Bobbi Brown
Our first featured Guest Guru is non-other than beauty maven and bon-vivant Bobbi Brown. She pulls no punches and shares her take on what makes beauty sense today.
I've never been a fan of the superfluous. From my lifestyle to my cosmetics line, I've always preferred to keep it simple. I don't have a lot of time – or patience – for over-the-top trappings, and at this moment, I know many of you share my philosophy.
As part of an industry devoted to making women look and feel good, I believe it's important that we're listening to what our customers are saying, specifically by watching what they're buying.
Now more than ever, people are buying great basics and good investments. They're spending less on non-essentials, and demanding more from the basics they are spending money on. Getting great quality at a fantastic value is not only what's sensible today, it's also what's in fashion.
That's why it's an especially apt time for the launch of my book, "Makeup Manual." Written for everyone from beginner to pro, this easy-to-follow guidebook is filled with step-by-step lessons, gorgeous pictures and my favorite insider tips (like using a peach cream blush underneath the eyes to conceal extreme darkness). There's useful information on every page.
"Makeup Manual" reveals which basics are worth buying and shows you how to best use the makeup you already own. It teaches you how to achieve a timeless look that makes you feel prettier and more confident, which I find are the two motivating factors for buying and applying makeup.
This season, I've also launched a new foundation, Skin Foundation SPF 15. This product is proof-positive that you can have a sheer foundation that still gives incredible coverage, something that many of my customers have been asking for.
And because we could all do with some inspiration and optimism in 2009, I'm introducing the Bobbi Brights Eye Palette, a library of 35 soft matte shadows in bright, bold colors. The inspiration was the "fun kit" I use backstage during Fashion Week, and I thought we could all do with a little fun right now — wherever we can get it.
Change is a beautiful thing, and I'm so pleased that we're right at the start of a fresh new year. For the beauty industry, I'm excited to see how our hard work and renewed, back-to-basics approach will rejuvenate the business. As a citizen, I'm thrilled that we have a new president, Barack Obama. I look forward to seeing what's in store for our country, and I wish everyone the best in 2009.
- Bobbi Brown
