She started a makeup revolution in 1991 with a handful of lipsticks and a simple philosophy: "Women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident."
Makeup artist Bobbi Brown's dream was realized when she debuted her line of cosmetics, just 10 brown-based lipsticks, at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. With this set of lipsticks, a woman could create an infinite number of wearable shades just by mixing and blending them. Her lipsticks quickly gained a strong following, first among beauty insiders then women everywhere, and Bobbi's career took off.
Today Bobbi Brown Cosmetics can be found throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Industry peers and those who have worked with Bobbi credit her success to her realistic approach to beauty, combined with a keen understanding of what women want.
Bobbi's love affair with makeup started at an early age when she first discovered her mother's collection of cosmetics. "My mom always intrigued and inspired me with her glamour and her beauty rituals." Driven by her passion, Bobbi went to learn the art of theatrical makeup at Emerson College in Boston. Diploma in hand, she then headed to New York City to work as a professional makeup artist.
It wasn't long before she became frustrated by the lack of flattering makeup on the market. There was a noticeable absence of shades that complimented a wide range of skin tones. Bobbi vividly recalls a photo shoot during the early years where, after she applied foundation to a model's face, she then had to apply it to her body so her skin tone would match.
Take one look at her line today and it's clear that Bobbi's mission remains the same. Her skin tone-correct foundations, concealers and powders have revolutionized the makeup industry, giving women makeup that complements their skin tone rather than making it look unnaturally pink. Her shades for eyes, cheeks and lips go from subtle skin-enhancing tones to impactful shades that work for all women.
A typical workday for Bobbi seems non-stop. Aside from running her company, which includes overseeing advertising, creative, marketing and new product development, she fits in a heavy schedule of media interviews, creates looks for magazine covers and editorial shoots and is often called on to do celebrity makeup for high-profile events.
Always a makeup artist at heart, Bobbi's mantra remains steadfast: "Keep it simple, real and approachable."
Bobbi is the author of four New York Times best-selling books and a columnist for Prevention magazine and Ladies Homes Journal online. Her most recent book Beauty Rules was released in August 2010. Her products are now sold in over 850 stores in over fifty countries around the world.
Bobbi Brown, founder and CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and best-selling author, is available exclusively through IMG Speakers bureau for speaking engagements. Bobbi Brown is also available for panel discussions, leadership events, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Bobbi Brown.
