Mastering the ‘V Technique’ for Perfect Lipstick Application

Violette also has plenty of ways to ensure her staple “V” lipstick stays put. According to InStyle, she swears by velvety matte lipsticks, which are less prone to melting and bleeding. But as she warns, sharing tips to master matte lipstick, “You need make sure you’re drinking enough water and your lips are hydrated,” Violette says. Otherwise, you’ll find the texture clinging to dry patches, emphasising cracks and making the coating appear uneven. Nobody needs that.

For those who prefer a satin finish or want extra durability, Violette recommends starting with a lip liner. “Then, if the shine goes, you still have that base, and it creates the optical illusion you still have [lipstick] on,” she says. A good lip liner can really take your makeup looks up a notch. To refresh the look, the makeup maven recommends blotting with a napkin to remove excess oil, then gently blending the remaining pigment with your fingertips for an elegant ombré effect.

The world’s obsession with “French girl makeup” shows no signs of stopping, so it feels only natural that Violette would bottle her expertise. After working for the likes of beauty giants Guerlain and Estée Lauder, she launched her namesake brand, Violette_FR, in 2021. 

The brand’s debut product, Petal Bouche Matte liquid lipstick, quickly became a cult favorite for its saturated hues and plush feel, and is great for lipstick layering. For a more laid-back option, her Bisou Balm is marketed as the perfect choice to achieve Parisian girl nonchalance. It’s lightweight and sheer, so it’s made for those looking for a flush of colour that looks like you’ve been freshly kissed — or embrassée.

Violette often shares her looks on Instagram, where fans can admire her hallmark lip, perfectly complemented by understated-yet-impeccably curated washes of blush. The looks are always well received, with one Instagram user commenting, “Saving this for my inspo later.” Another praised the “little unexpected details” of Violette’s makeup collection. As they say in France, c’est magnifique!