Bobbi Brown

Summary

The Bobbi Brown brand is synonymous with natural beauty, simplicity, and inclusivity. Launched in 1991 by makeup artist Bobbi Brown, the brand disrupted the beauty industry with its focus on wearable, skin-tone-matching makeup that enhances individual features rather than masking them. Known for its iconic products like the Skin Foundation, Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, and versatile lipsticks, the brand emphasizes quality, ease of use, and empowering people to feel confident in their skin. Under Bobbi Brown’s vision, it became a global phenomenon, embodying her philosophy of beauty that is both approachable and timeless. Today, the brand continues to innovate while maintaining its commitment to celebrating diversity and authenticity.

History

Bobbi Brown graduated from Emerson College in Boston with a degree in theatrical makeup and photography. In 1980 she moved to New York to work as a makeup artist and became known for refreshing makeup in natural tones- a stark contrast to the bright colors that were popular at the time. Brown found it difficult to create a simple pretty no-makeup look” because in the Eighties “more is more” era there was no natural-toned make-up available.

Lady Luck smiled at her.. she met a chemist during a photo-shoot and that meeting was a game-changer for the beauty business. Under her specifications the chemist made ten brown-toned lipsticks in a collection that included creamy- matte- odourless and could be blended to create unique shades. It was a simple concept but one that seemed revolutionary at the time. Bobbi sold them out of her house by mailing or hand-delivering them to people who had heard about them through word of mouth. When Leslie Seymour- beauty editor at Glamour- wrote about them it was a game changer. In 1991- with five thousand dollars and the simple line of lipsticks- Bobbi Brown Essentials launched in Bergdorf Goodman New York and she sold a hundred lipsticks on the first day: proof that women wanted simple flattering make-up.

Shortly she released yellow-toned foundation sticks “The Shimmer Brick”, “Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner” and a skincare line to prepare skin for flawless makeup application. Per Harpers Bazaar she said: “One year at fashion week a designer asked me to give all the models a lit-from-within glow. I took a shimmery eyeshadow and dusted it on the models’ cheeks and that’s how the concept for Shimmer Brick was born.” The revolutionary success of her makeup line prompted beauty conglomerate Estée Lauder to acquire the brand in 1995.

In 2007 Bobbi Brown Cosmetics retail store opened in Auckland New Zealand astride a makeup school. In 2012 Bobbi Brown cosmetics were estimated to represent ten percent of Estée Lauder Companies’ total sales. In 2014 she collaborated with Safilo to launch Bobbi Brown Eyewear- a line of sunglasses, eyeglasses and reading glasses and was also appointed Editor-in-Chief of Yahoo Beauty. In 2016 the brand reportedly hit $1 billion. Subsequently Bobbi Brown stepped downfrom the company to start a new chapter in her life and move on to new ventures.

Her namesake brand recently releases a new logo and tagline: “Confident Beauty” astride a refurbished website and app.. new packaging and product selection focusing on best-sellers. “I fell in love with Leonard Lauder and I trusted him when he said ‘I want you to do what you’re really good at and I’ll do the things you’re not good at. I promise that you’ll have creative control.” And I’ve never had a problem…. There are hurdles—things you have to get over or around. When people give you their strong opinion, you just tell them, “It’s a really great idea. Thank you.” Then you go back and do what you think is right” Bobbi Brown told Harvard Business Review.

Brown is independently creating new make-up lines, holding beauty podcasts and makeup MasterClass and of course helming her website and authoring nine books! So is it a wonder she has been honoured with “Glamour Woman of the Year” award and “The Jackie Robinson Foundation Robie Humanitarian Award?” She has also been appointed to Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiation by President Obama.. inducted into New Jersey Hall of Fame and holds doctorates from Montclair State University, Fashion Institute of Technology, Monmouth University and Emerson College. And continues to support two organisations — Dress For Success- a charity that aims to “promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools”. And Broome Street Academy- a tuition-free public charter high school.

After leaving Bobbi Brown Cosmetics she launched Beauty Evolution LLC and became certified as a health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Brown also started a line of beauty-inspired wellness products and curates an editorial website. She and her husband Steven Plofker have also reimagined The George- a 32-room boutique hotel located in Montclair New Jersey. “Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is an incredible testament to Bobbi Brown the woman” said William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman, The Estée Lauder Companies. “More than two decades ago we met an extremely creative makeup artist with a revolutionary idea that changed the way women feel about beauty. That idea grew into a highly successful global beauty brand. Bobbi will always be part of our Estée Lauder Companies family and we wish her the very best in the future.”

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics will continue to capitalize on the growth momentum in the prestige makeup category, building on the strong legacy Bobbi created. The brand’s philosophy of “Be Who You Are” is more relevant today than ever before and the brand will laser focus on connecting, teaching and empowering women globally. Fueled by makeup artistry.. engaging and impactful social media and some of the most beloved beauty products in the world, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is poised to achieve its full growth potential in this dynamic environment.

Mission Statement

“The secret to beauty is simple: be who you are!”

