Stop Everything: HERMÈS Beauty Is Now Available Right Here
Sarah Tarca is a beauty journalist, writer and co-founder of Australia’s first dedicated beauty newsletter, gloss etc. Her skills involve applying lipstick without a mirror, bullying people to wear sunscreen and procrastinating washing her hair. She loves her kids, skincare and potatoes in equal measure — almost as much as she loves SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Almost. Find her on socials @tarca
When HERMÈS quietly entered the beautysphere in 2020, a collective gasp could be heard from beauty editors across the nation.
Just like everything the brand does, they launched consciously, slowly, making sure that every detail of the product(s) lived up to their reputation of craftsmanship.
This wasn’t an afterthought; it was a deliberate evolution, and it allowed a luxury accessibility that previously alluded most of us mere mortals.
As a beauty editor, there are countless things I love about the collection.
First, is that they lead with design and craftsmanship.
The packaging is designed by Pierre Hardy, and feels luxe in the hand, with ASMR style closures that click just-so, and the fact that every product is housed in its own little orange box (yes, that one).
Then, there’s the colourways: while many designer brands lean on neutrals (quiet luxury and all) Hermés is not afraid of the bold statement, which is perfectly fitting for a brand so synonymous with a bold colour...
Next is their fragrance offering: always unexpected, each is an olfactory journey, so you wear a story, not just a scent.
And, one point that is particularly close to my heart; they do not partake in micro trends, they launch slowly, and consciously, each product has a purpose, and that purpose is not to overfill an already-bursting market.
Finally, and most importantly, the formulations are just superb.
Since Gregoris Pyrpylis took the helm as Creative Director in 2022, every creation he has launched has become a collectible.
I know this because I personally have a shrine of the products in my beauty room at home (don’t worry, I absolutely use them all, my face demands it).
And this is precisely why I feel qualified to present to you some of the products to add to your shopping list.
It’s a need, not a want.
The Fragrance:
I love this fragrance (and I reviewed it here). It was a big launch for HERMÈS because it marked their very first perfume in the “chypre” category.
Unlike other fragrance categories (ie: woods, aquatics, florals) this is characterised by a combination of notes: citrus up top, floral heart notes (usually jasmine or rose) and a base of oakmoss and patchouli.
In Barénia this looks like bergamot, white ginger lily, patchouli and oak.
It’s elegant, light, pretty and understated, and the bottle is inspired by their iconic ‘Collier de Chien’ bracelet.
It also comes in a 15ml EDP (Barénia Nomad) which is ideal for your handbag.
The Gateway Product:
If you’re overwhelmed by all the choices and aren’t quite ready for colour yet, let me introduce you to your next purchase.
The Rosy Lip enhancer offers the best of the brand: the Pierre Hardy case, the satisfying click of the closure, and a stunning formulation with sesame seed and raspberry seed oil that work to hydrate and soften the lips while also giving a subtle gloss.
But the best part is this particular shade gives an ever-so-subtle rosy hue to the lips too. Not a fan of pink? The Hermes Moisturising Lip Balm is similarly stunning and colourless with beeswax and candelilla wax to nourish the lips and no you have never met a chicer balm.
The Little Treat:
Will this make you look down on every other nail polish you own? Absolutely.
But also, have you ever owned a nail polish that you want to have on display like your favourite vase?
That’s the beauty of Les Mains — as pretty inside the bottle as they are on the nails.
They have a range of incredible shades, and aren’t afraid of a statement hue, like this one that will keep your nails in summer long after the leaves have changed.
The Collector’s Piece:
You might not quite be in your collecting-Birkin’s era just yet, but you can own a limited-edition piece just the same.
This is from their Plein Air collection, masterminded by Creative Director Gregoris Pyrpylis.
The entire collection was designed to be airy and light, breathable and comfortable on the skin, yet beautiful (of course).
Think: subtle enhancement, not “she’s wearing makeup” and you get the vibe.
This is true to that promise; a finely milled illuminating powder that imparts a slightly rosy, shimmery luminosity over the face. I love to layer it over my blush (superb for photos) or over the eyelids for a pretty hint of shimmer.
The only problem with this is that you’ll have to work yourself up to actually using it because it’s so pretty the thought of using it is almost too much. Almost.
The “I Love You” Gift:
There is no better way to say I love you than with HERMÈS — that’s just facts.
And while this technically (by their definition) falls into the homme category, it is, 1000% stealable.
Created by Hermès perfumer Christine Nagel, it is meant to represent the inner fire of both earth and man.
It does so with an olfactory explosion of earthy notes offset with a zing or citrus and some spice.
The translation in notes is: Cirtusy bergamot up top, paired with black pepper, coffee and licorice in the middle, and smoky woods at the bottom paired with lava stone.
I could go on (and on, and on) about all that’s right with Hermès Beauty (including my favourite red lipstick — Rouge Amazone (a true red, matte that is just… incredible) but it’s probably time for you to choose something and experience it yourself. It’s an investment (for your face). Want to know my thoughts on more? Slide into my DMs here.
Discover more of our recent and exciting new luxe brand launches below:
