Article: Bobbi Brown on Innovation, Beauty, and Wellbeing in a Changing World
Bobbi Brown on Innovation, Beauty, and Wellbeing in a Changing World
This week in our Sunday Edition, we sit down with Bobbi Brown, a name synonymous with redefining modern beauty.
For decades, Bobbi has shaped how we think about makeup, pioneering a fresh, natural approach that celebrates individuality rather than concealing it. Beyond beauty, her philosophy has always extended to wellbeing, confidence, and living with balance in a world that never slows down.
In our conversation, Bobbi shares her evolving perspective on beauty, the rituals that ground her, and how she continues to stay inspired as an entrepreneur and innovator — most recently through her newest venture, Jones Road Beauty. From building two groundbreaking beauty brands to her personal routines that sustain clarity and calm, her insights remind us that true beauty is rooted in confidence and wellbeing.
SUNDAY EDITION | BOBBI BROWN
You helped redefine beauty with your fresh, natural approach. What shifts are you seeing in how people think about beauty—and what innovations or ideas are exciting you most?
I’ve never been one to follow beauty trends or fads – I believe that your makeup should make you feel like you, on your very best day. That has been philosophy for nearly 40 years. I speak to women every day, and today’s modern woman doesn’t want to wear more makeup … they want to wear the best makeup that simply makes them look and feel better from the inside out.
I’m so thrilled to see how the no makeup, makeup look has been fully embraced – but I’ve been doing it for nearly four decades!!
SHIFT IN BEAUTY
You’ve always championed the idea of feeling as good as you look. How do you see makeup and skincare supporting overall wellbeing, especially in a world that moves so quickly?
The best beauty product in the world is not a secret formula or a new innovation – it’s self-confidence and that’s what I believe that skincare and makeup should give us. I don’t believe that makeup should transform who you are. When someone is using my products, I want them to go out into the world feeling confident and fully embracing who they are, unapologetically. That is true beauty to me.
WELLBEING
You’ve worn many hats—makeup artist, founder, mentor, entrepreneur. Across life’s phases, what have been the most meaningful wellbeing challenges, and how has your approach evolved?
I have many titles but the one that is most meaningful to me is mother. While I was building my first brand, I was also raising three young sons. Juggling motherhood, a big career and living in the suburbs of NJ outside of NYC was really hard. In fact, it was a shit show. Anyone who says you can have it all is lying. You can have it all, but not all at once. Life is messy. You just have to figure out some hacks to simplify your life.
These days, I’m now running another fairly new business (Jones Road will turn 5 in October) it’s about learning to pace myself and taking the time to take care of myself. Drinking plenty of water. Eating healthily and regularly moving my body keeps me feeling like the best version of myself. But, you have to prioritize your self-care otherwise, you just not going to feel good. And when you don’t feel good, it shows in your face too.
WELLNESS TIPS
You're not one to follow the crowd. Is there a wellness trend or popular piece of advice that you just don’t connect with?
To me, less has always been more. So many people feel they need to change their face with contour or fillers to look better. I think the opposite. Contouring has never made sense to me. It tells women their face needs to be changed, when the truth is every face is already beautiful. I love the look of a full face, and I’d never fake a cheekbone that isn’t there.
“You have to prioritize your self-care otherwise, you just not going to feel good. And when you don’t feel good, it shows in your face too.”
- BOBBI BROWN
WELLNESS & BALANCE
Wellbeing means something different to all of us. At this stage of your life, what does it look and feel like for you personally?
Wellbeing to me means maintaining a healthy balance in my life. Spending time with my family and friends grounds me and I prioritize that. Moving my body everyday makes me feel better. And of course, surrounding myself with a team of people who work as hard as they play has always been the key to my professional success. That’s what well being means to me.
“Wellbeing to me means maintaining a healthy balance in my life. Spending time with my family and friends grounds me and I prioritize that.”
-BOBBI BROWN
At anatomē, we believe in scent as a tool for emotional intention. Do fragrances or essential oils play a role in your daily life?
Fragrance is just like makeup. It’s a key to confidence. When my team added it to our line, we did it knowing how transformative it can be. The right scent can lift your mood instantly, and that’s something I always want. We started with Shower and now there’s BKLYN. For me, I use these two fragrances in the afternoon when I’m wiped out and just want to go home and sit on the couch. With just a little spray, I’m instantly revived.
POWER OF SCENT
At anatomē, we believe sleep is the foundation of wellbeing. What does your evening wind-down look like, and are there any rituals that help you switch off and rest deeply?
After a full day of press or meetings at the office, I usually stop by my grandkids’ house to unwind. They’re truly the best pick-me-up. Once I’m back home, I start my evening routine. By 9:00, dinner’s finished, I’ve showered, slipped into my bathrobe, and I usually sneak in some time in my Human Touch massage chair. That’s when I scroll on my iPad or pick up on a memoir. These simple rituals help me recharge, ready for the next busy day.
FOCUS & DRIVE
Your journey is a true masterclass in reinvention. What would you say to someone who’s ready to pivot—whether in career, lifestyle, or identity—but doesn’t know where to begin?
It’s never too late to start over. I did it twice. The first step is to find something you truly believe in. Choose something that stands out and would make people pick your idea over what’s already out there. Keep it simple, invest in what matters, and definitely don’t be afraid to ask friends for help. Make sure you test your ideas, focus on what works, what doesn’t, and how it could be better. Stay focused, take your time, and be ready for change. It won’t be perfect the first time, but if you keep showing up, it will pay off.
HOME MINIMALISM
Your home is a reflection of your style and spirit. How do you make your Hamptons space feel like a sanctuary? Are there rituals or touches that help you truly relax?
My Hamptons home is my sanctuary. The light is incredible, floor-to-ceiling windows and water views everywhere. I keep it simple with white walls, wood accents, and neutral tones. Calm, effortless, easy. My favorite part is sitting outside with my family, eating, laughing, just being together. That’s relaxing to me.
'Still Bobbi' - Out on the 23rd of September
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