Cover Image: La Bouche Rouge

Nicolas Gerlier of La Bouche Rouge reveals why he's passionate about making lipstick environmentally friendly

Vegan and microplastic-free beauty brand La Bouche Rouge has launched the world’s first sustainable lipstick. Founder Nicolas Gerlier reveals why his lip line is the one every woman should be using. Tatler Asia speaks to him about sustainable beauty and how his lipsticks are helping reduce plastic pollution.

Tatler Asia
Above Nicolas Gerlier reveals why his lip line is the one every woman should be using. (Image: La Bouche Rouge)

Tell us about La Bouche Rouge.
Nicolas Gerlier Launched in 2016, we produce the very first vegan and cruelty-free lipstick. Our refillable, engravable, French-made leather cases and eco-refills don’t contain any beeswax or microplastics.

What’s harmful about microplastic?
NG Microplastics are some of the biggest causes of water pollution affecting earth today—83 per cent of water is contaminated with plastic, and cosmetics is one of the most polluting industries. More than one billion lipsticks are thrown away each year, and we can’t recycle the microplastic that goes into making them; it’s far too small.

Tell us what most people don't know about microplastic in lipsticks?
NG
That there’s microplastic in nearly every lipstick? When they were first introduced 50 years ago, industry experts thought microplastics were a miracle, but now we know they are a huge mistake.

Why is it a mistake?
NG
The average woman consumes 10 kilos of lipstick in her lifetime—that’s a lot of microplastic!

Why do you focus on producing lipstick?
NG
Because every woman has a handbag and, within it, every woman carries a lipstick. Lipstick is more than just a luxury; it allows us to showcase our personality.

Tatler Asia
Above Image: La Bouche Rouge

Why do you think sustainability in beauty is important?
NG
It’s in our planet’s best interest. I hope other brands will follow in our footsteps. 

Who would you most like to design a lipstick for?
NG I have this dream to create a lipstick colour that matches the French flag depicted in a Eugène Delacroix painting called Liberty Leading the People. It’s on display at the Louvre and I hope one day to speak with them about whether it’s a possibility.

This article first appeared on hk.asiatatler.com.

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