Bobbi Brown on Aging Honestly at 69

L’Argent is a conversation about aging, beauty, and the value time gives. In each installment, a woman reflects on identity, ritual, and self-image — and on what it means, now, to take care of herself.

This week: Bobbi Brown

One of my earliest memories of beauty is reading Bobbi Brown’s Teenage Beauty. I was about 13, and I distinctly remember flipping through the pages and, for the first time, feeling like my big Armenian eyebrows, freckles, and coarse, curly hair maybe weren’t such bad things after all.

This was my first meaningful impression of what beauty could be.

When I started this series, my mom asked who my dream guest would be and I answered without hesitation: Bobbi Brown.

Founder, makeup artist, mom. Pioneer of natural beauty. A fierce believer that you don’t need to change your face to be beautiful. Above all, an incredibly kind, grounded, generous person who somehow, graciously, said yes.

Enjoy.

What is your first beauty-related memory?

One of my earliest beauty memories was watching my mom and aunt get ready. I loved seeing how a little makeup could change not just how they looked, but how they felt. That’s what sparked my fascination with beauty.

What’s something people assume about you that’s completely wrong?

People think I’m fearless. I’m actually a pretty anxious person. But, I’ve learned to manage it, and not let it stop me from living a beautiful life.

You were pushed out of your own brand and then rebuilt – what did that experience change in you?

I learned that sometimes the thing you think is the end is actually the beginning. Losing my role at the company I built was hard, but it gave me the freedom to create again and trust myself in a whole new way.

You built a career around the idea that women should look like themselves, only better. Did you always believe that?

It was something I learned through my work. The women I met weren’t asking to be transformed…they just wanted to feel confident. That’s when I realized great makeup shouldn’t hide you. It should help you look and feel like the best version of yourself.

What’s the biggest lie women are sold about beauty?

That you need to cover yourself with makeup.

What’s a beauty trend you see and think, we need to stop?

Contouring! I will never believe in it. I don’t think you need to change your face shape. Everyone is beautiful.

Have you ever judged another woman for how she chose to age?

No. I think everybody is entitled to live how they choose to. But I do encourage women to not hide their aging. Aging is just a sign of living.

What’s something you do beauty-wise that people wouldn’t expect?

I tend to use products for purposes other than their main use. For example: Eye shadow on my part, lip gloss on my cheek. I like products that are diverse.

What’s the longest-standing product in your beauty cabinet?

My miracle balm. Always.

What still makes you feel insecure?

Some days I look in the mirror and am like “Wow, I look good!” But, other days I’m like “Woah, who is that...” It’s a normal part of aging, but it’s important to not microscope and point out each flaw.

What are you looking forward to right now?

Seeing my grandchildren!

Is there anything you’ll never give up, no matter your age?

I’m not sure I’ll ever retire. I love working. I don’t think it’s as much a job as it is a lifestyle. I get joy out of my day to day, and can’t imagine a life without this.

What does it mean, now, to take care of yourself?

Find what makes you happy. And prioritize it. You need to take care of yourself first. For me, that’s exercise, drinking water, eating healthy, and spending time with family. These little things keep me grounded.

It’s what everyone needs to find.