This Is the Brand French Women Use to Achieve Chic, Effortless Makeup

Collage of Violette FR beauty products
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden)

My favourite place in the world to people-watch is undoubtedly Paris. From their effortless style to their tousled cool-girl hair, I've observed just how well French women put themselves together. It's never too "done" yet always looks polished and impossibly chic. And the same goes for French makeup. They've mastered the art of "no-makeup" makeup, but aren't afraid to make a beauty statement, like wearing bold red lipstick with totally bare skin and not a scrap of other makeup. No wonder many of us want to replicate this low-maintenance French beauty aesthetic.

On a recent trip to Paris, I was seated next to an incredibly chic French woman at dinner. Naturally, I pounced at the opportunity to ask her what beauty products she was wearing and the first thing she pulled out from her handbag was Violette_FR's Bisou Balm (£30). She told me this sheer, matte lipstick gives lips a "bouche mordue" look. En anglais, this translates as "just bitten" lips. Upon swiping, it bestows a sheer, blurry suede-like veil of colour that looks like you've just been kissed. Of course, I immediately went and bought one the next day.

Since being let in on some of the makeup secrets of French women, this led me to try more of the best Violette_FR products—and now they've become daily staples in my beauty routine. Founded by award-winning French makeup artist, Violette Serrat, each and every product captures and imparts the French beauty philosophy into your makeup. The products are minimalist, easy to use and, of course, delightfully chic. Rather than masking or concealing, the brand's ethos is about enhancing your natural beauty and encouraging fun in your makeup choices, too.

Having studied painting at École de Louvre, it's clear to see Serrat's painterly influences in her products. Her marbled blushers are inspired by the "sfumato" technique, creating a hazy, soft blend of colours that results in the most natural, watercolour flush on your cheeks. Meanwhile, the colours of her Petal Bouche liquid lipsticks ought to be studied. They're the most universally flattering reds I've ever tried and feel like a velvety rose petal to the touch once on the lips. These products make you feel like you're wearing art.

Having tried lots of Violette_FR now, I've compiled and reviewed my favourites below that deserve a spot in your makeup bag. Scroll ahead for everything you need to tap into a little French beauty.

Best Violette_FR Products, Tried & Tested

Violette FR

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

1. Violette_FR Bisou Balm

Violette FR

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

Violette FR

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

2. Violette_FR Petal Bouche

Violette FR

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

3. Violett_ FR Bisou Jelly

Violette FR

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

4. Violette_FR Bisou Blush

Violette FR

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

5. Violette_FR Baume Shine

Violette FR Baume Shine

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

6. Violette_FR Yeux Paint

Violette FR

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

7. Violette_FR C'est La Cream

Violette FR

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

8. Violette_FR Invisible Bandage

9. Violette_FR Boum Boum Milk

Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.