Having It All

In this exclusive interview, Guerlain's creative director of make-up Violette Serrat talks candidly about the reality of being a working mother of two

- Zue Wei Leong

It's early for Violette Serrat when she dials in from Paris, France. Guerlain's creative director of make-up and founder of her own eponymous beauty brand is back to work after giving birth to her second daughter. She is in high spirits as the weather has begun to warm up, turning her camera around to show me the sunlight streaming into her modern, minimalist office through the large windows.

"I'm adjusting to life with two jobs and two kids. I've never been so happy. I feel so blessed," she says.

She is hitting the ground running with the recent launch of Guerlain's innovative powder-infused liquid foundation, Terracotta Le Teint-the latest in her mission to refresh the French luxury beauty brand's signature products since she assumed the role in July 2021.

What has been the highlight from the last two years as Guerlain's creative director of make-up? 

The most special moments with Guerlain actually came in the year before the announcement about my involvement went public. I wanted one year to focus on construction; I asked to receive the entire line of products so my team and I could analyse what was good, what needed improvement, et cetera. My office table was covered with products!