Lisa Eldridge’s all aluminum tube highlights a move towards sustainability.
When we talk about sustainability and mitigating the use of petroleum-derived packaging, there’s one area we don’t think about: our makeup. Take a look at your palettes, glosses, and mascara wands: chances are they’re made from plastic. This wasn’t always the case as historically, cosmetics were encased in elegant metal encasements. One person who wants to bring that back, albeit in a 2024 fashion? Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge who has worked with everyone from Dua Lipa to Kate Winslet. This week she launched a series of lipsticks called Rouge Experience with a glamorous vintage-inspired design that brings to mind jewelry. This innovative new product is the direct result of a self-challenge. “I was confused by most of the refillable lipsticks [available in the market] as they are made from a multitude of materials including plastics, metals and magnets — not exactly sustainable,” she said. One problem: Eldridge’s vision didn’t exactly exist and so she invented it, creating an aluminum-based tube that offers refills and mitigates excess waste. Equal parts retro and modern, it represents a move towards being more mindful, down to what we wear on our lips.
The sumptuously lipstick case has a strong nod to the 1920s’ Art Deco and reflects Eldridge’s love of collecting archival makeup. “When I got out all of my incredible [vintage] pieces”, Eldridge said, “I was struck by how futuristic they all look”. The result? A ribbed gold, peanut-shaped tube that can be personalized with one’s initials, reinforcing the fact that this purchase is meant to last a lifetime. Practically speaking, this also serves as the base from which lipsticks can be easily swapped. With eight shades ranging from a neutral pink called Lisa, endorsed by Eldridge herself to a deep cool-tone claret Bohemian Cherry to nudes like Ashes of Roses and Simone, there’s an impressive array of options. As for the formulation, it’s as luxurious as to be expected. ”It’s a very soft sheen finish in cream texture that has a blurring effect to smooth the lip,” Eldridge explained. Shop the line here.
