When I heard Bobbi Brown was making an official return to the make-up industry a few years ago (after having exited her namesake brand many years prior), I knew it would be good. Here was a woman, a make-up artist, a legend, arguably – known for championing natural skin and the idea of looking like yourself, only better, through the power of make-up.
She also knows how to sell make-up with stunning visuals, and Jones Road, her brand, has that in spades. It feels like it’s only been around for five minutes, yet somehow it’s already approaching its fifth anniversary.
“It’s crazy. Part of me feels like this has been forever, because it’s just really a continuation of what I’ve always done – but also, it’s gone so quickly,” says Brown. “I’ve learned so much in the past five years. Not having layers of people to do things, it’s very hands on now, it’s very interesting. And the beauty landscape has changed so much – it just feels great to still be current.”
One of the first, somewhat divisive products from Jones Road was Miracle Balm (€46 from jonesroadbeauty.com). A multi-use, moisturising pot of colour that can be used as blush, lip cream – or anything, really. With its sheer, dewy colour pay-off, some people love it, while others feel it doesn’t deliver enough oomph.
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A fan myself, I tell Brown my preferred shade is Dusty Rose, an excellent, cool-toned pink that seems to pop on almost every complexion. “I use that too,” she says. “And Magic Hour. They’re my two most-used shades right now.”
Interestingly, Miracle Balm was created entirely by accident. “It was honestly not a brilliant idea,” explains Brown. “I had asked the lab to create something, but when it came back it wasn’t exactly what I had requested. I wanted something totally different, but instead of throwing it in the trash, I stuck my hand in it – you know, as a make-up artist, that’s what you do.
“I broke through the seal, picked some of it up, and put it on my face. I looked at everyone and said, ‘Oh my God! Look at my face – this is a miracle. Look how much better I look.’ Because it just added moisture, glow, and a little bit of colour to my skin.”
The Miracle Balm shade range continues to grow (currently there are 13), and Brown’s aversion to uneven numbers means there’s one more on the way. “We put little pots of new colours in different kits so people can try them, which helps us test them and see what people like. It’s a nice arrangement, we can change them up on demand.”
After Miracle Balm, other products joined the range, including the equally popular What The Foundation, concealer pencils, lip glosses, eyeshadows and more. Aside from the obvious best-sellers, I ask Brown which products from the range she’d like everyone to try at least once.
“Oh, definitely The Hero Kit,” she says. “We just launched it, actually. We could have called it The Discovery Kit or The Must-Have Kit but really it’s The Hero Kit because these are the heroes of our range, and every single one of them has won an award.”
The Hero Kit (€98) includes the brand’s new eye cream (which, I must say, is excellent – rich and intensely hydrating without being too thick or heavy), a brown eye pencil, mascara and two mini pots of Miracle Balm.
“With the mini Miracle Balms, you have a choice of either a pink palette or a peach palette,” says Brown. “Most people know if they like pink, cooler tones or peach, warmer tones – pick one and then off you go. It’s a great way to start with our brand.”
Something else she’s releasing soon – and it’s quite the departure – is her book, due in September, Still Bobbi. It’s not a make-up book, of which she’s published many, but rather a book about her and her story.
[ Make-up artist Bobbi Brown: ‘I have lines on my face and I’m okay with that’Opens in new window ]
“It’s been a great experience writing it because it’s helped me understand more about who I am and become comfortable with how I got here,” says Brown. “I wasn’t the person my teachers or anyone else would have predicted to be successful. But with this book, I suppose I’m sharing that anything’s possible. I’m nervous about it, but I’m also excited.”
Jones Road is available online in Ireland from jonesroadbeauty.com.
This week I’m loving ... Kérastase Gloss Absolu
The first “hydra-glazing” range from Kérastase, Gloss Absolu works to hydrate the hair from the inside out, leaving a glossy, glass-like shine. There are several products to choose from: Hydra Glaze Shampoo and Conditioner, Glaze Milk Smoothing Spray, and Glaze Drops Hair Oil. Suitable for all hair types, the brand says it’s particularly effective for long hair prone to frizz. The range is available from Cloud 10 Beauty and prices start from €32.45.
