If you’re heading to France, you need to know about the best French lipstick brands to shop while you’re there. Even if you’re staying in the States, you can still shop these French lipsticks online!
I Iive in France, and these are the top French lipstick companies to know about. Every chic Parisian has at least a few lipsticks from different brands, and these companies make the cut.
Quick History of Lipstick
The history of lipstick dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, who used crushed gemstones to decorate their lips, and the Egyptians, who used a mixture of red ochre and animal fat to color their lips.
The modern French lipstick, as we know it today, was invented in the late 19th century. In 1883, a French cosmetologist named Paul Baudecroux created the first lipstick in a stick form by pouring melted wax into a tube. Over time, other companies such as Elizabeth Arden and Max Factor began to develop and improve upon the lipstick formula.
What makes a good lipstick brand?
A good lipstick brand should use high-quality ingredients which are safe for use on the lips and do not cause irritation or dryness. The best brands offer a wide range of colors to work with different skin tones.
Most French lipstick brands should have a long-lasting formula that does not fade or wear off quickly. The best lipstick brands in France have moisturizing properties that keep the lips soft and supple. While not essential, lipstick packaging should be easy to use and carry around.
The best French lipstick brands are cutting-edge, innovative, and constantly evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of their customers. These French lipstick brands have a reputation for delivering high-quality products and excellent customer service.
Dior
First on our list of the best French lipstick brands is a company you’re probably familiar with! Dior is a well-known and respected luxury brand in the international cosmetics industry.
Dior has a storied history of creating high-quality makeup products, including high-end lipsticks. The brand’s first lipstick, “Rouge Dior,” was launched in 1953, and it quickly became a best-seller among chic French women for its rich, vibrant color and long-lasting wear.
Dior offers a range of lipsticks in various formulas and finishes, from matte to satin to ultra-glossy. Their lipsticks are highly pigmented, long-lasting, and often have hydrating properties to keep your lips moisturized. They come in an expansive range of shades, making it easy to find a color that suits your skin tone and preferences. Dior lipsticks are worth the investment, even if they seem a bit pricey!
Some of the most popular and best Dior lipsticks are:
Dior Addict Lipstick – This lipstick is beloved for its sheer, glossy finish and hydrating formula. It comes in tons of shades, from neutral to bold, and is perfect for everyday wear.
Rouge Dior Lipstick – This iconic lipstick features a creamy texture and intense pigmentation. It comes in a spectrum of finishes, from matte to satin, and is known for its long-lasting wear. It’s refillable so you don’t need to buy a new case!
Dior Addict Stellar Shine Lipstick – This lipstick is made with a blend of oils and waxes that nourish and hydrate the lips while providing a high-shine finish. There are plenty of shades, from soft baby pinks to intense reds.
Diorific Lipstick – This luxurious lipstick comes in a range of rich, bold shades and has a satin finish that provides long-lasting color. It is formulated with a mix of nutritional oils and waxes that keep the lips hydrated.
Dior Addict Lacquer Stick – This lipstick is a classic for its intense pigmentation and long-lasting wear. It has a lacquer-like finish that provides a high-shine effect and comes in a spectrum of shades from bold to neutral.
Lancôme
Lancôme is a French luxury cosmetics brand that has been producing makeup products since the 1930s. The brand’s first lipstick was launched in 1936, and it quickly became a popular choice among women for its high-quality formula and stylish packaging. It’s one of the most classic French lipstick brands to own.
The original Lancôme lipstick collection featured 6 shades, and it was created to offer intense color and long-lasting wear.
Lancôme is still a well-respected brand in the cosmetics industry, and they offer a range of high-quality lipsticks.
Here are some popular Lancôme cream lipsticks:
- L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick – This iconic Lancôme lipstick is well-known for its creamy and super-hydrating formula and intense pigmentation. It comes in a large scope of finishes, including matte, cream, and sheer, and is available in tons of on-trend shades.
- L’Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream Lipstick – This is the best berry red lipstick by Lancome which has a satin finish. It’s meant to be a one-stroke application, great for busy mornings!
These are the top Lancôme matte lipsticks:
- L’Absolue Rouge Intimatte – This is the best matte lipstick by Lancôme which gives your lips a cool, mattified effect.
- L’Absolue Rouge Matte Lipstick – This is another high-end matte lipstick by Lancome.
