The Bourjois history is a story of beauty knowledge passed through generations of women.

 

The color, joy, accessibility and its unique expertise remain at the heart of a brand that has known and loved women for more than 150 Years !

 

In 1863, Bourjois was born on the Great Boulevards (Grands Boulevards) of Paris in the theatre district, at a time when France was the world's second leading economic power.

 

Joseph-Albert Ponsin who was an actor, left the acting profession to devote himself exclusively to his new activity, the creation of stage makeup and to his latest passion, perfume. Working out of his apartment (situated in the heart of the theatre district close to the Place de la République) and thanks to the help of Alexandre Dumas (the celebrated author of La Dame aux Camélias), Ponsin was able to finance and set up his business.

 

In 1864, only one year after starting his new business, Joseph-Albert Ponsin became Official Supplier to the Imperial Theatres (Fournisseur Exclusif des Théatres Impériaux). 

 

In 1867, Joseph-Albert Ponsin hired a manager: Alexandre-Napoléon Bourjois and in September 1868, Ponsin sold the business to Bourjois, who made it internationally known. The brand name became Bourjois, and it would appear on every product forever.

 

In 1879, Bourjois moved from the theatre world into the world of cities. It was an era, which conjured up memories of the French Cancan, the Folies Bergères, as well as famous landmarks and monuments… all Parisian, of course!

 

Starting in 1879, Bourjois developed the specific baking process: the first dried blushes, the Little Round Pot (la Petite Boite Ronde) was born and became iconic.

 

Never underestimate success! To meet demands and client satisfaction, Bourjois decided to move from small scale manufacturing to industrial production. In 1891, the Bourjois steam factory was created just outside of Paris, in Pantin.

 

In 1917, Pierre Wertheimer and his brother Paul took over the directorship of the company. The Wertheimer family, holders of the Chanel group, would own Bourjours for nearly 100 years.

 

In 1928, the american subsidiary of Bourjois asked for the launch of a new perfume, a deluxe perfume, accessible to all so Bourjois created Evening in Paris (Soir de Paris). The amber, floral and spicy scent of Evening in Paris, which was designed by Ernest Beaux, one of France’s most renowned perfumes creators, came in a thick, midnight blue glass bottle that was representing night life and partying. Apart from being a perfume, Evening in Paris was an idea, a universe unto itself. The incredible aura of Paris, City of Lights and Capital of the World was captured in every bottle. On every piece of packaging, was a band of thirteen sketches portraying Paris (Eiffel Tower, cafes, artists, elegant parties and balls).The general scope and consistency of the concept permitted Bourjois to showcase Evening in Paris throughout the world and increase promotical material. In the 30’s, Evening in Paris was such a success that its very own product line was created: lipsticks, blushes, mascaras, beauty creams, powders & hair lotions, giving the French woman a sublime refinement which became the model for women worldwide.

 

In April 2015, Bourjois from the brothers Wertheimer by COTY Inc., which is one of top beauty groups in the world.

 

Today, Paris is the pride of the Parisian woman who increasingly surrounds its environs.

 

Active and nonchalant, intellectual and vibrant, carefree and whimsical, with many qualities, she can be contradictory, cheeky or unpredictable, but above all she is independent …

 

You will find her at the forefront of fashion and trends.

 

From London to Beijing and Tokyo to Madrid, Bourjois addresses itself to the would-be Parisian women of the world, always with humor. To keep them smiling, the messages are funny, with poetic and quirky names.

 

It is a joy to be a woman who plays the Bourjois makeup game!