This is the brand that French women rely on for achieving a chic, effortless makeup look.

This is the brand that French women rely on for achieving a chic, effortless makeup look.

      My favorite spot in the world for people-watching is definitely Paris. From their effortless fashion sense to their tousled "cool-girl" hair, I’ve noted how well French women present themselves. They strike the perfect balance of looking polished yet never overly "done," achieving an effortlessly chic vibe. The same can be said for their approach to makeup. French women have perfected the “no-makeup” makeup look, but aren’t hesitant to make bold beauty statements, such as wearing striking red lipstick with completely bare skin and no other makeup. It’s no surprise that so many of us aspire to mimic this laid-back French beauty style.

      During a recent visit to Paris, I found myself dining beside an incredibly stylish French woman. I took the chance to inquire about the beauty products she was using, and the first item she retrieved from her handbag was Violette_FR's Bisou Balm (£30). She shared that this sheer, matte lipstick creates a "bouche mordue" effect on the lips, which translates to "just bitten" in English. When applied, it leaves a sheer and blurry suede-like layer of color that gives the impression you've just been kissed. Naturally, I immediately purchased one the following day.

      Since learning some of the makeup secrets of French women, I’ve explored more of Violette_FR's best products, which have now become fundamental to my beauty routine. Founded by acclaimed French makeup artist Violette Serrat, each product embodies the essence of the French beauty philosophy. The offerings are minimalist, user-friendly, and exceptionally chic. Rather than covering up, the brand’s philosophy focuses on enhancing natural beauty and encouraging playful makeup choices. Having studied painting at École de Louvre, Serrat’s artistic influence is evident in her creations. Her marbled blushers are inspired by the "sfumato" technique, yielding a hazy, soft blend of colors for a naturally flushed cheek appearance. Additionally, the colors of her Petal Bouche liquid lipsticks are remarkable. They are some of the most universally flattering reds I've ever come across and feel velvety like rose petals on the lips. These products impart an artistic essence to your look.

      Having experimented with numerous Violette_FR items, I’ve compiled a selection of my favorites below that certainly warrant a place in your makeup collection. Continue reading for everything you need to embrace a touch of French beauty.

      **Top Violette_FR Products, Tried & Tested**

      1. **Violette_FR Bisou Balm**

      Consider this your shortcut to achieving that effortlessly cool, just-bitten French-girl lip look. This moisturizing matte lipstick–balm hybrid glides on smoothly, offering a sheer splash of color with a gentle blurring effect. The formula melds into the lips, creating that "bouche mordue" finish that's more relaxed than conventional lipsticks. A single swipe delivers a beautiful, lived-in flush, and additional layers can create a more defined, softly sculpted lip. Très chic! My favorite shade is Bonbon Myrtille, a subtle raspberry tone.

      2. **Violette_FR Petal Bouche**

      Inspired by the soft velvet petals of a rose, this matte liquid lipstick glides on like a second skin, adding drama with every swipe. Whether you prefer a soft-focus look, a petal-like ombré, or full-out glamour, this product delivers. Serrat informs me that French women view lipstick as an accessory, often choosing statement shades with minimal to no other makeup. "We see it as a statement, hence we don't usually opt for natural colors," she says. "Bold reds or bold berries are more common, and we consider it almost like a beauty accessory. This perspective is deeply ingrained in French beauty culture." In the accompanying photo, I'm wearing Cerise Désir, a deep rose red that flatters everyone.

      3. **Violette_FR Bisou Jelly**

      If you prefer a glossy finish, the Bisou Jelly is perfect for you. This isn’t your standard tinted lip balm, as it provides a sheer layer of color alongside a hint of natural shine, treating your lips to a boost of antioxidant nourishment. The brilliance lies in its dual-layer design: a pigmented core with vitamin E seamlessly blurs the color into your lips, while the outer jelly layer hydrates them for a plump, juicy look.

      4. **Violette_FR Bisou Blush**

      The Bisou Blush is one of my absolute Violette_FR favorites. These cream stick blushes feature a marbled design, drawing inspiration from Serrat's art school experience. Two shades—one sheer and the other more pigmented—swirl together to create a multidimensional yet natural flush. The opposite end of the blush has a hidden brush for easy blending, even when on the move. Plus, it can be removed and washed, which is extremely handy. My top shade is Maryam, a

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This is the brand that French women rely on for achieving a chic, effortless makeup look.

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