BRAND LOVE

BONJOUT BEAUTY

FOUNDER & CEO~NATACHA BONJOUT

HOW IT STARTED~
I grew up on the French Riviera. My childhood was filled with Mediterranean sunshine and the simple beauty rituals of my mother and grandmother. From a very young age, I had always dreamt of creating my own cosmetics. When I was 12, I met a renowned skincare scientist who told me a secret: If you want to be a skin expert, study pharmacy. In France, it’s pharmacists - not dermatologists or estheticians - who hold the key to our famous French glow. French pharmacists are trained in both health and cosmetic science. People in France seek personalized recommendations on skincare regimens and products from pharmacies.
I earned a Pharmacist Degree (Pharm.D.) in the physiology of radiant skin. I was working for Chanel Parfum-Beauté when the glow claims emerged. I was part of the Chanel research team responsible for evaluating skin complexion and assessing the validity of product claims on radiance. Radiance is how I define beauty - it emanates happiness, health and self-love. I spent my career examining hundreds of cosmetic formulations and screening thousands of active ingredients until I found a way to illuminate any complexion. Today, that process is called the Bonjout Radiance SystemTM - and Le Balm is the first ever product to use it.

LETS TALK LE BALM~tell us everything
In my journey to create something truly unique, I found inspiration in a very simple product that filled my childhood memories-the Labello stick. Everyone in my family (even my grandparents) used this product, a staple found in every handbag, pocket, bathroom, and nightstand. Labello first originated in 1909 and hence its iconic Labello lip balm stick was created. Its legacy still stands today with it being an assessable staple for anyone. The little blue stick with Labello written on the side proves to be a novelty skincare item decades later in any European's life. That iconic lip balm sparked my vision for a universal skincare solution for all generations. For five years, I dedicated myself to formulating a unique blend that transcends skin types, a genderless product that replaces multiple items in your routine. My goal was to craft something highly efficient, solid, and waterless. Traditional serums often contain up to 70% water, which can dilute their efficacy on the skin. I wanted to challenge this narrative by making products with 100% active serum- something that had never been seen in the skincare and beauty world before. I wanted a product that could be used anywhere (under eyes and lips included), on any kind of skin (even the most sensitive or acne prone-skin) and carried everywhere. The result is a highly concentrated formula packed with 68 active ingredients that took me 125 iterations to develop, working with 15 different labs... ensuring that your skin receives the essential nutrients it craves. This journey was driven by the desire to create a skincare staple-one that simplifies routines, suits every individual, and stands as a testament to the universal essence of beauty and so Le Balm was born. It doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or heavy - just soft, nourished, youthful, luminous, and of course radiant.

MAGIC IN THAT LITTLE POT ~ your ingredient list is impressivetell us about the process, sourcing, those 68 ingredients and the behind the scenes science ~
As a pharmaceutical doctor, l've created Le Balm as I would when conceiving (formulating) a medicine or a drug. For me, it begins with efficacy and choosing only active ingredients that function on the skin in the most efficient way. Le Balm is a biocompatible waterless formula that contains 68 carefully selected actives.
Le Balm includes Regenerative ingredients like Prickly pear and Blue Bird Hibiscus native cells plus skin essentials like Ceramide-3, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Omega 3/6/9, Squalane + 21 Amino Acids and Proteins.
The formula also contains Anti-Oxidants with the added bonus of minerals like Calcium and Magnesium. We use advanced biotechnology to create plant cells without harming the plant. This unique process allows us to scale up and maximize potency. In every unit of Le Balm, you'll find an impressive 1.5 million plant stem cells, a significant increase compared to the standard 10,000 in typical skincare products. Our patented method from the lab in France ensures efficient scaling while keeping the cells highly active.

