Bobbi Brown Talks 25 Years In The Biz
Elle India|September 2016

She hates contouring and loves diversity, and we adore her for it. Bobbi Brown talks 25 years in the biz with Mamta Mody.

Mamta Mody
Bobbi Brown Talks 25 Years In The Biz

Given her background in theatrical make-up, it’s surprising what launched a young Bobbi Brown into the big league: the idea that beauty should be fresh and natural. In the late ’80s, when the trending look was overthe-top and excessive, Brown did fashion editorials that stood out for their bare faces and unusual subtlety. She learned to disregard trends early on and followed her instincts, especially when she decided to go from artist to entrepreneur. She launched a line of 10 eminently wearable lipsticks in 1991. It caught the popular imagination, defined the look of the ’90s (brown lips, nude skin, matte everything) and set her little business idea on fire. Twenty-five years later, it’s a global empire. Through it all, Brown has kept her reputation for being grounded (you’ll mostly see her in sneakers) and very hands-on with everything from developing new products at her New Jersey studio, to designing looks at New York Fashion Week.

Her mission to create makeup that’s quietly flattering hasn’t changed. She’s fond of saying that every woman is pretty and with the right tools and make-up, she can be confident too. That means instead of handing out contouring tips (she hates them) or making skinlightening creams, the 59-year-old champions inclusivity at her makeup counters. Her products have always had shades beyond the usual ‘peach’ and ‘beige’, to suit women of diverse ethnicities. All her major campaigns have featured models of colour, with the most recent being Bhumika Arora, who stars alongside 39 other women from various backgrounds.

As the brand celebrates its 25th anniversary and other milestones along the way (like Kate Middleton wearing Bobbi Brown on her wedding day), Brown remains as keen today as she was all those years ago to prove that make-up can be a powerful tool of empowerment.

This story is from the September 2016 edition of Elle India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2016 edition of Elle India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ELLE INDIAView All
Top Shelf
Elle India

Top Shelf

For the 12th edition of ELLE International Beauty Awards, over 40 beauty editors from all over the world tested thousands of products and cast their votes to decide on 19 big winners across six beauty categories

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2023
Digital Revolution
Elle India

Digital Revolution

Beauty tech is on the rise, and in an industry that depends massively on touch and feel, its impact is staggering,

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2023
BARCODE Entering His New Era
Elle India

BARCODE Entering His New Era

The Thai Gen Z star chats with Ekta Sinha on his new music and acting plans

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2023
Tapas-try of Tastes
Elle India

Tapas-try of Tastes

Hailed as India's first Tapas restaurant, Escobar's influence in the F&B space is unmatched. Its founder, Vardhaman Choksi discusses his journey with Mithilesh Chougule

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2023
Tropical Sojourn
Elle India

Tropical Sojourn

With panoramic ocean views and forests that kiss the sea, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Sri Lanka are gems waiting to be explored

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2023
Gen E Star
Elle India

Gen E Star

Could this be one of the most luxurious electric vehicles on the market right now? A first exclusive look at the new Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV with Riaan Jacob George

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2023
Flight To Nirvana
Elle India

Flight To Nirvana

Aliza Fatma delves into spirituality, culture, food and wholesome living with Six Senses in the Kingdom of Bhutan

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2023
The Allure of Laura Mercier
Elle India

The Allure of Laura Mercier

Sukriti Shahi in conversation with the inspiring beauty founder on the India launch of her eponymous brand

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2023
MAGIC MICRO
Elle India

MAGIC MICRO

Urmi Dande gets an expert to weigh in on whether microencapsulation is the next big thing in the makeup industry

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023
A GUCCI Christmas
Elle India

A GUCCI Christmas

The luxury fashion house unwraps a celebration that goes beyond the obvious reports Shyamolika Vaz

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023