Girl Talk: An Interview With Bobbi Brown
Montclair resident Bobbi Brown talks about makeup for teens.
Bobbi Brown, the internationally renowned makeup artist, New York Times best-selling author, and founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, has sold her products in more than 900 stores around the world. Most recently, Brown, who lives with her husband and three sons in Montclair, has written "Beauty Rules." The go-to guide for all girls was published in August 2010.
Why did you write this book?
I wrote my first teen beauty book, Teenage Beauty, in 2000, and realized that so much has changed in the last 10 years. Teenage girls are constantly exposed to unrealistic standards of beauty that they see in magazines, movies, and on the Internet. I wrote Beauty Rules because I wanted to give teenage girls the tools and knowledge they need to be their most confident selves. This book also contains more step-by-step beauty tips, and more information about healthy living, as beauty is not only what you look like on the outside, it's what you put inside your body as well.
For the budget-conscious teen—which beauty and skincare products are worth splurging on?
These are the things worth splurging on: Concealer; it's the secret to the universe instantly making you look more refreshed; Blush, a pop of pink blush on the apples of your cheeks instantly lifts the face; Lip Gloss, a swipe of gloss will instantly polish off your look and, of course, a smile!
When purchasing makeup, department stores and drug stores are both great places to find products for different needs. Drug stores are a great place to get your basics such as cotton balls and q-tips. When going to the beauty counter at your local department store, you have access to makeup experts and are able to try on colors to ensure you're getting the best shade and product for your skin.
What about trends? Teens like to follow trends (Uggs, anyone?) but not all trends look good on everyone. In fact some trends may not be appropriate for high school students. What advice do you have for a teenage girl who can't pull off a blood red lip color?
Have fun and experiment with your looks. It's about doing what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Remember, though, you want makeup to enhance your features not hide them. Also, nails are a great way to experiment with color. The dark purples, muddy browns, and khakis that are out right now will always look good on your nails even though they may not be the best shade for your lips or face.
Know that it's OK to look different from everyone else; you don't have to look like a Barbie. When I was younger everyone had blond hair and blue eyes or tried to achieve that look. I was 5 feet tall with brown hair and brown eyes. It wasn't until I was older that I realized I too was beautiful. Confidence is key to looking and feeling your best. Any makeup, no matter the color/texture/etc., can look great if worn with the right attitude.
What makeup habits (practices) should teens (and their moms) avoid?
Not wearing the right color foundation. Foundation should blend seamlessly into the skin. Your neck should NEVER be a different color then the rest of your face. Your foundation should be made up of yellow undertones (not pink) as all people, no matter what color their skin is, have yellow undertones. To find the best shade for you, swipe a line onto the side of your cheek and step into natural light. The color should disappear into the skin.
What are your go-to beauty products—in other words, say you're spending the night in a Manhattan hotel—what would I find inside your makeup kit?
Whether you're 15 or 40, I always suggest this quick 5-minute basic makeup routine:
1. Even your skin tone with a tinted moisturizer with SPF all over your face.
2. Cover problem spots with foundation and concealer as needed.
3. Add color with blush on the apples of your cheeks.
4. Add shine with a sheer color across your lips.
5. (Optional) Define your eyes with a coat of black mascara.
If I want a more dramatic look, I play with darker colors on my lips and eyes or stronger makeup such as eyeliner to define the eyes. Just remember to keep your lips neutral if you're doing a strong eye and vice versa.
(This story originally ran in the Patch 11/19/2010)
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