By BR Kellie
images: via Bourjois NZ FB
Bourjois is one of those makeup brands that try as I might I’ve never had the time to fully investigate (the joys of having a pre-schooler who has a tendency to drag you in the direction of the toy store whenever you get in perusing distance of the beauty department at Farmers). A year ago I bought the Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush, drawn in by its macaron-esque cuteness, and with its blendable and beautiful flush of colour it quickly became a favourite. Apart from that, I had yet to meet the acquaintance of Bourjois properly. So when an invitation to #BonjourBourjois came through, I was the first of the BR Crew to say oui!
So one Monday in July we found ourselves five stories high in an inner city Auckland building overlooking the sparkling sea, whilst late afternoon sun poured through the windows. Glasses of champagne were promptly passed our way, which we sipped whilst viewing some Bourjois favourites as well as new additions. We were then seated and shown the history of Bourjois – and what a fascinating history it has.
Bourjois was born in 1863, the creation of actor Joseph-Albert Ponsin. Five years Ponsin entrusted his business to Alexandre-Napoleon Bourjois, who grew the company into a worldwide phenomenon. While we know Bourjois for its beautiful packaging and lovely Parisian products, Bourjois has long been supporters of a woman’s right to independence, and in the 1920s they showed women makeup was not only a pleasurable experience but also a way to affirm their personalities. Then in the 1930s Bourjois created a campaign that evoked women’s right to vote in France, which was incredibly ahead of their time, as women did not receive the right to vote until the mid-1940s.
Once we learnt about Bourjois’ origins we were then shown the makeup. At this point I may get swoony, catch me if I fall…
We were introduced to their range and shown classic favourites as well as upcoming releases, and then three models walked the catwalk, each wearing a specific look created with Bourjois products. The natural look was tres chic. The bold lip, with its rich redness, so sophisticated. And the smokey eye was superb.
After the showing we were given the opportunity to take in the products, which were displayed around the room. Little Round Pot Blushes mingled amongst macarons, their iconic Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks lingered next to a mini Eiffel Tower. And then there were the new releases. If you love your highlighter (BR Koni, I’m looking at you!), you’ll not want to miss their upcoming release. The glow is… well to say I inelegantly gasped when I swatched it would be an understatement. There’s an eight-pan eyeshadow palette on the way, and an amazing mascara which with a twist can create the kind of lashes people pay to have. Honestly, it was makeup heaven.
So what will I be getting my hands on as soon as a) I can get away from the little human long enough to peruse a Bourjois stand and b) as soon as they’re released? The liquid highlighter. The Aqua Blush, which has an amazing gel formula that blends out a dream into a stunning flush of colour, and it smells divine. And the new mascara. If it’s anywhere near as good as their Push Up Volume Glamour, well, I’ll never have to spend money on high-end mascara again
Between the cosmetics, champagne and canapés, all I can say is hello, Bourjois. I have a feeling we’re going to become firm friends.
So do tell, have you tried Bourjois? What are your favourite products? Are you as excited as we are for the upcoming releases? Chat away!
Check out more images from the event here, including glimpses of HRH Queenie and Head Pixie.
Looks so pretty and exciting!! Not heard of this brand before either.