DRUGSTORE BEAUTY~ shopping list for our next visit to France
La Rosée (my new favorite brand especially for the baby/kids category & suncare products)
Emulsion all purpose balm by Biafine
Embryolisse active water
Bioderma
Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF50
Ultra-Moisturizing Body Milk by Topicrem
Exomega Shower Oil by Aderma for very dry skin and eczema
ArkoRoyal Organic Royal Jelly| by ArkoPharma
Daily Dry Shampoo by Klorane

SHOUT OUT~ French beauty/fashion /brands/founders you admire
BEAUTY ~
Mathilde Lacombe – founder of Aime Skincare. I got the chance to meet her in France, she’s a mother of three and very hard worker. Her Instagram is always filled with inspiration. I've always loved her beauty supplements focused on specific skin concerns and skin radiance. @mathildelacombe
Violette Serrat- founder of violetteFR & Creative Director of Guerlain. She’s a French New Yorker like me, I’ve always loved her aesthetic as a makeup artist and her sharp New York state of mind with a French sensibility @violette_fr
Hair brushes~ La Bonne Brosse
Nail Polish & Nail Balm by Kure Bazaar. I love their range of subtle colors and clean ingredients.
FASHION~
Morgane Sezalory of Sezane, Mansur Gavirel-fashion and handbags, Milli-Beautiful French knitwear and JACQUEMUS – his shows are always unforgettable, especially the one he hosted in the South of France in the middle of the lavender fields. He’s so special, modern and knows what women want.
FOUNDERS ~
Founder of Rouge ~French Influencer Jeanne Damas @jeannedamas
Melanie Masarin– French girl living in LA, owner of Ghia. I've enjoyed following her throughout the years, she has such a unique sense of style. I like to see where she travels too. We are both fond of the South of France and Italy. I love her brand – Ghia - nonalcoholic beverage, so perfect for summer nights! @melaniemasarin
Constance Jablonski – Supermodel & founder of French Bloom: (an alcohol free French Bubbly) she embodies French beauty and joie de vivre! @constancejablonski

FRENCH LIFESTYLE~everyone is always obsessed with the french girl aesthetic - what is it? Why are we all obsessed? Why does it look so effortless? Tell us all of the secrets!!
I think that the French girl aesthetic is about looking the best version of oneself, French women want to remain natural looking no matter what, even though they are dedicated to their skincare and make up routine at home, the goal is for the outside world to see her person as a whole and not necessarily focus on the make up or clothes. I also think that French women are about effortless details: they carry designer bags (without any logo) and legacy jewels inherited by their mothers and grandmothers. French women will often curate a scent making them feel unique and individual while also encompassing beauty and style as a state of mind.

THE SCIENCE of beauty~ we can easily get overwhelmed with all of the products out there- Vitamin C, Retinol, Hyaluronic etc. can you break it down for us on what we actually need and how to layer with your balm and other products?
My routine is simple but efficient.
AM:
1. Mist of thermal water
2. Vitamin C
3. Le Balm (it’s all my skin needs)
4. SPF
I usually don’t wear much make up and prefer a foundation with SPF. My favorites are Weekend skin SPF 50 from Iris & Romeo or Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40 (if I use this formula then I skip #2 C)
PM:
1. Double Cleansing (micellar water + Gentle cleanser)
2. Retinol (twice a week - max 3 times a week as my skin is very sensitive)
3. Le Balm (perfect to reduce inflammation/irritation and dryness caused by Retinol)
I use it on my full face (thick layer as I use it as an overnight mask + lips, under eyes and neck.

BEAUTY RITUALS~
As soon as I wake up, I spray a mist of thermal water (I always skip the cleansing step) I pat my skin dry and then I make a very hot large bowl of tea and use the steam to open up my pores as I'm checking my daily messages. Notably, I always do my skincare routine after my breakfast. In the evenings I always take a shower before bed and I change my sheets often, especially my pillowcase. Additionally, I try to never touch my skin without having perfectly cleansed hands.
For travel and jet lag (especially when I come back from France), I always use Royal Jelly supplements. It’s sold in all French pharmacies, and it contains the highest natural nutrients for your body and skin. I also love it because it reinforces your immune system as well.
Le Balm is always my last “gesture” before sleeping. I have one on my nightstand and I apply it religiously on my face and lips. I always carry one in my purse as well. My skin tends to be dry with the cold weather in NY, so having Le Balm with me at all times is efficient for a quick touch up.
Finally, a valuable skincare lesson passed down from my grandmother and mother is to apply rose water on cotton and apply them on my eyes to depuff. They also instilled in me to always clean my face!! (no excuses)

