Bobbi Brown (1957–) is a professional makeup artist and CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics who is best known for her approach to enhancing a woman’s natural beauty rather than masking it. Her philosophy has always been that women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is one of several makeup lines created by makeup artists. Brown’s line is distinctive because of Brown herself. She frequently appears in stores and the media, representing her products and teaching women to be their own makeup artists.
After earning a college degree in theatrical makeup from Emerson College, Brown went to New York in 1980 to begin her career. In the early years, she freelanced and gradually moved up the industry ladder, working on editorial spreads for such magazines as Glamour, YM, and Vogue with such renowned fashion models as Brooke Shields and Naomi Campbell. By the late 1980s, Brown became frustrated with the makeup products currently available to her. The trend in ’80s makeup was extreme, with the heavy use of bright color on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. She was unable to create her signature natural look without extensive mixing and blending to achieve the desired muted tones. Through an unexpected encounter in 1990, Brown found a chemist at Kiehl’s pharmacy who was able to make wearable lipstick colors to her specifications. She started with a limited number of 10 shades and debuted the product as Bobbi Brown Essentials at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City in 1991. The lipsticks were an instant success. One hundred were sold the first day, which was what Brown had hoped to sell in the first month. (All 10 shades are still carried in the line.)
By 1993, Bobbi Brown cosmetics were being carried by Neiman Marcus, then by other high-end department stores such as Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. After appearances on Oprah and the Today show, the line went international, debuting in London in 1994. In 1995, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics was sold to Estée Lauder Companies, but Brown retains control of the line. By 2008, the brand was available in over 450 locations throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Brown continues to expand her television audience. In 1997, she was given a monthly slot on the Today show as its beauty editor. She frequently appears on the E! and Style networks, and in 2007 she debuted on the QVC shopping channel. According to QVC, Brown set a 20-year record for a one-hour beauty launch. The Bobbi Brown philosophy of natural beauty makeup is complemented by her dedication to instructing women on how to be their own makeup experts. Her principles of beauty include advice on healthy living, skin care, and makeup application. She has written five books on the art of makeup.
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