The beauty industry has not been short of inspiring, successful women - Estée Lauder, Helena Rubinstein and Bobbi Brown to name but a few. However there is one woman with such beauty balls that her contribution to the cosmetics industry was recognised with an MBE. This woman, my dear readers, is none other than Millie Kendall.
Many of you will know Millie as the co-founder of the much-loved British beauty brand, Ruby & Millie. However, in addition to launching her own brands, Millie has been a strong force behind the success of many other global beauty brands, such as Shu Uemura and Aveda.
Millie is now the co-founder of BeautyMART and the creative director of haircare brand Concoctions. So, as one of Millie's biggest fans, I was extremely grateful (and ridiculously excited) when she agreed to let me grill her on everything from her career highlight to her top beauty tip...
What inspired you to work in the beauty industry? And how did your career journey begin?
It's a very long story, I have worked for everyone and done everything in my industry pretty much. My Dad is a hairdresser and he just told me to "get a job" so I did. Starting with Toni & Guy to Bumble & Bumble, I moved onto make up with Shu Uemura and then lifestyle with Aveda, Tweezerman and L'Occitane. I then launched Ruby & Millie, a brand I co-founded with make up artist Ruby Hammer.
What is your career highlight?
Getting my MBE definitely.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the beauty industry?
What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the beauty industry?
You have to love beauty, products or services.
Who is the ultimate beauty icon?
Who is the ultimate beauty icon?
Anna-Marie Solowij, she knows everything about beauty and is the most well groomed woman I know.
Anna-Marie Solowij |
What are your makeup bag essentials?
Eyelash curler, Shiseido RD203 Lip Gloss and Bourjois Cream Blush 03.
What is the biggest beauty crime a person can commit?
What is the biggest beauty crime a person can commit?
Doing your make up on the tube!
What is your top beauty tip?
What is your top beauty tip?
Make the highest point of your eyebrow arch directly above the outer line of your iris - towards the ear obviously, not the nose!