From her start as a makeup artist in New York City, Bobbi Brown knew that her passion lay in creating products that looked, felt and even smelled natural.
She started with 10 understated lipstick shades – a radical idea that stood out in the gonzo aesthetics of the 1980s and early ’90s.
A revolutionary concept at the time, this shift to simplicity and clean ingredients ultimately turned Brown into one of the biggest makeup moguls on the planet.
Flash forward to now, and Brown, 69, has written ten books on beauty and wellness, is certified as a health coach, and most recently launched her own ‘clean’ beauty brand Jones Road.
Filled with only clean ingredients and geared to people of all ages, Jones Road has quietly captured the imagination of women who want to look good and feel authentic. It’s more about using makeup to accentuate your best self, not hide or change your looks.
Ultimately, Brown has mastered the art of using makeup to create the perfect, natural look.
‘There are two completely different schools: the no-makeup makeup school, which I’ve always been a fan of and helped create, and the stronger, contour-focused makeup school,’ Brown told the Daily Mail.
‘You choose a door. Most people who follow me want to know the no-makeup makeup approach. How to look like yourself, but better.’
Acclaimed makeup mogul Bobbi Brown (seen earlier this month) has mastered the art of using makeup to create the perfect, natural look
She started with 10 understated lipstick shades – a radical idea that stood out in the gonzo aesthetics of the 1980s and early 90s. A revolutionary concept at the time, this shift to simplicity and clean ingredients ultimately turned Brown into one of the biggest makeup moguls on the planet
According to Brown, no makeup doesn’t mean literally using less products. It just means choosing the right colors and textures, and staying true to your own natural look.
‘For example, the foundation is the exact tone, and the formula provides coverage without looking like you’re wearing anything, just even, healthy skin,’ Brown explained.
‘However, many people prefer contouring to create the illusion of a more sculpted face or a thinner nose, but often it can end up looking like dirt on the face. Plus, it sends the message to women that they’re not okay as they are.’
Though social media has created a constant canvas for people to experiment with more dramatic looks, Brown tends to overlook the feeds and videos that aren’t pleasing to her sensibilities.
‘I love when I see a woman with a full face of freckles, not covered up, and a lip or liner to counterbalance the freshness of the face,’ she said.
‘I also love glowing skin with expertly applied concealer and blush, minimal eye makeup, and very dark mascara. Basically, I like pretty.’
Looking back, Brown concedes that there have been many moments that changed the trajectory of her career, though one decision stands out.
‘Saying no to a fashion shoot in Bali gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. Instead, I did a shoot in NYC and met a chemist who said he could make a lipstick I had been whining about – and he did, and I loved it,’ she recalled. ‘I remember thinking, “Wow, I could actually sell these.”‘
According to Brown, no makeup doesn’t mean literally using less products. It just means choosing the right colors and textures, and staying true to your own natural look. She’s seen in 2017
This, in turn, led to the collaboration of her 10 original lipstick shades and the subsequent creation of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
Though corporate life gave her the capital to create a personal empire based on her passions, she never forgot how much she enjoyed having the freedom to do things exactly how she saw fit.
Building Jones Road feels much like her early days, she said, but with the hindsight she was missing at that time.
‘Strategically, it’s been very similar to when I first started, doing things simply, scrappily and my way, which is exactly how I started Bobbi Brown Cosmetics,’ she continued.
‘Emotionally, it’s so much easier now, and so much more fun, because of all the knowledge I’ve gained. I know what to do, and more importantly, I know what not to do.’
As for her advice for women over 40 who are looking to make a life change or pivot their career?
‘Just know that anything is possible, and nothing is easy. You have to keep moving forward, even when you see obstacles. You’ve got to figure out how to go around them,’ she said.
Her biggest pet peeve? The idea that any one cream could fix crepey skin or magically get rid of wrinkles. Brown is seen in 2022
Brown has embraced aging, in fact, she prefers looking forward to back.
‘I tend to focus more on what I can do better and how I can look better. I don’t think about trying to go back to how things were, because I can’t,’ she added.
And her biggest pet peeve? The idea that any one cream could fix crepey skin or magically get rid of wrinkles.
‘What does anti-aging really mean, anyway? I believe that when people focus on looking better because they feel better, it’s a win-win,’ she told the Daily Mail.
When it comes to her own relationship with beauty, Brown is considerably less picky than she used to be.
‘The best thing about life experience is realizing that a lot of the things that used to drive me crazy don’t bother me anymore,’ she explained.
‘The kids who work for me know I care deeply about great lighting. It makes me look better, and I know the power of it.
‘But there are days when, for whatever reason, it’s just not a good beauty day, or my pants feel too tight.
‘Where I used to obsess, I now realize I can feel so much better by exercising or simply changing into a looser pair of pants. I make small physical adjustments and know I’ll look and feel better soon.
‘My personal beauty and makeup routine is pretty laid-back, probably too laid-back. There are times when I feel a little messy and not as put-together, but I’m realizing that as I get older, it’s just my style.’
