In a career spanning over two decades, global make-up mogul Bobbi Brown has moved on from developing lipstick shades at a chemist’s to setting up her own makeup brand — Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and then to finally giving it up to venture into new avenues.
For someone who became famous for introducing moderate and natural makeup style as opposed to the dominant use of the bright colours in the hip 80’s, Brown’s journey has surely been a wild one. “I wanted to teach women just how simple makeup could be. And I wanted women to realise that makeup is meant to enhance rather than to cover up, and that true beauty lies in your health and vitality. I’ve always believed that what you put inside your body is as important as what you put on your face,” shares Brown who was on her maiden India trip for the India Make Up Show, curated by Mumbai-based Brothers Incorporated.
Having shown her magic on actress Tamannaah Bhatia in Mumbai, Brown is all set to take the Delhi makeup scene by a storm on April 20. “She is naturally beautiful and confident,” she says about Tamannaah, adding, “I’d love to work with Priyanka Chopra. She is one of the most beautiful women on the planet and seems very down to earth and cool.”
The entrepreneur, who has worked with many Hollywood celebrities, is quick to share that her most memorable moment involves working with supermodel Naomi Campbell and French photographer Patrick Demarchelier for the Vogue cover in 1989. “It happened to be my first Vogue cover too! I did a lot of beauty spreads with Vogue over the years that I am really proud of. There were also moments like doing makeup for L’Wren Scott’s show at London Fashion Week to celebrating my 20-year anniversary at Bobbi Brown with a film by Bruce Weber. I’ll always cherish these moments,” she shares.
In love with the rich culture and history of India, the American professional makeup artist appreciates the range of makeup styles used by Indian women. “Some like a more natural look, while others like to experiment with textures and colours and transform themselves into works of art,” she reveals. Although, that one Indian style which the makeup artist wants to take back with her, interestingly has nothing to do with makeup, but with clothing. “I would definitely like to learn to wear a saree with a lot of traditional Jaipur jewellery,” she reveals.
The professional, who actively advocates for natural and healthy looking skin, believes that makeup should enhance one’s features and not hide them. “I love when you can see freckles and lines. When you look like you, you look your best,” she advices.
According to her, makeup should make one feel good about oneself, even if that’s by sporting statement lips or glossy eyelids. The expert advices to just go for it. “I’ve loved seeing people put their own take on the trends, sometimes it’s subtle and sometimes it’s bold. We should be celebrating individuality and allow people to be who they are,” she smiles.
When asked if the numerous makeup brands flocking the market is somewhat dismantling the idea of staying natural, pat comes the reply: “You can wear makeup and still look natural. I love seeing new entrepreneurs in this space, and I think they are doing an amazing job of creating new products and encouraging positive conversations around beauty. It reminds me a lot of when I started my brand.”
However, there is one makeup trend that the expert has never really understood. “I’ve never been a fan of contouring, it’s just not my aesthetic. It tells women that there’s something wrong with their faces. There’s beauty in a full face, so I don’t like to paint in a cheekbone that doesn’t exist,” she rues.