- L’Absolu Rouge Drama Ink Lightweight Liquid Lipstick – This is the best liquid lipstick by Lancome which has a semi-matte finish. It contains rose extract to make it weightless.
- Matte Shaker Liquid Lipstick – This innovative liquid lipstick has a weightless, matte formula that provides long-lasting wear. It is sold in a range of bold, vibrant shades and features a unique applicator that allows for precise application.
These are the ultimate Lancôme high-shine lipsticks:
- L’Absolu Mademoiselle Shine – This is a glossy, high-shine lipstick that delivers an unforgettable sheen to the lips. Choose from a plethora of shades, from soft nudes to bold reds, and provides long-lasting wear.
- Color Design Lipstick – This full-coverage lipstick offers a more modern finish that has a slight shimmer and sheen. It gives your lips a bold, dramatic look.
- L’Absolu Lacquer Gloss – This glossy lip lacquer is formulated with a blend of nourishing oils and provides an intense, high-shine color.
Guerlain
Guerlain, founded in 1828, has made many significant contributions to the French cosmetics industry, including the creation of the first bronzing powder and the first lipstick tube. In 1870, Guerlain created a lip pomade in a pot, which was one of the first lip products to contain a colorant. While Guerlain was not the inventor of lipstick, they have played an incredibly important role in the evolution of lip products. French makeup artist and YouTube star Violette_FR is currently the head of creative direction.
Guerlain is a highly-regarded brand in the beauty industry, with celebrity endorsements from the likes of Angelina Jolie. It’s sold at Nordstrom, Sephora, and Saks in the US.
Here are some popular Guerlain lipsticks:
- Rouge G Lipstick – This luxurious lipstick features a creamy, hydrating formula and intense pigmentation. It comes in a selection of refined finishes, including satin, matte, and metallic, and is available to buy in plenty of shades, to match your skin tone.
- KissKiss Creamy Satin Finish Lipstick – This creamy lipstick is known for its silky-smooth texture and vibrant color. It is made with a few different finishes, including matte and satin, and is available in a broad range of shades.
- KissKiss Tinted Lip Balm – This hydrating lip balm is formulated with a combination of lip oils and provides a natural-looking tint to the lips. It comes in dozens of hues, from soft pink hues to dramatic reds, and provides long-lasting hydration.
- Rouge G Metallic Lipstick – This metallic version of the iconic Rouge G lipstick provides a velvety, long-lasting finish. There are shimmering shades for every skin tone, from easygoing neutrals to bold, deep hues.
- La Petite Robe Noire Lip Color Ink – This liquid lipstick provides intense, long-lasting color and has a lightweight, non-sticky formula. It comes in a choice of shades and provides a matte finish that lasts all day.
Guerlain offers a range of high-quality lipsticks that are worth the investment. The best Guerlain lipstick for you will depend on your individual preferences, such as the formula, finish, and shade range you are looking for
Chanel
Chanel first started making lipstick in the 1920s. In fact, one of the first products that founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel launched was a collection of lipsticks. Chanel was among the first brands to introduce the concept of matching lipstick and nail polish shades, which is now a common practice in the cosmetics industry.
Here are some popular Chanel lipsticks:
- Rouge Coco Lipstick – This hybrid lipstick and lip care product provides a moisturizing, long-lasting formula and a sheer, natural-looking finish. It is sold in multiple appealing shades and features a built-in brush for easy application.
- Rouge Coco Bloom – This is an intensely colored lipstick with a high-shine finish similar to a gloss.
- Rouge Coco Flash Lipstick – This lightweight, hydrating lipstick provides a sheer, shiny finish and comes in several shades, from soft neutrals to bold brights. It features a unique blend of oils and waxes to provide long-lasting moisture to the lips.
- Rouge Allure Lipstick – This creamy, long-wearing lipstick provides intense, vibrant color and a satin finish. It comes in an extensive range of luminous shades, from soft pinks to bold reds, and features a unique click case for easy application.
- Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick – This matte lipstick provides intense, long-lasting color and a soft, velvety finish. This lipstick has myriad shades, from deep plums to bright corals, and features a sleek black case.
L’Oréal
L’Oréal is a popular budget French cosmetic brand known for its wide range of makeup products, including lipsticks. L’Oreal makes good quality lipsticks that are highly pigmented, long-lasting, and comfortable to wear. They’re never too pricey so they’re great for experimenting with new colors and shades! It’s definitely one of the cheapest and most affordable French lipstick brands to shop.
