Beauty Bigwig & Makeup Maven: Bobbi Brown

| Print Post This | Like (0) | Comments (2)

MAKEUP MAVEN BOBBI BROWN has built an A-list following: Jennifer Aniston, Sienna Miller, Barack Obama. (Yep, he wears Brown's cosmetics for TV appearances.) She won't say whether she's beautifying any big names for the balls (in the past, she's done both Michelle O. and Jill Biden), but she shared some party prep makeup advice that anyone can use.

» EXPRESS: You'll be in D.C. for the inauguration and parties. Any tips for black tie-worthy makeup?
» BROWN: You definitely don't need to go out and buy a whole new makeup set. Look at what you already have and add a little shimmer or some sparkle. A few easy things can turn your everyday makeup into a special evening look.

» EXPRESS: Any specific suggestions on looking pretty but not over-the-top?
» BROWN: I like playing up the eyes — maybe try a gray, smoky look — and then add a pop of flush to the cheeks with a little bit of shine. I'll use a shimmer brick highlighter or even a drop of oil on top of powder blush to get the kind of glow that you see on the red carpet. Look at the actresses at the awards shows: They always look elegant, not overdone. They play up one thing, and that's it.

» EXPRESS: You just released your fifth book, "Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual" ($32, Springboard), with detailed instructions on different looks. Why write such a complete guide?
» BROWN: I spend most of the day with real women and have realized that even the ones who work with me want to know how to do things better, like how to make their concealer look more natural or their eyes stand out. It made sense to me to create an ultimate textbook on makeup.

» EXPRESS: Will beauty novices find it too hard to handle these techniques?
» BROWN: The book was written for both the woman who doesn't know much about makeup and the one who loves makeup and wants to improve her skills. I think anyone can do any look they want as long as they have the right instructions. I find [putting on makeup] definitely easier than loading my iPod.

» EXPRESS: In your book, you list a 10-step guide to perfect makeup. It seems like a lot of work on early mornings.
» BROWN: I always tell women, "Learn the 10 steps." But if you only get to six one day, you'll be fine. Sometimes, if you only get to three, you're fine. Some days, you need more than others.

» EXPRESS: Are there specific things you wish women didn't skimp on so much?
» BROWN: I'm amazed how many women skip concealer and corrector. They're such a big deal — they really make such a difference. And also eyeliner: Even just a small amount on the top [lid], applied very lightly, can really make eyes pop.

» EXPRESS: Now that it's winter, what can I do to keep my skin looking good?
» BROWN: It's important to pay attention to what your skin needs — often at this time of year, it's moisture. In the dead of winter, when many people are so dry, I'll reach right for an oil to put on my face and hands. I make a face oil for my line, but I also tell women they can use a simple olive oil if they don't mind the food-like smell.

» EXPRESS: You've seen so many faces close up. Is there a secret to great skin?
» BROWN: People don't like to hear it, but, honestly, the women who don't smoke, eat healthily and exercise have much better complexions than women who don't. It's really evident, especially with age.

» EXPRESS: So, no miracle products out there?
» BROWN:Truthfully, exercise is the most perfect cosmetic that you could ever hope to get.

Written by Express' Betsy Lowther
Photo by Patrick Harbon