Beauty // Lifestyle
Conversation With: Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown
Despite being the name behind an international cosmetic line, Bobbi Brown‘s mantra is more about inner beauty than covering up what’s on the outside. This focus on the make-up of your personality rather than looking perfect is what Brown’s newest book Pretty Powerful is all about. In her inspiring eighth tome she interviews dozens of real women, celebrities and athletes about what beauty means to them. The result—a manual that is filled with pretty and powerful images, tales and tutorials. NMdaily spoke with the cosmetic guru last week at NM Dallas-NorthPark when she stopped in to sign copies and greet hundreds of product loyalists.
The Bobbi Brown counter at NM NorthPark.
NMdaily: When did you realize that beauty products could be about embracing your features and inner beauty?
Bobbi Brown: I realized years ago that I couldn’t compete with models, actresses or the near-perfect photos in the magazines. But I did put all I learned together to make myself feel and look better by using makeup that enhanced what I already had. Don’t compare yourself to images of youthful perfection – celebrate what you have instead.
NMdaily: You compiled a very diverse group of women for your new book. How did you decide whom to feature?
Bobbi Brown: All of the women in the book have inspired me in their own special way. They come from all different backgrounds, are uniquely beautiful and have motivating life stories that are truly empowering.
Brown's new book.
Triathlete Laurel Wassner is incredibly inspiring – her positive attitude and determination fueled her win over cancer. After battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 23 years old, Laurel didn’t let her illness defeat her – she drew strength from it. Now the petite powerhouse is healthy and competing in triathlons with her twin sister, Rebeccah.
Actress Gabourey Sidibe is a shining example of a confident woman. What I love most about her is that she is comfortable in her own skin. Being an actor in Hollywood isn’t easy, and you’re subjected to all types of criticisms and pressures. But Gabourey overcame industry misconceptions because she knows who she is and is happy to be herself.
Philanthropist and cofounder of the Feed Foundation, Lauren Bush shows us how the efforts of just one person can really make a difference in the world. With support from the UN World Food Program, her FEED Foundation has given more than 60 million school meals to children living in 62 of the poorest countries around the world.
Ultimately, I chose women who inspire or continue to inspire me.
Real women from the pages of Pretty Powerful.
NMdaily: Who do you think is the most interesting/surprising person featured in the book?
Bobbi Brown: Author and motivational speaker Liz Murray’s power to transform her life is amazing. When I read Liz’s book Breaking Night I couldn’t put it down – I was so moved by her story of growing up with drug-addicted parents, surviving homelessness and making it to Harvard. Despite the tough experiences Liz was handed in life, she rose above it all and has made an incredible life for herself empowering other women.
Bobbi's publicist Alexis featured in Pretty Powerful.
NMdaily: Your new book is full of inspirational quotes from all types of women. Who do you look to for words of wisdom?
Bobbi Brown: My mother was a huge inspiration for me when I was younger. After my first year of college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. Fortunately, my mom said: “Forget about what you want to do with your life. Pretend it’s your birthday and you can do anything you want today.” I told my mom that I wanted to play with makeup at Marshall Field’s (a department store in Chicago), so she asked, “Why don’t you study cosmetics and get a degree in that?” I wound up transferring to Emerson College in Boston where I majored in theatrical makeup with a minor in photography. My mother and my father taught me to follow my dreams and passions. My father and my husband are now the people that I turn to for continued support. I don’t know what I would do without them.
Blogger Tina Craig.
NMdaily: Where do you find your personal self-confidence?
Bobbi Brown: When I feel beautiful, it’s always based on how I feel inside. I try to exercise and eat right everyday because it makes me feel happy, healthy and confident. There’s no doubt that when you have a healthy lifestyle, you look and feel better.
Also, to me, spending time with my family makes me feel good, happy and confident. It’s my family that has made the biggest difference in my life – they make me feel Pretty Powerful every day.
Jacquie Antinoro, mother.
NMdaily: Any advice for women who feel don’t feel pretty?
Bobbi Brown: Always remember to “be who you are.” This means everything from learning to love your lines to appreciating your unique features. I think confidence is the most compelling element of real beauty. It’s important to remember that being beautiful isn’t about having a flawless look. It’s about having self-confidence and playing up the qualities that make you unique.
While makeup shouldn’t be considered a one-step prescription for self-confidence (that has to come from within and be developed over time) – I believe that with the right tools and knowledge, makeup can help all women achieve that little boost for looking and feeling our best.
Find Bobbi Brown’s book and beauty line at NeimanMarcus.com and Neiman Marcus stores.
