All about the La Petite Robe Noire makeup collection, skincare secrets and beauty trends
Photos: Guerlain
Just what is it about Parisian women and the beauty world’s fascination with them?
We suppose the secret lies in their ability to look effortlessly chic no matter what scenario they’re in.
For an insider glimpse, we spoke to Jose Luis, who is the International Make-up Artist at French perfume, cosmetics and skincare house Guerlain.
Having found his passion for makeup through art, he now regards each woman as a muse for him.
How did Guerlain envision a makeup range inspired by the iconic perfume La Petite Robe Noire?
Envisioning a makeup range inspired by the iconic perfume La Petite Robe Noire was not a difficult challenge.
In the universe of fragrance, Guerlain is an iconic and exceptional house, with near to two centuries dedicated to its fragrances.
Fragrance is an invisible dress. Sparked by women who dress in the La Petite Robe Noire” fragrance, we had the idea to create for the first time, the Deliciously Shiny Lip Colour range, which is inspired by the notes of the fragrances like black rose, black tea, blackberry.
When you wear a little black dress, you need accessories to enhance your outfit. That’s why we created lip colours to portray your personality.
The Deliciously Shiny Lip Colours come with accessory names like Red Heels and Pink Tie. New colours include the Sun-Glasses, which takes on a holiday vibe.
What’s your favourite lip colour from the range?
My favourite is the Ruby Red. It’s not a classic red — but something more trendy and passionate. The colour is deeper and more sophisticated than the traditional red. This is the original French red. More wine-red.
What are two must-haves from the La Petite Robe Noire makeup collection?
First, the Lip and Cheek Tint, which comes with an exceptional formula because it is moisturising and has a lip pumping effect.
You can apply one coat for a fresh, glossy look then layer it on for an eccentric and glamorous effect.
For ladies with little time to spare, this is an essential 2-in-1 product to create a natural and radiant effect in just a minute.
For us, the La Petite Robe Noire Mascara, is more than a mascara.
It has four effects in a single formula, namely length, curl, volume and definition. We researched different brushes in the market as La Petite Robe Noire is a Parasian lady — very demanding but very trendy.
Its brush, in bright pink and with the silhouette of a little black dress, is the lingerie you put on before the dress.
When you put the brush inside, you ‘dress’ it up with the formula. It is a very romantic Parisian concept.
Share your favourite beauty secret.
My favourite trick? To let makeup enhance the natural radiance rather than transform one’s features. When a woman can say “I was so tired but everybody says I look radiant” — that is good makeup.
When someone says your makeup is beautiful, it is not you but your makeup.
Hence, it is important for a woman to feel that makeup is part of her personality and not like a mask.
Walk us through your daily skincare regimen.
Skincare is crucial and everyone’s skin has different necessities. That’s why I advise everyone to take an appointment with our beauty specialist to design a beauty programme.
The most important step is to cleanse the skin every morning and night. When you sleep, the skin regenerates.
That’s why you should eliminate any toxins on your skin before this process.
Removing your makeup is like removing your dirty clothes before going to bed. Plus, I recommend using a night cream to motivate your skin’s natural healing process.
Preparing your skin before makeup is equally important. My personal ritual? First clean skin, prep skin, then tonify skin.
If like me, you travel a lot and have little rest, use the Orchidée Impériale range, which has unparalleled anti-ageing properties.
Share your take on 2017’s biggest beauty trends.
In 2017, strobing is more popular than ever, compared to contouring. Strobing helps to sculpt the face with a natural and brightening effect.
Since 1987, we pioneered strobing with the Meteorites range, which transforms light invisible to the naked eye into a glow to sculpt the skin.
Gloss on the lip? It’s like diamonds. Generally, you don’t wear diamonds to the supermarket but why not?
I don’t like matte lip colours as much as it makes wrinkles on the lips more pronounced.
We’re working on a new formula now but on the whole; I prefer a softer effect, something that’s more moisturising and comfortable to wear, such as our Kiss Kiss lipstick.
The La Petite Robe Noire makeup collection is available at Guerlain counters.
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