The best places to purchase L’Oréal lipsticks in the US are Walgreens, Amazon, and Walmart.
L’Oreal offers several lines of lipsticks, including their Color Riche line, which is known for its rich, creamy texture and vibrant colors. The Color Riche lipsticks are available in a variety of finishes, from matte to glossy, and come in a wide range of shades to suit different skin tones and preferences. They are grouped by color: with a nude group of shades and a red group of shades.
L’Oreal has an Age Perfect Satin Lipstick line which comes in 20 shades and offers the first lipstick line developed specifically for mature skin. Older ladies rejoice! This lipstick will give you a flawless look and keep your lips looking young for years to come.
L’Oreal’s Infallible line of lipsticks is highly praised for its long-lasting glossy formula that can stay on for up to 24 hours without smudging or fading. These liquid lipsticks are available in both matte and glossy finishes and offer a range of bold and vibrant shades.
Overall, L’Oreal is a reliable brand when it comes to French lipstick and offers a range of affordable options to suit different preferences and beauty needs.
Hermès
Hermès is a luxury brand that is well-known for its high-quality leather goods and fashion accessories, and the brand has recently ventured into the beauty industry, including the production of high-end lipsticks. So far, the reviews on Hermès lipsticks have been outstanding which is why it made the cut for the best French lipstick brands.
Hermès beauty products are currently sold in the States at Nordstrom, Saks, and on the Hermès official website. Everything is made in France.
Here are some popular Hermès lipsticks:
- Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick – This collection features matte lipsticks in bold, statement-making shades. Enriched with nourishing oils and waxes, this lipstick keeps lips moisturized and comfortable throughout the day.
- Rouge Hermès Satin Lipstick – This collection presents a range of classic, wearable shades with a satin finish. The formula is enhanced with healthy ingredients to keep lips hydrated and comfortable.
- Rouge Hermès Poppy Lip Shine – This limited-edition lipstick collection features a vibrant red shade inspired by the iconic Hermès Poppy. The formula provides a sheer, glossy finish that is perfect for everyday wear.
- Rouge Hermès Lip Enhancer – This luxurious lipstick collection offers a range of lightly-pigmented shades and finishes to give your lips a gentle tint of color. The formula is designed to provide long-lasting wear, and the packaging is also sleek and elegant.
Hermès lipsticks, like all Hermès products, have a reputation for their high-end formulas, luxurious packaging, and attention to detail. The brand sells a range of shades and finishes to suit different preferences, and its lipsticks are often considered a luxury beauty item.
YSL
Yves Saint Laurent has been crafting luxury lipsticks in France for over 40 years. The brand launched its first lipstick collection, Rouge Pur, in 1978, and it took off among sophisticated circles of Parisians who wanted high-quality, long-wearing lip color. Since then, YSL has continued to expand its lipstick offerings, launching new collections with innovative formulas and finishes.
Here are some popular YSL satin lipsticks:
- Rouge Pur Couture – This iconic lipstick collection features rich, highly-pigmented shades with a satin finish. The formula is infused with antioxidants and natural extracts to keep lips moisturized and comfortable.
- Bold High Pigment Lipstick – This is the most pigmented satin lipstick offered by YSL, created to give your lips the most intense and bold color possible!
Here are the best YSL high-shine lipsticks:
- Rouge Volupté Shine – This collection delivers a range of sheer, hydrating lipsticks with a glossy finish. The lipstick formula is packed with nourishing oils to keep lips the softest and most supple.
- Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick – This gloss lipstick by YSL has a skincare formula including hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to give your lips the ultimate treatment while glossing them with fun shades.
- Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream Lip Stain – This hybrid lipstick and lip gloss provides a high-shine, vinyl finish with intense, long-lasting color. The formula is lightweight and comfortable, and it does not dry out the lips. It’s meant to last all day and all night long!
YSL makes amazing matte lipstick too:
- Slim Matte Longwear Lipstick – This matte lipstick is great for taking with you on the go as it comes in a slim, pencil format.
- Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream – This collection has amazing liquid lipsticks with a soft, velvety finish. The formula is meant to be long-wearing and prevents accidental transfer.
Givenchy
Givenchy, the luxury fashion and beauty brand, has been making lipsticks for several decades. The brand has a history of creating high-end makeup products, and its lipsticks have been popular for many years.
