping it will be available at the new Sephora in Belfast), the website is clear and easy to shop with standard shipping (€9.90) or free for orders over €75. If you’re in London, visit the beautiful counter at Liberty London.
Violette excels in alluring collections such as Paris By Night, as well as genuinely exciting formulas, particularly on the lip colour front.
OUR 3 FAVOURITE STANDOUTS
1 THE BLURRED LIP COLOUR Plume Lip Feather Matte Lip Whip (€36), in understated shades of chestnut through to berry wine, reinvents the liquid lipstick with a soft, blurred finish. Matte can become harder to wear as you get older, as it tends to highlight lines and dry your lips out. But these have a softer texture that feels easier and less harsh to wear. Flattering shades for those who like a stronger statement lip.
2 THE OUTSTANDING LIP STAIN Lip Nectar (€34) comes in a range of delicious, subtle shades the colours of a rose garden. They deliver a long-lasting lip stain with a bang of colour, and moisturise while you wear them. Try Dahlia Noir, a rich dark rose, for a bit of drama.
3 THE BLUSH Bisou Blush (€42) in six shades. A stick blush with a brush on the other end, this is on-the-go beauty in the best way. Swipe on sheer, translucent colour for an instant healthy-looking glow. There are also Bisou Balm lip colours, and sets that put toning lip and cheek shades together.
The skincare line’s credentials are certainly impressive. The star is Boum-Boum Milk (from €50), a liquid cream spray that acts as a three-in-one toner/serum/moisturiser that you can even use on your hair, thus reducing the need for extra products (always a bonus). We love that it’s refillable, fragrance- and silicone-free, and certified Kind To Biome. There’s currently an offer on this, together with C’est La Cream.
You’ll find plenty of other neat ideas online such as a refillable dry shampoo brush, rollerball perfume oil and reusable eye patches – a trend that’s set to stay around as the throwaway options are so wasteful. There’s also signature bright blue “merch” including pricey branded hoodies.
VERDICT: Chic, stylish and user-friendly. French kiss.
SEE MORE: 3 Standout Serums We Swear By
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