Bobbi Brown first arrived on the beauty scene in 1991 with the launch of Bobbi Brown Essentials, and changed the face of makeup with a handful of 10 brown-based lipstick shades created to fill a void in the market of simple, flattering and wearable makeup. Brown’s philosophy was simple: "Women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident." Her unique approach to cosmetics was a long-awaited gift for women who wanted a more natural look, and therefore caught the attention of cosmetics empire Estée Lauder Companies, which acquired Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in 1995.
More than 20 years later, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is a global brand, having expanded beyond lipstick to a full range of color cosmetics, fragrance and skincare. Today, with a presence in more than 1000 stores in 60 countries and 20 free-standing stores, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is coveted by world renowned makeup artists, celebrities and style makers who appreciate Brown's unique approach to beauty and her ability to translate the latest trends into wearable, real-life looks.
In addition to running her company, Brown regularly shares her expertise on television, in magazines and newspapers, and online. She is the exclusive beauty editor of NBC's TODAY and Contributing Beauty and Lifestyle editor of Health magazine. A sought after lifestyle expert, Brown resonates with diverse audiences and has appeared on high profile shows including Oprah, The Martha Stewart Show and Dr. Oz. Also a New York Times best-selling author, Brown has written seven instructional and engaging beauty and lifestyle books. She continues to work editorially and is a permanent fixture backstage at New York Fashion Week, having worked with some of the industry’s most influential designers.
Brown's impact extends well beyond the beauty and fashion industries. Committed to empowering women of all ages, Brown supports The Broome Street Academy in SoHo and Dress for Success by providing generous financial and in-kind support on a year-round basis. She currently sits on the boards of Dress for Success and her alma matter Emerson College, where she launched Bobbi Brown University, a series of workshops for aspiring makeup artists. In 2008, she received an honorary doctorate from Montclair State University. In 2010, Brown was appointed by President Obama to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, and was invited by Mrs. Obama to participate in the White House’s Leadership and Mentoring Program for young women.
Furthering her message of self-confidence, Brown launched the Pretty Powerful campaign in 2010, inspired by her belief that “all women are pretty without makeup—but with the right makeup can be pretty powerful.” Praised by women everywhere, the campaign was the first in the beauty industry to feature before-and-after photos of “real” women.
As the brand continues to grow globally, Brown’s message remains the same: "The secret to beauty is simple—be who you are.”