The brand has been in existence since the 1950s and has expanded its makeup offerings over time. Here are some popular Givenchy lipsticks:
- Le Rouge – This collection features highly pigmented lipsticks with a semi-matte finish. The formula is enriched with natural ingredients to keep your lips really moisturized and relaxed during the day.
- Le Rouge Interdit Intense Silk – This collection proposes classic shades with a satin finish. The formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients to keep lips soft and supple.
- Le Rouge Sheer Velvet – This matte lipstick by Givenchy gives you buildable color that has a blurry, soft effect.
- Le Rouge Deep Velvet Matte – This collection features matte lipsticks with a velvety finish. The formula is devised to be long-wearing and transfer-resistant, and it can be bought in several different interesting shades.
- Le Rouge Interdit Vinyl – This limited-edition collection features lipsticks with a unique, black sparkling finish. The formula is infused with iridescent pigments to create a luminous, multidimensional effect.
La Bouche Rouge
This is one of the lesser-known French lipstick brands outside of France. La Bouche Rouge is a clean beauty brand that specializes in sustainable and eco-friendly makeup products, including lipsticks. The brand is committed to creating high-quality, vegan, long-wearing formulas that are free from harmful chemicals and packaged in sustainable materials. It was founded by Nicolas Gerlier, who has a resumé that includes work at some of the most prestigious beauty brands in France.
La Bouche Rouge lipsticks are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for both people and the environment. The lipsticks are formulated with 60-91% active ingredients. The brand is currently sold in the US at Saks, the Detox Market, Violet Grey, and Credo Beauty.
The way it works is first you buy one of the 2-piece lipstick and case sets. Then you refill your case with the hues you prefer.
The two primary La Bouche Rouge lipsticks include:
- Le Rouge Mat – This collection offers a range of matte lipsticks in classic shades, from bold reds to soft pinks.
- Le Rouge Satin – This collection has a good amount of satin-finish lipsticks that deliver long-lasting color and a silky, moisturizing feel.
Sisley
Sisley is a French luxury skincare and cosmetics brand that was founded in 1976. The brand initially focused on skincare, but it has since expanded its offerings to include makeup products, including lipsticks.
Sisley’s lipsticks are celebrated for their high-quality formulas, rich pigments, and long-lasting wear. The brand offers multiple finishes, from matte to satin to glossy, and each lipstick was created to deliver a burst of color and nourishment for the lips.
Some popular Sisley lipsticks include:
- Le Phyto Rouge – This is Sisley’s main collection of high-pigment lipsticks that provide long-lasting color and a hydrated feeling.
- Phyto-Rouge Shine Refillable Lipstick – This collection of lipsticks is more eco-friendly in that they are refillable.
- Phyto-Lip Twist – This is a hybrid between lipstick and lip balm that gives you intense color and long-lasting hydration.
- Phyto-Lip Shine – This is a sheer, shiny lip gloss that provides a pop of color and a luminous finish.
Clarins
Clarins is a luxury French skincare and cosmetics company that was founded in 1954. While the brand is primarily known for its skincare products, it also offers lots of different high-end makeup products, including lipsticks.
Clarins lipsticks are known for their high-quality formulas, vibrant colors, and long-lasting wear. The brand offers plenty of sophisticated finishes, from matte to shimmering satin to glossy, and each lipstick is developed to provide both color and nourishment for the lips.
Some popular Clarins lipsticks include:
- Joli Rouge – This is the primary Clarins lipstick collection of ultra-moisturizing lipsticks that provide long-wear color and a comfortable feel. Joli means “pretty” in French.
- Joli Rouge Brillant – This is Clarins’ favorite satin lipstick that has a shiny, shimmering finish.
- Joli Rouge Velvet – This is Clarins’ best matte lipstick that has a smooth, velvety finish.
- Joli Rouge Lacquer – This high-shine lipstick glides on easily for a beautiful lip glow.
- Velvet Lip Perfector – This is a hybrid lipstick and liquid balm that offers intense matte color and long-lasting hydration.
- Water Lip Stain – This is a collection of long-wearing water-based lip stains that provide a lightweight, natural-looking color.
Chantecaille
Chantecaille was founded in 1997 by Sylvie Chantecaille, who had already established herself in the beauty industry through her work with other prominent cosmetics brands. The French beauty line quickly became renowned for its combination of botanical ingredients and technological innovation, focusing on the natural world for inspiration.
