StyleNest talks to beauty legend Bobbi Brown.

Bobbi Brown is one of the world’s most iconic makeup artists, beauty brands and business women. After a decade of success as one of New York’s finest makeup artists (Bobbi worked with huge names from American Vogue, Bruce Webber and Naomi Campbell), she founded the Bobbi Brown business in 1991 launching a small line of lipsticks. Over 20 years later and the Bobbi Brown line now lists dozens of cult products used by other makeup artist, beauty editors and women the world over.

Bobbi took five minutes out of her hectic schedule to talk to StyleNest about running a global empire, what she does on her days off and how to achieve perfect makeup in just five minutes. 

Bobbi Brown has become one of the leading global makeup brands; did you ever see yourself being anywhere near where you are today?

I never expected to have the kind of success that I’ve had. But I’ve worked hard and I’ve also been lucky to have wonderful people who have lent their support and guidance every step of the way.

Were you always interested in makeup, even as a little girl?

I’ve always loved makeup. I love to touch it, look at it, apply it and especially make it. My passion for makeup led me to Emerson College in Boston where I pursued a degree in theatrical makeup. After graduating I moved to NewYork City to pursue my dream of becoming a freelance makeup artist.

You still work as a makeup artist and have worked with so many iconic people and brands. Any favourite memories?

I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work with a lot of celebrities over the years. I especially loved working with Brooke Shields and Susan Sarandon. They’re both such iconic women who are still totally down-to-earth.

Your collections always focus on natural colours and we love the ‘no makeup look’ you create, however we’re loving this season’s bolder shades. What inspires you to create your products?

My inspiration comes from a variety of places – from travelling to colorful fabrics to everyday women I see on the street, and also out of sheer need. These inspirations find their way into new color collections and new product ideas. For example, a recent trip to Morocco inspired the colors and textures in last fall’s color collection. One year at Fashion Week a designer asked me to give all the models a lit-from-within glow. I took a shimmery eye shadow and dusted it on the models’ cheeks and that’s how the concept for Shimmer Brick was born.

As an inspirational businesswoman and mum, do you have any advice for our readers who want to go it alone and start up their own business?

I’m often asked what advice I would give to someone looking to start their own business. You need a unique idea, you need to be passionate, and you have to be willing to work hard. And most importantly, you need to trust your gut.

What are the three makeup products you couldn’t live without?

I never leave the house without concealer, mascara and blush. Concealer is my ‘desert island’ cosmetic—I wouldn’t dream of living without it. When applied correctly, it instantly makes you appear awake and refreshed, no matter what’s going on in the outside world. Blackest black mascara makes eyes pop. Last but not least, blush is the epitome of instant pretty (for the most natural look, go for a shade that looks like your cheeks after you’ve just exercised).

Any top tips for our readers on how to look fabulous in just five minutes?

Women often tell me that makeup takes too much time to apply. But if you’ve got 5 minutes to spare, you’ve got more than enough time to do your makeup.

Minute 1: Gently massage daily moisturiser into the skin to ensure a smooth makeup application. Then, apply concealer under eyes.  Use a yellow-tone concealer that’s one or two shades lighter than your foundation to lighten any under-eye darkness.

Minute 2: Spot-apply foundation just on the parts of your face (typically around the nose and mouth) where you notice redness.

Minute 3: Liven up your face with blush.  Apply a natural shade of blush on the apples of the cheek and layer with a pop of brighter blush on top.

Minute 4: Play up lips with a lipstick or gloss in a shade that mimics the natural color of your lips for an instantly polished and pulled together look.

Minute 5: Make eyes stand out with two or three coats of black mascara.

Do you have a signature lipstick you always wear?

I like a pinky-brown shade that’s close to natural colouring of my lips for a “no makeup” look—like Brownie Pink Lip Color and Heather Pink Rich Lip Color.

What beauty trends are going to be big and how can our readers incorporate them into their everyday makeup routine?

Add a neon accent to an otherwise nude look. I love the juxtaposition of subtle with not-so-subtle color. The trick is to highlight just one feature at a time. For example, the perfect counterparts to bright lipsticks are shadows that are close in color to your natural skin tone. If you want to put the focus on your eyes instead stick to nude and beige colours on your lips.

You still do the makeup at various shows at NYFW – what three designers inspire you the most?

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to meet and work with so many talented fashion designers. I’ve loved collaborating with Rachel Roy, Tibi and Michael Kors.

Are there any British designers you really love?

I love timeless, classic brands like Burberry. Their classic trench is perfect for any occasion. Smythson makes the most luxurious leather goods. I own a hot pink diary which I carry with me everywhere.

What do you consider to be real beauty?

Beauty is something that comes from within. It’s about having self-confidence and playing up the qualities that make you unique.

You have three boys of your own, what do you like doing with them when you’re not working?

My family has always been my priority. When I’m not working I love to spend time with my family on vacation or holiday and I always make time for important life events. I’m happiest when I’m with my family.

How do you balance your hectic work schedule with family time?

I’ve learned that passion and confidence are the key to success, but also that it’s important to find a healthy and happy balance between your family and career. The key is to prioritise. If you know what’s important to you, you will always make the right decisions.

What do you love to do to relax?

On my days off I like to spend time with my family and friends. On the rare occasions when there’s no one else at home, I get in bed with a stack of magazines and the television remote.

You father recently wrote a children’s book, did he tell you his stories as you were growing up?

My father is a great storyteller. When I was growing up he spent many nights telling us the stories of Marceau, a New York City taxi driver who talked to animals. Who knew that he would one day publish it into a book, The Flights of Marceau.

You’ll be a great mentor if one day your children decide to start up their own businesses. Any advice you’ll be passing down?

Don’t take no for an answer. If one door closes, look for a back door or a side door. If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything.

For more information on Bobbi Brown or to shop online visit www.bobbibrown.co.uk