The beauty industry should celebrate every woman.
Bobbi Brown, one of the leading voices of the beauty industry, tells Meghna Mukherjee why it's essential to look like yourself.
Make-up expert and business magnate Bobbi Brownbrought about a revolution in the beauty industry of the '80s - known for its excess colour and garish makeup. She introduced natural shades (of lipstick, foundation and eye colour) for women of all skin tones. In a tetea-tete with Times Life, she explains why a woman should never hide behind her make-up.
Why did loud makeup, of the late 1980s, bother you?
Because I think women are much happier when they put on make-up that enhances their features, but doesn't make them look like someone they don't recognise. When I was freelancing in the '80s as a make-up artist, I couldn't find shades or colours that looked natural. So I started mixing my own shades to create make-up that would truly match and complement a woman's complexion and not make her look loud and all made up.
Over the last 50 years, do you think the relationship between women and make-up has changed?
I don't think it's any different today than it was 50 years ago. Women always have and always will desire simple and effective products that help them look and feel their very best. The deal now is that women are looking for small things that they can do to instantly feel prettier. I teach women how small shifts like a pink shade of blush or the right concealer can do a lot to brighten and lift how one looks and feels.
Define beauty
Beauty is about having self-confidence and playing up the qualities that make you unique. I strongly believe that the make-up and beauty industry should know how to celebrate every woman, not just a few. All over the world women are confronted with the same kinds of fashion and beauty images รข€” one that showcases "perfection" that's realistically not possible to achieve. Between long hours at office, family responsibilities and endless-to-do lists, it's not feasible for women to spend hours in front of the mirror trying to emulate airbrushed photos.
What shades would suit the Indian skin tone?
Women all around the world have different tastes when it comes to make-up. Women in the Middle East love to define their eyes, women in India love bold lips and women in South East Asia want fresh, flawless skin. Since Indian women have different variations in their skin tone, to even out, I would recommend using two different shades of foundation. When it comes to lip colours, I think deep pink and dark brown work the best for Indian women.
How is natural make-up different from going bare face...
Natural means choosing the most flattering shades and textures for your face. The secret is to choose shades that are similar to your complexion. For example, use eye shadows that are closest to the natural colour of your eyelids and lipsticks that look like your original lip colour. If a nude shade looks ashy, it's too light for you. If it looks muddy, the shade is too dark.
Brown's beauty tips
Brown's beauty tips
Smokey eyes is a great way to transform a casual day look into a flattering evening look. Use an eye sweep brush, and apply a light shade of eye shadow all over your lid. Blend it well. Then apply a slightly darker shadow on your lower lid, from the lash line to the crease; then a darker shade of the same colour directly over it. Make sure to smudge and blend. Complete this look with lots of mascara. Healthy skin care comprises...
Moisturising. It's the key to healthy skin. They replenish the skin with a boost of hydration that helps even out and soften the skin, giving a flawless look. Look for products that contain vitamin C. It helps brighten the skin tone, and protects it from environmental damage. Your daily skin care routine should be as minimal as possible. Invest in a couple of good quality moisturisers, a concealer, a gel eyeliner, a black mascara, a blush and a lip gloss that suits you.
Three make-up items you shouldn't leave home without... Concealer, mascara and blush. Concealer is the biggest secret of the beauty universe. Even the darkest under eye circles can be covered up if you are using the right concealer. When applied correctly, it instantly makes you appear awake and refreshed. Mascara makes your eyes pop, whereas blush is the epitome of being instant pretty. A tip for finding the most natural blush shade is to go for one that looks like flushed cheeks, just after a workout.
Fighting the complex-ion bias
Actress Nandita Das, recently in news for endorsing the philosophy of "Stay Unfair, Stay Beautiful", says her mailbox is jammed with "heartrendering stories" of women who have faced discrimination due to dark skin tone or have been told to "lighten up" to do better in life.
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