The most sought-after Chantecaille lipsticks include:
- Chantecaille Lip Stick: classic, creamy, moisturizing lipstick
- Chantecaille Lip Veil: luminous, slight sheen lipstick that glides on
- Chantecaille Lip Chic: glossy, plumping lipstick with hyaluronic acid
Chantecaille also stands out for its philanthropy, often creating products linked to environmental causes, with a portion of the sales directed to specific conservation efforts. For example, the Wild Mustang collection supports the American Wilde Horse Campaign.
Through a blend of luxury, nature, and social consciousness, Chantecaille has carved a unique space within the high-end beauty market.
Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier is a makeup artist and cosmetics entrepreneur who founded her eponymous brand in 1996. The brand’s philosophy is to create products that enhance natural beauty and create a flawless, natural-looking complexion. While the company is known for its “Flawless Fusion” face makeup, it also offers a range of other makeup products, including lipsticks.
Some popular and highly-rated Laura Mercier lipsticks include:
- Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick – This is a collection of highly pigmented, matte lipsticks that offer long-lasting wear and a comfortable, lightweight feel.
- Petal Soft Lipstick Crayon – This sheer matte lipstick has a crayon applicator, making it easy to apply and give you weightless color.
- Rouge Essential Silky Cream Lipstick – This is a collection of creamy, moisturizing lipsticks that provide intense color and a satin finish.
- High Vibe Lip Color – This new lipstick by Laura Mercier gives the lips a vivid color with a glide-on application.
Laura Mercier is a well-respected makeup label in the beauty industry, known for its high-quality formulas and focus on natural-looking makeup. Its lipsticks are popular among makeup lovers who value performance.
Bourjois
Bourjois is a budget French cosmetics brand that was founded in 1863. Bourjois has a long history of making lipsticks. The brand was founded in the 19th century by French actor Joseph-Albert Ponsin, who created the first powder blush for stage performers. In the 1930s, Bourjois launched its first range of lipsticks, which were known for their smooth, creamy texture and long-lasting wear.
The brand continued to innovate in the world of lipstick, introducing new formulas and shades that were designed to complement a range of skin tones. Today, the Bourjois brand is known for its affordable yet high-quality makeup products, including lipsticks. It is sold internationally at Walmart and Amazon.
One of Bourjois’s most iconic lipstick lines is the Rouge Edition Velvet Liquid Lipstick, which was first introduced in 2012. This lipstick was created to provide a long-lasting, matte finish without drying out the lips. It quickly became a cult favorite among Parisians in-the-know, and Bourjois has since expanded its range of liquid lipsticks to include a variety of finishes and shades.
Le Rouge Francais
Le Rouge Français is a distinguished French lipstick brand that was founded in 2018. Focused on an ecological approach, they only use 100% natural pigments in their lipsticks, derived from plants and fruits. The brand became prominent for embracing a luxury appeal with an ethical conscience.
Collaborating with artisans and ensuring cruelty-free practices, Le Rouge Français quickly became a symbol of elegant sustainability within the beauty industry. Its dedication to both quality and ecological mindfulness has made it a favorite among those seeking both glamour and ethical consumption.
The best lipstick Rouge Tinctorial Lipstick is sold in 16 shades. In the USA, Le Rouge Francais is sold at C.O. Bigelow and Neiman Marcus. Refills are available so you don’t need to buy a whole new lipstick when your favorite shade runs out!
Violette
Violette is a new beauty brand founded by French makeup artist and YouTube creator Violette Serrat. The brand introduced a range of makeup and skincare products that are designed to be effortless, fun, and easy to use.
The signature Violette lipstick to try is the Petal Bouche Matte Liquid Red Lipstick.
Violette is known for its minimalist, Parisian-inspired aesthetic, and its products are developed to help women achieve a natural, radiant look. The brand’s philosophy is to empower women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and its products are designed to be easy to use and adaptable to different lifestyles and beauty routines.
Rouje
Rouje is a French fashion and beauty brand founded by French influencer Jeanne Damas. The brand offers a range of clothing, accessories, and beauty products that are inspired by vintage French style and designed to be timeless and effortless.
You can buy Rouje lipsticks in the US from Violet Grey. The primary lipstick to try is the classic Les Filles En Rouje Le Rouje Lipstick.
Rouje’s lipsticks come in a good selection of shades, from classic reds to bold pinks and subtle nudes. The brand’s lip products are conceived to be versatile and easy to wear, whether you’re going for a natural daytime look or a dramatic evening look.
Which one of these French lipstick brands is your favorite?
