Marrying high-quality ingredients with artisanal craftmanship, Hermès defines luxury beauty. Inspired by the materials used in the Parisian powerhouse, the brand formulates innovative cosmetics ranging from powerfully pigmented lipsticks, blushers and bronzers to memory evoking signature scents for all. Each individually designed by creative experts and housed in opulent packaging, these essentials embody boldness, creativity and self-expression.
Paying homage to the heritage house, we caught up with Hermès’ National Training Manager UK & Ireland, Candice Dominguez, to get up close and personal with its luxury cosmetic line up.
THE MAKING OF HERMÈS
The story of Hermès began back in 1837 whensaddle and harness maker, Thierry Hermès, opened a workshop in Rue Basse-du-Rempart, Paris. Understanding his customers’ desire for simplicity and lightness, his creations showed discreet detail and could endure all conditions. During the interwar period of 1922, the founder’s grandson – Émile Hermès – noticed a shift in lifestyle and matched society’s needs, transforming the maison’s saddlery into leather goods. The brand went on to release ready-to-wear in 1925, jewellery and footwear in 1928, fragrances in 1930s and last but certainly not least make up in 2020. “Hermès is a unique house where the values of creation and authenticity underpin the know-how. Behind each Hermès object, there’s a craftsman guided by the search for the best quality. Every detail counts” says Candice.
WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HERMÈS BEAUTY
Hermès Beauty’s “inspiration comes from the brand itself and its history. Our beauty products are informed by other Hermès métiers (AKA departments) – for example its lipsticks by leather, blushes by silk, nail polishes by enamel and so the list goes on.” Marrying innovative craftmanship with intentional ingredients, the collection is “based on the vision of an artistic collective led by Pierre-Alexis Dumas and composed of Pierre Hardy, creative director of beauty object design; Christine Nagel, director of olfactory creation and expert talent, including Gregoris Pyrpylis.”
HERMÈS ’ FORAY INTO FRAGRANCES
Perfume has been present at Hermès since the 1930s. “Hermès describes an emotion with each fragrance and opens the doors to imagination… The collections are enriched each year with several creations – from fragrances for women, for men or to share. At the origin of the perfumed stories of Hermès, there are encounters with great perfumers of the 20th and 21st centuries. In 2016, Christine Nagel joined Hermès Parfums as perfumer and director of olfactory creation.”
BEST HERMÈS BEAUTY FRAGRANCES
Dreamt up by expert nose Christine Nagel, Hermès Terre d’Hermès Eau Givrée Eau de Parfum juxtaposes the vibrancy of citron and freshness of juniper berry with the power of timut pepper. Narrating the humble and harmonious relationship between the Earth and its inhabitants, the famed fragrance reveals an unexpected aroma that’s hard to resist.
Bright and radiant, Hermès H24 Eau de Toilette reflects society’s daring blend of nature and technology. Opening with botanical freshness, the contemporary offering is underpinned by a potion of clary sage, electric narcissus, invigorating rosewood *and* warm sclarene. The result? A subtly smoky scent that grants a sensory refresh at any hour of the day.
Fuelled by self-expression and boldness of today’s generation, Hermès Twilly d'Hermès Eau de Parfum was created in 2017. Pairing striking ginger with sensual tuberose, it creates a floral, spicy fusion in a bid to turn expectation on its head. Plus, housed in a lantern-shaped bottle – designed by Florence Manlik – it’s a treat for your skin, senses and beauty space.
SHOP ALL HERMÈS FRAGRANCES >>> WHAT MADE HERMÈS ENTER THE MAKE UP SPACE
For Hermès, beauty was the next step after launching fragrance and has comfortably found its place in the world's beauty halls. “Hermès Beauty is a new métier that naturally broadens the brand’s world through its colours, materials, objects, gestures and ethics. For Hermès, beauty must reveal personality and style.” Entering the cosmetic sphere through lip make up, its collection has continued to grow, with new launches every six months. “Rouge Hermès was the first chapter of Hermès Beauty and is more than just a collection of lipsticks; it’s a full lip beauty ritual that goes hand in hand with the leather accessories. It is named after the 'Hermès red', the maison’s signature colour, created in 1925.
BEST HERMÈS BEAUTY MAKE UP
Hermès Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick delivers powerful pigment with just a single stroke. Non-drying and comfortable to wear, the velvety formula is packed with a moisturising blend of plant extracts and oils to condition your pout while coating it in your desired colour. From the brand’s signature red to fiery orange and more – which hue will you choose?
Enhancing your complexion with pure radiance, Hermès Plein Air Radiant Glow Powder acts as a finely milled illuminator that boosts a lit-from-within glow. Powered by medley of emollients, it locks in much-needed moisture, quenching your skin’s thirst while delivering a dewy sign off. What’s more, the compact is refillable too, so you never need to be without your new make up must-have.
Hermès Ombres d'Hermès Eye Shadow Quartet ensures no two make up looks need to ever be the same. Offering various avenues of exploration, the quartet features a trio of complemented pans followed by a bold, unexpected hue – all which finishes draw inspiration from the silk métier… Think: silk chiffon, twill and lamé.
SHOP ALL HERMÈS MAKE UP >>> As for what’s next for the Parisan powerhouse, in the words of Candice herself... “stay tuned!”
SHOP ALL HERMÈS >>> 