Bobbi Brown is dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty. At the heart of the luxury beauty brand’s philosophy is the belief that beauty isn’t about transforming yourself but about enhancing what makes you uniquely you. With a focus on natural and effortless makeup, Bobbi Brown aims to provide products that highlight rather than conceal, encouraging women to feel confident in their own skin. The message is clear: “The secret to beauty is simple: be who you are!” This ethos drives every product and initiative, promoting authenticity and self-expression.

In addition to its commitment to celebrating individuality, Bobbi Brown strives to create high-quality, versatile products that cater to different skin tones and types. By ensuring inclusivity and accessibility, the luxury brand supports the idea that beauty belongs to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, or style preferences. Bobbi Brown’s mission goes beyond makeup; it’s about fostering self-confidence, embracing one’s unique features, and encouraging a positive, healthy approach to beauty.

Vision

The luxury beauty brand offers cosmetics created with an intuitive sense of what every woman wants: to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident.

Bobbi Brown’s vision revolves around empowering women of all backgrounds by creating beauty products that enhance their natural features. The brand emphasizes inclusivity by offering a wide range of shades and formulations that cater to diverse skin tones and types. By prioritizing individuality, Bobbi Brown encourages women to embrace their unique beauty, allowing them to express their best selves while maintaining their authentic identity. This commitment to inclusivity sets the brand apart in the luxury beauty industry, where it has become a symbol of timeless elegance and accessible luxury.

At the core of Bobbi Brown’s philosophy is the belief that beauty should be accessible and relevant to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, or personal style. The beauty brand’s products are designed with an understanding that beauty is not one-size-fits-all; it celebrates diversity by ensuring that women of all backgrounds can find something that resonates with them. Bobbi Brown’s range of inclusive cosmetics empowers customers to feel confident in their own skin, promoting a message of self-love and acceptance through beauty.

In line with this inclusive vision, Bobbi Brown makes every woman feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful—just as she is. The brand’s ethos goes beyond selling products; it’s about offering tools that help women feel more like themselves, only enhanced. Bobbi Brown creates an environment where beauty is about authenticity, not transformation. In doing so, the brand fosters a deeper connection with its audience, encouraging them to see beauty as a form of self-expression and personal empowerment.

The Team

Sandra Main: Global Brand President, Bobbi Brown and Crème de la Mer

Awards and Recognition

Bobbi Brown has received the “Glamour Woman of the Year Award”, “The Fashion Group International Night of Stars Beauty Award”, and the “Jackie Robinson Foundation’s ROBIE Humanitarian Award”. She was appointed by President Obama to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiation and has been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. She also holds honorary doctorates from Montclair State University, Fashion Institute of Technology, Monmouth University, and Emerson College.

Products and Services

Bobbi Brown offers products designed to enhance natural beauty with a focus on the “no-makeup makeup” look. This approach aims to create a flawless, fresh-faced appearance using lightweight foundations, sheer lip colors, and soft neutral shades for the eyes and cheeks. The goal is to help women look like themselves, only more polished and radiant. In addition to makeup, Bobbi Brown has developed a skincare line that includes cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments tailored to nourish and prepare the skin, providing a smooth, healthy canvas for makeup application. The brand’s skincare products are infused with high-quality ingredients to hydrate, soothe, and rejuvenate the skin, ensuring that beauty starts from within.

Beyond makeup and skincare, Bobbi Brown has expanded its offerings to include eyewear and fragrance, establishing itself as a comprehensive lifestyle brand. The eyewear collection blends style and function, offering a range of frames that complement different face shapes and enhance one’s natural features. Bobbi Brown’s fragrances, on the other hand, are designed to evoke a sense of understated elegance, with sophisticated scents that resonate with the brand’s ethos of simple yet luxurious beauty. By offering an array of products that go beyond makeup, Bobbi Brown continues to cater to the diverse needs of its customers, providing them with a holistic approach to beauty and personal care.

References

• Official website Bobbi Brown
• The Pretty Powerful Bobbi Brown Elle
• 10 Facts about Bobbi Brown Harpers Bazaar
• Bobbi Brown Started a Beauty Empire With Just One (Revolutionary) Lipstick Entrepreneur
• LinkedIn page of Bobbi Brown LinkedIn
• Bobbi Brown talks life after brand Bobbi Glamour
• Instagram page of Bobbi Brown  Instagram
• Bobbi Brown Is Now Giving Makeup Lessons on MasterClass Allure
• Bobbi Brown to Step Down from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics ELCompanies
• A hotel in New Jersey NY Times
• Twitter page of Bobbi Brown Twitter
• Bobbi Brown is ecstatic to be her own boss again as a wellness guru CNBC
• Facebook page of Bobbi Brown Facebook
• Bobbi Brown on Selling a Business, Starting Another Bloomberg
• How I Did It: Bobbi Brown Inc.com
• Bobbi Brown debuts new eyewear line New York Daily News
• Youtube channel of Bobbi Brown Youtube
• Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Loyalty Club Bobbi Brown
• Wiki page of Bobbi Brown Wikipedia
• Bobbi Brown Created a Collagen Beauty Shot People