Sofia Coppola Talks About Her Beauty Journey and New Collab with Augustinus Bader

Sofia Coppla has found the perfect product for those who are lazy but at the same time, want to look effortlessly chic. Finding a lip product that is both sufficiently moisturizing and satisfactorily pigmented feels like an impossible journey. Sometimes all you want are smooth, buttery lips with a bit of color, but not too much; something that's easy to apply on the go: something inherently French.

Coppola collaborated with Augustinus Bader on three shades of The Tinted Balm, which plumps, renews, and softens the lips. Coppla worked with the innovative skincare brand to create three sheer but buildable shades, perfect for those looking for an easy way to liven up their lips. Coppola's shades run the gammut: Shade 1 is a bright but deep pink (think Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette). Shade 2 is a red coral suitable for summer, and Shade 3 is an earthy plum ideal for fall and winter (or for those perpetually feeling particularly grungey). All shades are powered by rofessor Bader's TFC8®, or the Trigger Factor Complex TFC™, a proprietary blend of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and peptides and inspired by over 30 years of research, innovation and clinical study.

The shades launched on May 2. On Thursday, May 16, Augustinus Bader and Coppola hosted a cocktail party on the beauty floor at Bergdorf Goodman. Champagne, Arnold Plamers, and Tinted Balms were flowing, and Coppola wore an all-black Chanel look fit for a cloudy evening in New York. Ahead of the The Tinted Balm launch, Coppola spoke to L'OFFICIEL about her collaboration, inspiration for the shades (even Oscar-nominated directors are in mourning of discontinued products), and what she's learned about makeup over the years. 

L’OFFICIEL: How did this collaboration with Augustinus Bader come about?

SOFIA COPPOLA: I had a favorite sheer lipstick that was discontinued. I hoarded it, but it ran out. I am a fan of Augustinus Bader, I love the rich cream and the lip balm. I wrote a note to Professor Bader asking if AB would agree to make my favorite tint with their balm. I was happy when he said yes!

L’O: This product is perfect for me: I don’t love a super matte, saturated lip, but I want some color that’s easy to apply on the go. Can you talk about the process of creating these products? What kind of woman were you thinking about?

SC: I’m always searching for the perfect one that you can put on like a chapstick and gives a hint of color, that’s easy and gives a little lift and doesn’t look makeup-y.

L’O: Where did you get inspiration from for these three shades? 

SC: The dark pink is from a favorite discontinued lipstick I used to get at a drugstore in Paris, and red coral based on a color I like when at the beach or in summer…and the darker plum for a deep color that looks like deeper tint of your lips.

L’O: How long have you been into makeup?

SC: I’ve always loved makeup. I love the packaging and the colors, I like to spend time in the makeup trailers on film sets [editors note: Coppola grew up on film sets], it's fun and creative and a good stress release.

L’O: Do you enjoy getting glammed up for premieres or red carpet, or do you prefer an easier, more natural look?

SC: I love a Capucine eye, and I love how [makeup artist] Dick Page does makeup in such a simple way so I try to remember what he’s shown me that’s easy 

L’O: How do you unwind after a long day on set?

SC: I love getting facials, face massages, and having that time in the evening to do your skincare is a nice way to transition from the work day to the evening at home. I love the Bader Rich Cream which feels like a treat.

L’O: What’s the best beauty advice you ever got? Who gave it to you?

SC: Oh I love seeing how different makeup artists work, I learned from Dick [Page]: less is more, don’t try to cover too much or it can give you a flat face, and how a little red lipstick on your cheeks and the bridge of your nose can brighten up your face.