Jones Road Beauty founder shares her personal hair, makeup and style secrets
Bobbi Brown, the famous beauty expert, is here to help women embrace their unique beauty, use fewer products, and not worry too much about wrinkles. Now 67, Brown, who introduced us to nude lipsticks and gel eyeliners, is still practical and down-to-earth. She founded Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, sold it to Estée Lauder in 1995, started Jones Road Beauty in 2020, and continues to change how we perceive beauty. Despite her success, she’s like us, dealing with everyday beauty challenges. Here, she shares her top beauty tips for women over 50.
1. Simplify Skin Care and Keep Sunscreen By the Door.
Brown prefers a simple skincare routine. “You don’t need a lot of products,” she says. “In the morning, I splash water on my face, use moisturizer, eye cream, and sunscreen. At night, I use a cleansing stick and moisturizer, or a face oil stick if my skin is very dry.”
While she doesn’t favor fillers or surgery, she does recommend dermatological treatments like ultrasound and lasers for brown spots. “Always wear sunscreen,” she advises. “I now wear a light SPF 50 sun shirt and use red light laser procedures for my face. These treatments also help with spots on my arms and chest.”
2. Choose Multitasking Superhydrating Face Makeup.
Brown advocates for clean, cruelty-free makeup that enhances a natural look. Too much makeup can age us, she insists. Her “I Am Me” campaign for Jones Road Beauty encourages women to use makeup to look like themselves, but better.
For women over 50, she recommends makeup that’s hydrating and smooth. Aim for foundation that evens out the skin and adds moisture, and use a tinted balm for a sun-kissed effect. These can be quickly applied with fingers, making makeup on the go easy.
3. Update Neutral Makeup with Shimmer and a Pop of Color.
Brown loves a neutral makeup palette but suggests adding some sparkle and color. “Pink works on everyone,” she says. Choose two places for shimmer and color, like shimmery eyes and rosy cheeks, or glossy lips. Stick with shades that complement your skin tone.
4. Eat Well to Look Better and Keep the Fridge Healthy.
As a certified health coach, Brown emphasizes good nutrition for better skin. “Eat well and stay hydrated,” she advises. She recommends a balanced diet and drinking lots of water. She starts her day with a nutritional shake and keeps healthy snacks like bone broth, veggies, and cottage cheese on hand to avoid unhealthy food choices.
5. Find Your Hair-Color Comfort Zone, Touch Up Roots with Eye Shadow.
Brown acknowledges her hair challenges, including thinning and graying. She uses minoxidil for hair growth and prefers dark hair over her natural white. She suggests using eye shadow for a quick root touch-up and admits to struggling with blow-drying, often opting for air-drying or salon blowouts.
6. Find a Fun, Doable Fitness Routine.
“Every woman 50-plus needs a doable fitness routine,” says Brown. Exercise enhances circulation and gives your skin a healthy glow. She enjoys dancing to hip-hop music and recommends finding an activity you love.
7. Brighten Up in White Tops, Sparkly Cardigans, and a Pink Blazer.
Brown admits she’s not a fashionista but loves comfortable, stylish basics. She wears white T-shirts or button-downs to brighten her look and has added blush-colored blazers and sparkly cardigans to her wardrobe. This approach makes dressing up easy for any event.
Lois Joy Johnson, a beauty and style editor, shares her insights here. She focuses on women 50 and older and has written several books on the topic.
