Louis Vuitton Launches Debut Beauty Collection, La Beaute

French luxury house Louis Vuitton has officially launched its inaugural beauty collection, named La Beaute, on August 25, 2023. The collection features an impressive lineup of 55 lipsticks, 10 sheer lip balms, and eight versatile eyeshadow palettes. Initially available exclusively through its website, the products will hit retail stores starting August 29.

With prices set at S$220 for each lipstick or lip balm and S$345 for an eyeshadow palette, Louis Vuitton aims to position this collection as more than just cosmetics. The brand seeks to encapsulate an “expression of identity, artistry, and empowerment,” redefining makeup as a ritual and artifact rather than a mere beauty product.

The creative force behind the La Beaute collection, makeup artist Pat McGrath, emphasizes that luxury in makeup encompasses performance, craftsmanship, and sensorial experience. “True luxury is when every detail is considered,” McGrath stated. She has been closely associated with Louis Vuitton for over two decades, crafting runway looks and now serving as the brand’s creative director of cosmetics.

Distinctive Offerings of La Beaute

The standout item in the collection is undoubtedly the LV Rouge Complete lipstick, which boasts 55 shades—a deliberate nod to the Roman numerals for LV. This launch is reportedly the largest debut of lipstick colors from any luxury brand. Each shade has been designed to be universally flattering, reflecting McGrath’s commitment to inclusivity.

The lipsticks come in two distinct finishes: 27 creamy satin textures that provide a luminous effect, and 28 velvety matte options that enhance the lips’ natural contour. The formulation incorporates natural waxes derived from rose, jasmine, and mimosa flowers, key symbols of the Louis Vuitton brand. Enriched with shea butter and hyaluronic acid, these lipsticks promise vivid color for up to eight hours while maintaining hydration for a full 12 hours.

In addition to the lipsticks, the LV Baume collection features ten sheer lip balms that are designed to be lightweight and buildable. With a focus on comfort and hydration, these balms also contain shea butter and hyaluronic acid, ensuring 48-hour moisture and a supple feel.

Moreover, the collection introduces a unique scented signature developed through a collaboration between McGrath and Louis Vuitton’s master perfumer, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud. Each lipstick features a bespoke blend of floral notes, while the lip balms carry a refreshing scent of mint and raspberry. Belletrud noted the complexity of creating scents that work in wax and oil, which took four years to perfect.

Eyeshadow Innovations and Sustainable Design

The LV Ombre Complete Eyeshadows range includes eight curated palettes, each containing four eyeshadows. Three of the shades are designed for everyday wear, while the fourth provides a contrasting pop of color. The shadows come in six finishes, from ultra-matte to shimmering glitter, and are engineered for easy application without tugging on the skin.

In line with contemporary values, sustainability plays a crucial role in the La Beaute collection. The renowned German industrial designer Konstantin Grcic has contributed to the collection’s architectural clarity, transforming disposable products into heirloom pieces. Key features include a golden ring inspired by the brass fittings of Louis Vuitton’s iconic trunks, symbolizing heritage and identity.

The packaging is crafted from durable materials like aluminum and brass, designed not only for aesthetics but also for longevity. Refills for lipsticks and balms are priced at S$94, while eyeshadow refills cost S$125. This strategy encourages consumers to view their makeup as functional and worthy of keeping for years.

As Grcic summarized, “These are pieces meant to live with you, to be kept, treasured, and used again and again.” The La Beaute collection is poised to redefine luxury beauty, merging artistry with sustainable practice, while inviting consumers to engage with makeup in a more meaningful way.