How Makeup Artist Violette Has Redefined The French Girl Aesthetic

Rip & Tan: Tell us a bit about your background in beauty. When did you first realize your passion for makeup artistry?

Violette Fr: I never really thought I wanted to become a makeup artist. I had originally wanted to be a painter or a fashion designer, but strangely I have memories from a young age that center around beauty.

At 8, the Wizard of Oz was one of my favorite movies and when I saw the ruby slippers, I knew I wanted them to be a lipstick. At such a young age, I had all of these ideas without ever really being passionate about lipstick at all.

It all happened by accident one night when I was 18. My friends and I were going to a costume party and they asked me to do their makeup. I realized that it was like my two loves combined—painting and dressing up a face. The rest, as you guys know, is history.

Rip & Tan: What were some of the biggest lessons you learned when you were first starting out?

Violette Fr: The best advice I received was to give myself four years to make it. If it doesn’t work, you look for another opportunity.

For four years I gave it my all. I didn’t allow people to discourage me, so I just kept going. I knew it wouldn’t be forever so it kind of released some of the pressure I had on myself. I always have a plan B. It’s the lesson I try to give to other people, too.

Rip & Tan: How have you seen the world of beauty shift over the past few years?

Violette Fr: I’ve been in the industry for 17 years and things have drastically changed since I started, but the good news is I’ve changed with them. I feel like I’m part of the movement, but when I started it wasn’t a welcoming world for me.

I had a lot of pushback and questions on whether I could make it. When I started it was all about being perfect, glossy, and wearing lots of makeup. It wasn’t really for creatives to experiment, it was more of a tool.

Now, I feel like we use beauty as a way to express and accept ourselves. We are seeing stickers in the shape of a star to heal pimples! I think that’s so cool because it feels like beauty is changing with us. It’s much more inclusive, but we still have a ways to go.

Rip & Tan: After years immersed in the beauty industry and working for the likes of Dior and Estée Lauder, what made you decide to finally launch your own line of products?

Violette Fr: I’ve always wanted to have my own line, my career was built on it. After two years of being a makeup artist, I had decided to build my own brand. When I first started, I had no money to buy products, so I started to create my own. I would buy raw materials from MAC and make my own products on set. That’s when I realized makeup was super limited. I was able to create super fun textures and colors, so I knew I had to do my own brand. Seven years ago is when I decided to move to New York and start my own brand. I knew France would be too slow for me, I needed that New York energy!

Rip & Tan: How does the VIOLETTE_FR collection speak to your own ethos and approach to beauty?

Violette Fr: For me, beauty is a way to celebrate yourself, so that’s what I’m trying to do here. It’s very important that I don’t create products that already exist. Complete, don’t compete. Let’s create something else that helps people feel great!

I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to achieve thus far, where I launched a brand during Covid.

Rip & Tan: From the makeup you use to the clothing you wear, how do you define the French girl aesthetic?

Violette Fr: It’s quite feminine, but also boyish at the same time. Being effortless is very important. You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard. For us, it’s what we call being chic. Not trying too hard, but still feeling put together in a simple way. Jeans and a white t-shirt paired with a fabulous red lipstick and healthy hair. A messy bun and an amazing eyeliner. It’s a balance. I would say never girly; feminine but not girly.

Rip & Tan: What are the beauty staples you currently can’t live without? Any underrated essentials that you wish more people knew about?

Violette Fr: I can’t live without my Boum-Boum Milk, that’s the only skincare I use with my SPF and cleansers. My red lipstick, Petal Bouche, I can’t live without it either. I’m in love with the lip saver from AVEDA and people don’t know enough about it. I love the French brand Phyto, for my hair- it’s pretty affordable and has amazing products!

Rip & Tan: What is your best-kept beauty tip?

Violette Fr: It’s no secret, but I love Boum-Boum Milk and my probiotics by The Nue Co. This isn’t a beauty tip, but I don’t drink coffee, I just hate it, but by not drinking it, I feel like it keeps my skin clear.

Rip & Tan: What does living well mean to you?

Violette Fr: Being happy and feeling like you are where you’re supposed to be. If my family and I are healthy, I’m happy. If I love my job, I’m happy.

Right now, I’m extremely happy. I have a wonderful family and I’m doing two jobs that I love. It’s a very special time for me and I’m very grateful.

 

 

 

 

Images: Kirsten Francis