Bobbi Brown has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I first saw her giving life-changing makeovers on The Oprah Winfrey Show. One year into my career as a beauty editor in New York City, Bobbi’s “Makeup Manual” became my bible. So, when I had the chance to chat with her after her keynote at the inaugural Travel + Leisure World’s Best Summit in July, I was ecstatic. I wore Jones Road makeup and recorded every word Bobbi had to say.
What’s Your Favorite Thing Right Now?
I love being a grandma; it’s my favorite thing.”
The Number One Makeup Mistake People Are Making
The biggest mistake is that people aren’t wearing enough or the right makeup. Many people come in, avoiding the overly made-up look, but they don’t know what to do. One of my challenges is teaching makeup artists to create a look that feels natural. You need to lighten up under the eyes, add blush, and if the skin is oily, powder is key. With Jones Road products, it doesn’t look cakey. The trick is knowing what your skin needs. Many products on the market make you look overly made up, but with the right textures, you won’t look overdone.”
Beauty Tweaks for Women Over 40
BB: “Don’t be afraid of moisturizers. Many people avoid them, leaving their skin dry and cakey. When I’m having a bad beauty day, I apply an Oil Stick all over, and my skin instantly looks better. It gives a healthy glow. Dehydration makes you look tired, so stay hydrated and use oil. If you have combination or oily skin, focus the oil on your cheeks, and I apply it everywhere because I have dry skin.”
What Makes Jones Road Products Different?
The Face Pencils have a clear base, unlike most concealers that are opaque. This makes it look more natural and not pasty. It’s not obvious that you’re wearing makeup, which is perfect even for men covering blemishes. The opaque base makes products look unnatural, but ours doesn’t leave a white cast on your face.”
Concealer Secrets Bobbi Swears By
I choose a concealer one shade lighter than my foundation to brighten up the face. But if you want to go further, use a second shade as a neutralizer for deeper recessed areas. This brings everything up to the surface and makes you look brighter under the eyes. I’m a minimalist, but two pencils work wonders.”
Beauty Trends Bobbi Can’t Stand
I don’t understand why people put concealer on the outer corners of their eyes. It should only go where there’s darkness. That trend of using concealer to ‘lift’ the face doesn’t work. Also, I’m not a fan of contouring. It tells women something is wrong with their face and ends up looking like dirt. I prefer using bronzer and highlighter to let the face naturally sculpt.”
How Does Bobbi Feel About Competitors Copying Her Products?
I feel great because it means I’ve done something fantastic. Many brands try to replicate the Miracle Balm, but honestly, they’re not even close.”
Brands Bobbi Thinks Are Doing a Good Job
I love Vacation. They’re doing an incredible job. I met the founder online, thinking he was a 60-year-old woman, but it turns out he’s a 30-year-old guy who worked in advertising.”
Who Inspires Bobbi in Beauty?
Naomi Watts is a big inspiration. She hasn’t overdone her face, and I find that natural beauty most appealing.”
What Are Bobbi’s Thoughts on Injectables?
“I’m not a fan of injections.”
What Treatments Does Bobbi Swear By?
I do lasers, like Sofwave, which I love. I’ve done my face and neck, and I also tried something called Heroic to remove spots from my arms, and I’ll be doing it again.”
Bobbi’s Go-To Fragrance
I created a fragrance called Shower that smells like you just got out of the shower. I also love Je Reviens By Worth, which my Aunt Alice used to wear. It’s so nostalgic for me.”
What Got Bobbi Into Beauty?
My mom was always glamorous and loved beauty. I’m pretty much the opposite of her, but I’ve always loved beauty, just in a more understated way. She was overly glam, but I found a balance that worked for me.”
Spill the Tea on Jones Road New Products
I’m working on a sunscreen because I haven’t found one I love yet. We’re also launching a new Miracle Balm Palette next week—three palettes: a tint, a blush, and a highlighter, all for $32 each. They’ll be available exclusively at Jones Road stores and JonesRoadBeauty.com starting 7/23.”
Bobbi’s Best Business Advice
The best business advice I can give is to not be an asshole. Be kind, be normal, and care about everything you do. I still style every Jones Road shoot, art direct, and even buy jewelry on Amazon!”
