I Stan Bourjois, and It's Finally Being Restocked—Here's What I Love
I'm the first person to admit that I'm a makeup snob. It's not something I'm proud to declare, I'll admit, but I'm not going to lie about it either. As far as I'm concerned, the only way for makeup application to be anything other than a painstaking chore is for the products to make me feel something. And it's for that reason that 99% of my makeup collection is made up of luxury products and brands.
When it comes to shopping for makeup, first, the product has to work in a way that requires minimal effort from me. Secondly, it has to look the part—both on my face and on the shelf. (I'm shallow—what can I say?) Finally, and most importantly, it has to make me feel better about myself—and that's really all this boils down to. If a makeup product causes me stress in any way, shape or form, it's gotta go. And it's for this reason that, despite the fact the packaging is dubious, the prices are low and the branding is way off my usual tastes, Bourjois has remained one of my favourite makeup brands for decades.
Shannon wears Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Hot Pepper.
You see, Bourjois products have always had a talent for working with whatever situation they find themselves in. Looking for a glowy foundation suitable for everyday wear? Bourjois has got you. The perfect red lipstick? No stress. A blush that breathes a bit of life into your skin without dulling your complexion? Tick, tick and tick. And it makes sense that the brand makes products that speak to those who have an affinity for natural-looking, easy-to-use makeup products—it's French.
Having considered a number of Bourjois's iconic everyday essentials for a number of years, it's safe to say that I was devastated when news broke that the brand was ceasing operations in the UK. And I know a huge number of fellow beauty editors felt the same.
But I've got very good news—it's back. Yep, Superdrug is officially restocking Bourjois makeup online. On first glance, it looks as though there may be a few teething issues (for starters, shade ranges look suspiciously limited in areas that they weren't before), but I'll take what I can get. So if you too love easy-to-use makeup that gives you that warm feeling inside when you use it, keep scrolling to shop the nine Bourjois products I don't ever want to be without again.
1. Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Liquid Lipstick
I will stand by this statement until my dying day: This is the single best red lip product money can buy. The cool tone of the red means it brightens up the skin, makes teeth look whiter and has a way of working with whatever outfit you so desire. If I had a penny for every time someone complimented me on this lip colour, I'd be rich. It's matte without feeling particularly drying, long-lasting and surprisingly easy to apply. You won't regret spending the £10 this costs; I promise.
2. Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation
Beauty editors regard this to be up there with the best foundations of all time. When it launched, it proved that glowing foundations that harness skincare ingredients to help hydrate skin needn't cost the earth. In fact, I know beauty editors who bought this product in bulk before Bourjois closed and are still going through bottles of it now. Scrolling through Superdrug's website, I'm a little concerned about the lack of shades. Its shade selection was never fantastic, but it was a lot better than what is currently on offer. I'm hoping it's a stock issue rather than a permanent choice.
3. Bourjois Oh Oui! Brow Fibre Eyebrow Mascara
I love a brow gel for big, fluffy results. The thing that makes this one so great is the wand. It's a little longer than others and has a teeny, tiny brush perfect for getting into the roots and covering every strand.
4. Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher
If you grew up in the '90s and you didn't own this blusher, what did you use?! Yes, it's deemed a little retro, but honestly I still stand by the fact it's one of the glowiest, most natural-looking blushers I've ever come across. Few brands have been able to nail this dusty-pink shade like Bourjois did.
5. Bourjois Contour Edition Lip Liner
I'm not a lip-pencil kind of girl (adding an unnecessary makeup product to my routine fills me with dread). However, I do keep a couple on hand for when I want my lip colour to work its hardest. This nude helps to create the illusion of a fuller lip, without going overboard.
6. Bourjois Rouge Velvet The Lipstick
While the aforementioned liquid lipstick is definitely my favourite, I love the way this formula comes in a handy bullet. When I'm going for a red, I want a precise applicator and a pigmented, inky finish (something a doe foot delivers), but when I fancy a rose-toned pink, I like the result to look powdered. This matte lipstick delivers a blurring hue of nude to the lips that lasts all day long without a hint of discomfort.
7. Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Concealer
Just like the foundation, this concealer is a cult classic. It helps to disguise dark circles better than other formulas on the market that cost 10 times its price and doesn't settle in fine lines or creases.
8. Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Powder
I don't reach for powder a lot, but when I do, I go for this. Lightweight and non-cakey, it takes down shine with an ease that leaves skin looking undeniably natural.
9. Bourjois Volume Glamour Mascara, Oh Oui
One makeup product I'm always happy to save money on is mascara. In fact, I believe some of the best lash-lifting formulas around can be picked up in Boots and Superdrug. This stuff reminds me a lot of Too Faced's cult Better Than Sex mascara in that it boosts lash volume and length without any clumping—it just costs a lot less.
Next up, I'm a makeup novice, but these nine natural eye shadow looks are easy.
Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous. Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics. While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best. When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.
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