In 2020, Hermès launched Hermès Beauty, its bespoke and timeless namesake beauty brand. The first instalment, Rouge Hermès, was a poetically alluring collection of luxurious, second-skin lipsticks. Following the critical acclaim of Rouge Hermès came Rose Hermès, a captivating silky blush collection that symbolically turned the page to chapter two of Hermès’ tale of beauty. The third chapter, Les Mains Hermès, now unfolds as the focus of the Hermès Beauty story shifts downwards, to its reader’s hands.
Designed to nurture, protect, maintain, and enhance the very tools we use for gesticulation, creation, and as guides to navigate us through our days, Les Mains Hermès blends the beauty of hand care with the artistry of nail enamel. Within the Les Mains Hermès collection is a hydrating, ingredients-focused hand cream, a nourishing nail and cuticle oil, a protective base coat, twenty-four nail enamels, a top coat, and a set of nail files. With a progressive nod towards environmental conservation and supporting and protecting global ecosystems, the nail files are crafted from poplar wood hailing from sustainably managed forests.
Les Mains Hermès hand cream, Creme Mains, is an anti-aging, non-sticky formula designed to hydrate and smooth hands, leaving them feeling soft and nourished. The formula contains Hermès Beauty’s signature plant active, antioxidant-laden white mulberry extract, to negate the signs of aging and promote the look of revitalised and youthful hands. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid as well as natural moss and Passiflora oil to strengthen the skin’s barrier. The bold scent of Creme Mains was formulated by Hermès director of olfactory creation, Christine Nagel. This comforting scent combines the freshness of rosewater with the captivating, woody note of patchouli, aromatic sandalwood, and therapeutic arnica to provide a peaceful fragrance harmonising the spa-like feeling of well-being.
To prepare nails for the perfect manicure, the Les Mains Hermès collection contains Huile de Soin Ongles Cuticules, a nourishing 100% natural nail oil. This non-greasy nail oil contains hydrating and fortifying ingredients like mastic resin, white mulberry extract, and vitamin E to strengthen and protect nails from environmental aggressors. Nails can be shaped and smoothed with the Les Mains Hermès Limes a Ongles nail files. Delicately encased in Hermès signature orange box, each set contains twelve double-sided nail files.
The Les Mains Hermès nail enamel journey begins with its Base Enamel formula housed in a white lacquered bottle. This smoothing polish is a translucent white and protects nails while extending the longevity of the coloured enamel. Les Mains Hermès leaves us spoiled for choice with its 24 shades (an homage to Hermès’ address in Paris since 1880, 24 Faubourg Saint Honoré) spanning from linen-like blues to warm, muted reds, scarlet pinks, dark plums, and autumnal greens. The bottle themselves are constructed of thickened transparent glass with white and gold polish wands. The Laque de Finition, the top coat of the Les Mains Hermès collection, is high-gloss, transparent gel texture formula stored in an opaque black lacquered bottle. The top coat enhances the shine of each nail and gives it a curved effect of depth.
This chapter of the Hermès Beauty story takes us on a sensorial journey to elevate our hand care and beauty with its exquisitely crafted products. As beauty is a gesture, we will be leading with freshly manicured and pampered hands thanks to Les Mains Hermès.
