Louis Vuitton has officially launched its new beauty collection, and the internet is in a full-blown meltdown! Their new lip balm costs more than many people’s monthly council tax, leaving fans utterly stunned. Is this a bold new era for luxury makeup, or has LV gone completely tone-deaf with its pricing?

Louis Vuitton, a name synonymous with unparalleled luxury and high fashion, has recently made its much-anticipated foray into the competitive beauty industry with the launch of “La Beauté.” This debut makeup collection, however, has swiftly ignited a fervent debate across digital platforms, primarily due to the astonishing price points of its core offerings, notably the lip balms and lipsticks, which have left consumers worldwide in a state of bewilderment.

The “La Beauté” collection is an extensive range, comprising 55 distinct lipsticks—a clever nod to the brand’s iconic LV Roman numerals—alongside 10 luxurious lip balms and eight versatile quad eyeshadow palettes. Each product is housed in exquisite, collectible, and refillable Louis Vuitton packaging, clearly designed to appeal to the brand’s discerning clientele and to seamlessly integrate into the highly aestheticized world of modern beauty content creators and social media influencers.

A significant highlight of this launch is the esteemed collaboration with the legendary makeup artist, Dame Pat McGrath. As the owner of the globally acclaimed Pat McGrath Labs and a beloved MUA to celebrities, McGrath played a pivotal role in crafting each unique shade, ensuring suitability for all skin tones and offering a sophisticated blend of matte and satin finishes. She expressed immense enthusiasm, stating that this venture aims to “unlock a new level in luxury beauty,” reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative spirit behind the collection.

The concept of high-end fashion houses expanding into the cosmetics sector is not unprecedented; revered brands such as Dior, Chanel, YSL, and Gucci have long established their presence in the makeup world. However, these brands often strategically price their beauty products to be somewhat more accessible than their primary clothing and accessory lines, with a Chanel lipstick, for instance, typically retailing around £37, offering a point of entry for a broader luxury audience.

In stark contrast, Louis Vuitton has steadfastly maintained its ultra-luxury pricing philosophy within “La Beauté,” with individual lipsticks and lip balms commanding an eye-watering £120 each. This premium pricing has provoked a significant backlash, with many consumers expressing confusion and strong reluctance to “normalise” what they perceive as an exorbitant cost for makeup. Critics have labeled the move as “tone deaf,” questioning the brand’s understanding of contemporary consumer value.

The public discourse further highlights a growing skepticism about the justification of such high prices for products like lipstick, which inherently possess a shorter shelf life. Social media comments underscore the sentiment that true artistry in makeup lies more in the skill of application than in the price tag of the product itself. Consumers are increasingly vocal about demonstrating their financial discernment, pushing back against what they see as inflated luxury pricing in the beauty sector.

For those seeking sophisticated alternatives that offer comparable quality without the premium price, the market provides numerous excellent choices. Products like the Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick, available at Boots for approximately £21, deliver full coverage, a smooth texture, and a rich array of shades, performing similarly to its high-end counterparts and offering excellent value for money.

Ultimately, Louis Vuitton’s entry into the luxury beauty market with “La Beauté” has undoubtedly generated immense buzz, but it has also unveiled a clear division in consumer perception regarding value versus brand prestige. The collection’s extravagant pricing strategy challenges the established norms of the luxury beauty segment, leaving many to wonder if the brand’s bold move will redefine the industry or simply alienate a significant portion of potential buyers.