French girls swear by this lip balm for achieving that just-bitten lip look in a single swipe.
As a beauty editor who isn't particularly fond of lipstick, I am always on the lookout for the ideal blurred lip effect. Sometimes, opaque lipsticks feel overwhelming on my lips, whether they are matte or satin, and often leave my lips feeling irritated and dry. The same issue applies to lip stains. Instead, I long for the soft, diffused sheerness that is often seen on the lips of French women—an almost invisible layer that gives the appearance of naturally flushed lips. Being a fan of the subtlety associated with "no-makeup" makeup and French cosmetics, I have been trying to achieve this invisible makeup look for quite some time. Generally, you can create it by gently applying a matte lipstick onto the lips or blotting lipstick with a tissue. However, ever since I discovered Violette_FR Bisou Balm (£30), I haven't looked back. Keep scrolling for my honest review and swatches of the shades.
**Violette_FR Bisou Balm**
*VIOLETTE_FR*
Bisou Balm in Mon Chéri
**Pros**
- Effortlessly creates a blurred lip effect
- Sheer, matte formula
- Hydrating for the lips
**Cons**
- On the pricier side for a lip balm, but worth every penny
Created by Violette_FR founder and French makeup artist, Violette Serrat, Bisou Balm is inspired by the "'bouche mordue" look, which translates to "just-bitten lips" in French. With its sheer finish and matte texture, it adds a blurred tint to your lips in just one swipe. You don’t need to possess makeup artistry skills to achieve a blurred lip; Bisou Balm makes it possible in seconds.
**The Finish**
As you can see, Bisou Balm applies sheer yet matte. It feels similar to a lip balm—quite moisturizing—while having a velvety texture that mimics your natural lip texture. A single swipe provides a subtle flush, but you can layer it for a bolder intensity. I'm wearing the shade Mon Chéri in the photo above, a warm brown-red inspired by chocolate-covered cherries, though all the shades are equally beautiful, with options for everyone. The great thing is that since they're all sheer, even the brighter red and pink shades become instantly wearable, adding a lovely flush to the lips.
**The Shades**
I've tried several shades, and they all maintain that same sheer yet blurred effect, inspired by traditional French sweets (they also have a delightful sweet scent). I'm wearing Mon Chéri in the photo, a lovely warm brown perfect for winter. In the warmer months, I tend to reach for Bonbon Myrtille, a jammy berry tone that allows me to wear a brighter color without feeling too bold like an opaque lipstick.
**The Verdict**
As you can imagine, I am truly enamored with Bisou Balm. It's one of my most frequently-used lip products, and I always have one in my bag. Not only does it give me a French-girl-inspired pout with just one swipe, but I love the balm texture that keeps my lips hydrated without leaving them feeling dry. I am now looking to add a few more shades to my makeup collection. Scroll down to shop the entire shade range.
**Shop Bisou Balm Shades:**
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Bisou Balm in Mon Chéri
Mon Chéri is inspired by chocolate-covered cherries, blending brown and red perfectly.
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Bisou Balm in Rose Latte
Rose Latte is a soft, rosy pink shade.
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Bisou Balm in Bêtise
Bêtise is one of the most iconic colors from Violette_FR. This red shade is classically French, and the sheer formula of Bisou Balm makes it even more wearable.
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Bisou Balm in Bonbon Myrtille
Inspired by French bonbons, this berry shade is irresistible.
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Bisou Balm in Amour Fou
Another classic shade is Amour Fou, a bright yet soft crimson.
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Bisou Balm in Bonbon Coquelicot
In summer, I love reaching for Bonbon Coquelicot, a vibrant poppy red.
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Bisou Balm in Sucette
Sucette gives a beautiful raspberry blur to the lips.
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Bisou Balm in Guimauve
The soft coral hue of Guimauve is incredibly wearable.
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Bisou Balm in Calisson
The ultimate pinky-beige—Calisson will be my next addition to the makeup bag.
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French girls swear by this lip balm for achieving that just-bitten lip look in a single swipe.
It's infallible.