Hermès is set to redefine luxury make-up this March with the introduction of a new lipstick collection that puts individual expression centre-stage. Building on the brand’s storied heritage, the launch of the Rouge Brillant Silky line highlights a gloss-like formula that can be layered, blended, and customised to suit any look or mood. 

“We wanted this to be about playfulness and personalisation,” says Gregoris Pyrpylis, Creative Director of Hermès Beauty, about the line – the first he has overseen from start to finish. Every detail, from the silky glide of the lipstick to the products’ delicate aroma, has been crafted to inspire sensorial delight.

Hermès’ previous forays into make-up – particularly its Rouge Hermès line – centred on saturated pigments and statement-making shades. This time, while the house remains faithful to its roots in craftsmanship, the new lip range seeks to reinvent the notion of colour for a modern audience – one that is looking to have more versatility and control over the depth of the shades that darken their lips. 

Referencing the ’90s lip-liner craze, Pyrpylis emphasises that the goal here is to inspire creativity, not set rigid cosmetic rules. “We encourage people to try layering different shades or even adding a darker outline to shift the undertone,” he says. “It’s more inventive than before – you can customise the colour in ways that weren’t as accessible with a fully opaque blend.” 

This approach nods to the past but grounds itself firmly in contemporary trends that prize individuality, ease of use, and playful experimentation. By focusing on a buildable formula, Hermès encourages a fresh perspective on beauty offerings. Wearers can start with a gentle wash of colour with one swipe, which lets their natural complexion shine through, and then add layers to achieve a more pronounced effect. For those who still love the definition a pencil can provide, liners remain an option – but it’s no longer the star of the show. 

With this line, the interplay of colour and light matches the wearer’s unique complexion, but also her mood. Each variant has been meticulously designed to shift and shimmer with the wearer’s movements. “No two people look exactly the same wearing these lipsticks, because the base lip colour becomes part of the final result,” Pyrpylis elaborates. “It’s almost like each user is discovering a unique pigment every time they apply it.” 

Infused with nourishing ingredients, the lipstick has much more to offer than just an attractive lip hue. It goes beyond aesthetics – sesame seed oil adds softness, raspberry leaf extract hydrates and plumps, while Abyssinian oil and mulberry tree extract work to deeply nourish and protect. “We wanted it to feel indulgent,” Pyrpylis shares, “but also comforting, like a little moment of self-care every time you apply it.”

One key element that ties this release to the existing Hermès Beauty universe is the reimagining of familiar tinges. The brand’s iconic Rouge Brique and Brun Sellier get a softer twist in this more translucent format. In total, the selection boasts fourteen core shades that balance sophistication with versatility.

Three limited-edition nuances – Beige Halo, Orange Flash, and Rose Gélatine – add a burst of springtime energy to the line-up. “These colours are seasonal accents,” notes Pyrpylis. “They’re daring yet versatile, inviting wearers to experiment.”

If touch is the first language of luxury, this collection speaks it fluently. The design of the packaging emphasises the label’s commitment to merging form and function. The lipstick bullet is slim, elongated, and features a subtly slanted tip, making it easier to swipe across the lips without needing a mirror. 

From its inception, Hermès has cultivated an ethos that respects every element of an object’s creation – material, craft, and the emotional response it evokes. With this new line, the house continues that tradition. The tactile and sensorial aspects of the make-up experience are emphasised as much as the product’s visual impact.

This philosophy resonates strongly in the subtle Hermès fragrance woven into each piece. First introduced in the Rouge Hermès line, the perfume remains delicate yet distinct, evoking the brand’s signature elegance. According to Pyrpylis, the scent is not meant to be a gentle reminder of Hermès’ focus on refined details. “We wanted something that feels sophisticated without being invasive,” he says. “When you open the stick, you get this soft aroma that reminds you instantly of the Hermès legacy.”

Beyond the immediate excitement, this launch also signals Hermès’ evolving strategy in the competitive beauty sector. Rather than offering a straightforward lipstick or gloss, Hermès Beauty is advancing an idea of make-up as an experience, one that can be tailored to each wearer’s personal style and mood. 

Pyrpylis frames this belief succinctly. “We see make-up not just as a final look, but as an opportunity to connect with your senses,” he says. “From the soft scent to the silky texture, every detail is a touchpoint for luxury.” Soon, glamour enthusiasts worldwide will have a chance to explore Hermès’ new beauty vision first-hand – one radiant, customisable swipe at a time.