In the world of luxury beauty, Hermès Beauty has quietly been crafting a niche for itself—one pencil stroke at a time. With its latest launch, Trait d’Hermès, the house unveils a collection of lip and eye pencils that aren’t just tools; they’re objects of art. Designed to inspire creativity and elevate even the simplest makeup routines, these pencils come with a backstory as rich as the hues they deliver. And who better to walk us through the magic than Gregoris Pyrpylis, Hermès Beauty’s creative maestro?
Sitting down with Pyrpylis was like opening an Hermès orange box—not knowing exactly what to expect but knowing it would be exceptional. From his thoughts on colour as emotional storytelling to insider tips for perfecting the smudged liner, Pyrpylis didn’t just share insights; he delivered a masterclass in modern beauty.
Colour as an Emotional Language
For Pyrpylis, colour isn’t about matching your eye shade or your outfit—it’s about mood, instinct, and pure self-expression. “The collection is more of an invitation to make you feel free, creative, and very instinctive,” he shared. With shades that range from the vibrant Violet Indigo to the warm Rouge Amazone, each pencil is designed to channel emotion. “I think colour always expresses your state of mind,” Pyrpylis mused. “It’s not about technicality; it’s about how you feel that day. The expression goes before perfection.” This ethos makes the collection particularly liberating for beauty enthusiasts intimidated by complicated techniques.
Design Meets Functionality
Leave it to Hermès to turn an everyday pencil into a covetable luxury. Inspired by the show-jumping poles of the equestrian universe, Trait d’Hermès pencils are crafted with sustainable wood, hermetically sealed caps, and—yes—built-in smudgers. Pyrpylis explained, “Hermès is a house of design and luxury, so every detail reflects that. From the formula to the object, everything combines beauty, functionality, and technicality.” What’s more, the lip pencils glide effortlessly, thanks to their emollient-rich formula, while the eye pencils are oil-infused to cater even to sensitive eyes. Pyrpylis’ favourite feature? The tip itself: “Firm yet soft, it creates precise lines that never look harsh—perfect for adding definition without losing softness.”
Mastering the Everyday Eye
While Pyrpylis swears by the pencils’ versatility, he’s quick to highlight their role in creating subtle yet impactful looks. “Even a simple line can transform your makeup,” he said. For a softer take, Pyrpylis recommends smudging slightly after application. “It adds vulnerability and a beautiful softness to the eyes.” Feeling experimental? Pyrpylis loves playing with colour combos. “In the campaign, I paired Vert Titien with Bleu Encre. Together, they create a modern yet understated pop of colour that’s perfect for the every day.” The trick, he explained, is in the balance. “You can accessorise your look with colour, like wearing a piece of jewellery. It’s bold yet refined.”
The Future of Hermès Beauty
As Hermès Beauty prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2025, Pyrpylis hinted at big things to come. “It’s going to be a huge year,” he teased, stopping just short of spilling all the details. What we do know? A major launch in the lip category is on the horizon—cue the excitement for lip lovers everywhere. But Pyrpylis is adamant that Hermès Beauty isn’t about rushing out products for the sake of trends. “Every launch is thoughtful, with an essence behind it,” he emphasised. “Our goal is to inspire people—not just to find what they need but to express who they are.” Hermès has once again proven that luxury is not about excess but about elevating the essentials. Whether it’s a sleek pencil that doubles as an accessory or the emotional depth of a single colour, Trait d’Hermès is more than a collection—it’s a philosophy. So, the next time you reach for that muted green or vibrant indigo, remember: it’s not just makeup; it’s your story, your mood, and your art. After all, isn’t that what beauty is all about?
