Violette FR Bisou Balm, Bêtise

Who? Valerie Dayan
For how long? 1 whole stick in one and a half month

For a lipstick-obsessed editor who’s also a creature of habit, I’m rarely experimental with my go-to lip colors. Some staples that come to mind from over the years: I’ve finished M.A.C’s Mehr, Kosas’ Undone, Nars’ Cruella, and Natasha Denona’s I Need A Nude Jennifer in multiples. Yet even though I make occasional impulse lipstick purchases, they don’t always earn permanent spots in my handbags—the ultimate destination for my everyday favorites.

I bought Violette FR’s Bisou Balm at the Oh My Cream shop in Le Marais, trying out different pretty shades, not knowing I was about to get my hands on a contemporary cult product. Clément, the store manager, told me that Bêtise—the shade I liked the most—was sold out, so I had to get it in a balm + stick blush coffret. One of the prettiest ones ever, with a cute holographic sleeve, I have to add.

A warm berry hue, Violette’s Bisou Balm in Bêtise may look dark at first glance, but it’s a sheer matte, so the color it leaves on the lips is subtle yet still there—in a chic manner. It looks more natural than a lip tint, and the velvety texture leaves a just-kissed effect. It makes that naturally unattainable, effortless French look feel attainable. It’s very light in texture and bares all the lip lines, so I make an effort to hydrate and/or exfoliate my pout before application. I wipe off the hydrating product first to get the matte effect I love.

I use Bisou Balm in a few different ways: by itself in a few layers, smudged over the lip line; over a lip liner (Refy Rosewood, Hermès Beige Thé or Rose Boisé, Natasha Denona Gaia) to make it more lasting, or as part of a lip combo with Charlotte Tilbury’s M.I. Kiss on top at night.

Apart from its versatility, natural texture, and the perfect amount of pigment, I also love its barely-there scent powered by plant oils—and its gold and white packaging. Plus, I’ve been a fan of French makeup artist Violette Serrat’s work since forever, and it feels great to support her beautiful brand and be a part of her effortless French-girl beauty world.

My chubby lips and constant day-to-night use made me finish a whole stick in a month, and I’m already on to the second one. C’est l’amour.