A Lipstick with Cult Status: La Bouche Rouge
Werner Abt
“Beauty for you and the planet. Refillable and Responsible.”
Think of sustainability and luxury make-up is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Not yet, anyway. But since 2017 Nicolas Gerlier has been making good headway in this terrain. His label La Bouche Rouge is entirely free of microplastics, from the actual make-up formulations to the containers and packaging. The handmade leather cases – constant companions that do loyal service for years on end – have even developed a cult following all their own. This combination of Paris chic and serious sustainability has brought monsieur Gerlier success beyond all expectations.
The mission of La Bouche Rouge
Gerlier grew up by the coast, in Normandy, so he was well placed to realize earlier than many the threat that microplastics pose to the oceans. These substances can be found at ocean depths of 4,000 meters as well as in the polar ice pack. And a large portion of this does, in fact, come from conventional cosmetics. The plastic packaging of these products is also a major factor in worldwide environmental pollution and resource waste: approximately one billion lipstick holders are thrown out every year, and many of them are not properly disposed of, let alone recycled. The formulations of the lipsticks themselves often include microplastics as well, some of which are then actually absorbed directly into the body. Gerlier, who had many years of experience working for large international cosmetics companies, knew that this is avoidable. And he wanted to develop an alternative that would please even the most discerning.
No compromising when it comes to color effects
It took years of intensive research and hundreds of trial runs to finally arrive at the unique foundation formula of La Bouche Rouge lipsticks. The Red Serum is a revolutionary lip care product with natural antioxidants for an anti-aging effect. The serum is free of beeswax and animal fats and contains no microplastics whatsoever. In a patented process the pigments are first micronized and then coated with a vegetable oil. This gives the lip coloring its special radiance, its wonderfully pleasant feel on the lips and its extraordinary staying power. La Bouche Rouge replaces the now commonplace plastic lipstick holder with a stainless steel model. The brand also offers reusable leather cases, each one an artisanal treasure handmade in the traditional French leather workshop Tannerie de Puy in the Auvergne.
“Approximately one billion lipstick holders are thrown out every year, and many of them are not properly disposed of, let alone recycled.”
The lipstick was only the beginning
La Bouche Rouge now offers a whole range of decorative cosmetics. Everything in the repertoire is as uncompromising in its beauty and sustainability standards as the lipsticks. Whether it is lip liner pencils, eyeliner or eyebrow pencils, mascara or powder – the whole line contains only the very best materials, and is entirely free of microplastics and other controversial substances, such as parabens, silicones and mineral oils. But that’s not all: for almost every product a matching leather case in a variety fashionable colors is also available, and can be refilled, well, basically forever. These are objects of desire that add a real quality to daily life, and you will not want to do without it again. Likewise the feeling of being “sustainably beautiful”, and knowing that you are making even a small contribution to reducing the amount of plastic that lands on the garbage mountain.