MUSE~ Is there someone who inspires you in life or embodies that perfect French aesthetic?
My great aunt, Michèle Huart, was a Make-up Artist who shared her passion for beauty and skincare. Her free spirit, head-on and go-getter approach to life has always inspired me.
I love the French legendary actress, Sophie Marceau, for her natural elegance, icon status, and spontaneity. I also recently discovered Camille Cottin, who played agent Andrea Martel in ‘Call My Agent” on Netflix.

LOCAL GUIDE ~ French Riviera
I'm local to Bormes-les-Mimosas, a beautiful village dating back to the 12 Century in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region, southeastern France~
Hotel ~ Eden Rose Hotel located in the village
Favorite restaurants: La Rastegue and La Tonnelle (for aioli – a typical French recipe with fish)
For the most beautiful beaches: L’Estagnol and the ones in Porquerolles….
Lunch ~ a local favorite Chez Jo at Layet Beach
Outdoor market in St Tropez ~Tuesday and Saturday on Place des lices
My favorite place for wellness: Un Bain de Mer, a sea bath in the Mediterranean sea. The color and transparency of the water is just incredible. In the Summer months, I love to swim and try to go twice daily.
I love Mougins, which is a little town close to Cannes and I love to visit Grasse for the perfum museums and the Fragonard store.

WORDS OF WISDOM~
Some adjectives that describe my mantra towards success would be resilience, belief, and determination. Some of my favorite quotes for business:
”It's never too late to be what you might have been”- George Eliot
"You are successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile goal." - Charles Carlson
"We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history."- Sonia Johnson

CURRENTLY DAYDREAMING ~
My dream for Le Balm is to witness strangers in public using it, creating moments where the product becomes an essential part of their lives. At a party, I encountered actress Sarita Choudhury, who, without any brand affiliation, revealed that Le Balm was a must- have in her bag. This heartfelt endorsement reinforced the significance of the years I dedicated to crafting a product that resonates with people. Similarly, I went to a wedding recently and the mother of the bride had a very small bag with two products- an Hermès lipstick and Le Balm. This anecdote perfectly encapsulates what I want for Le Balm- a product that people love so much that it becomes an essential staple.
Secondly, I imagine Bonjout Beauty as a family-owned business. I dream that one day my daughter, my niece, my sister, sister-in-law, and my husband will all be part of the business. My family has been my unwavering support system through life's highs and lows, playing a pivotal role in launching my product through initial fundraising efforts. The dream of a family-owned business is my ongoing aspiration.
The driving force behind Bonjout Beauty is my commitment to creating groundbreaking products that challenge the status quo. Each product undergoes meticulous research, with Le Balm taking five years and 125 iterations to perfect. The upcoming second product, developed over seven years, reflects my dedication to defying traditional cosmetic norms. I am determined to bring unique, one-of-a-kind products to the cosmetic world, refusing to adhere to conventional timelines. For me, the creation of a hero product is a process that cannot be rushed. I am captivated by the opportunity to transform skincare elements, exploring new textures and pushing boundaries. The constant daydream involves the growth of Bonjout Beauty, leading the charge in transforming the cosmetic landscape with the collaborative efforts of my cherished family.

“Favorite French quotes:”La persévérance, c’est ce qui rend l’impossible possible, le possible probable, et le probable certain”~ French Proverb
Translation: “Perseverance is what makes the impossible possible, the possible probable, and the probable certain.”

”Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.” - French Proverb Translation: “Little by little, the bird builds its nest.”
”

SHOP HERE~
BONJOUT BEAUTY
FOLLOW ALONG~
@bonjoutbeauty