Carina Choo worked as a freelance makeup artist prior to joining Bobbi Brown as an Education Manager, a post that she has held for the past four years. She is trained by the Education & Artistry Directors in New York and regularly attends the bi-annual Asia Pacific Regional Artistry & Education meetings. She is sought after regularly for professional make up tips to newspapers and magazines. This is a Q & A with Carina via email.
Carina Choo, Bobbi Brown Malaysia’s Education Manager
“I’ve hand-picked these artists because they excel in makeup artistry, they know how to bring out the natural beauty in any woman and, they have qualities that are important to me – kindness, enthusiasm and integrity.” Bobbi Brown
What is Bobbi Brown’s Pretty Powerful concept all about?
That every woman is pretty to begin with and with a little help from makeup, she can be Pretty Powerful. Bobbi was inspired by the day-to-day women that she was constantly surrounded by. It gave her the idea of running a campaign featuring these ‘real’ women and wanting to emphasize the beauty of each individual with simple makeup application… turning them from being ‘Pretty’ to ‘Pretty Powerful’ looking.
In what ways can the Pretty Powerful concept assist working women in enhancing their professional image / appearance?
It’s a great confidence-booster! It encourages women, not just working women, to love themselves. With an upbeat attitude, you exude confidence. Throw in a little makeup? You’re Pretty Powerful!
What are the essentials for a quick 10 minute look, especially for women who lead busy lives and those who do not have much time do their makeup?
Plump. Brighten. Pop. Finish. Define. Plump up the skin by moisturizing all the way down to the neck! Brighten the eyes with under eye coverage – it is the secret behind well-rested looking eyes! Spot apply foundation wherever needed (it’s usually the nose & chin areas where you see the most redness & blotchiness), for a more natural finish. Freshen up the look with a pop of color on the cheeks and finish off with a bright lip color. The look is clean, fresh & modern. Best of all, it’s quick. If you still have a bit more time, further define the look with extra coats of mascara & perhaps some eyeliner too, and you look like you are ready to rock the day!
Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF15
Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks
Long Wear Cream Shadow
Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink
For women who work long hours, what are your tips to ensure that makeup stays fresh and is long lasting?
Make sure skin is well-hydrated & moisturized. Choosing the right skincare is very important. Start with a thin layer of BB Cream as a base, followed by a foundation that suits your skin type and meets your concers. Our Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF15 (RM160) is a favourite of among those who have oily skin, especially in our climate. The texture is silky and lightweight and it lasts for up to 12 hours without every feeling dry or taut. Set everything in place with a sheer loose powder. For blush, try something like our creamy Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks (RM90) as a base followed by a powder blush. Same goes with the lips, line & fill the lips with lip liner before applying lipstick. For eyes, you really can’t go wrong with our Long Wear Cream Shadow (RM95).Formulated with a special breathable polymer, it delivers water-resistant, transfer-proof color for up to 12 hours! For extra staying power, layer with powder eyeshadow before defining eyes with Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (RM85). Another long-wearing, transfer-resistant product that’s garnered many fans. To keep makeup fresh throughout the day, blot away excess oil with blotting papers and maybe, refresh the look a little with some powder where needed.
What are the essential Bobbi Brown makeup items which you always bring along with you when you are travelling?
I can’t live without our Face Touch Up Stick (RM100). It provides my skin a clean looking base. Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks (RM90) in Fresh Melon & Powder Pink are great because it gives radiance and freshness for both cheeks and lips. I set everything with a light dusting of Loose Powder. To complete – eyebrows! I define mine with the Bobbi Brown Brow Kit in Light (RM180). Bobbi has always said that brows frame the face – just like a beautiful frame enhances a beautiful picture!
Soothing Cleansing Oil
Buffing Grains
Extra Face Oil
What are your top 5 favourite Bobbi Brown skincare products and why?
- Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil (RM150). It’s a makeup remover & cleanser all-in-one. It removes every trace of makeup & impurity thoroughly without stripping off skin’s natural moisture. It cleanses your skin gently & keeps your skin well moisturized with Jojoba & Kukui Nut oils. It’s convenient & time-saving.
- Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains (RM160). A fully customizable scrub! How fabulous is that? You can use as much as you like and you can mix it with the cleanser of your choice. You can even use it with water, if you so choose. I usually use mine with Soothing Cleansing Oil (RM150) every alternate evening. And as a treat for my skin on the weekend, I mix it with Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse (RM230).
- Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream (RM245). The texture is so velvety that it glides on smoothly. Its power-packed ingredients help to soothe dryness & diminish under-eye darkness. It works very well as an under-eye makeup base too!
- Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream (RM190 for 50ml & RM270 for 100ml). The ultimate thirst quencher for thirsty skin! The Enriched Mineral Water Blend instantly revives and plumps up the skin.
- Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil (RM230). This is a great multi-purpose product! It soothes dryness instantly & helps to calm irritation & itchiness on skin. You can also use it as an overnight mask. Apply a generous amount onto the skin and leave it on. Your skin will look smoother and more radiant the next day. Bobbi Brown also has a fabulous range of perfumes.
Should working women wear perfume? In what ways can the wearing of perfume enhance a woman’s professional image?
For professional women, what are the relevant considerations to take into account in the choice of a perfume? Which Bobbi Brown perfume is your personal favourite? ‘Bobbi’ & ‘Beach’ are my personal favorite! ‘Bobbi’ is classy yet modern – incredibly sophisticated. And I just love the scent of Jasmine flower in ‘Beach’! Perfume wearing should not be limited to anybody or anytime, it’s self-indulgent. When you smell nice, it gives you a nice little perk! Having said that, I do think it’s important to wear something light and fresh for work. Especially in our climate. If you tend to like something heavier, wear it in moderation. It’s not nice to overpower people with one’s scent!
What can we look forward to in 2013 for the Bobbi Brown brand in Malaysia? Can we expect to see the opening of any new stores, especially in the Northern region?
Recently, we’ve opened three new free-standing stores in Klang Valley within the last 18 months. In Penang, we’ve grown from a counter to a full-fledged store! We recently started a Facebook site (www.facebook.com/BobbiBrownMalaysia) for the brand so we can interact with our fans. Phew! So the next year or so is going to be spent nurturing all these new ventures and also our existing ones too. Having said that, we’re always open to new opportunities and when the time is right… you’ll hear from us!
Many thanks to Bobbi Brown Malaysia for arranging this Q & A and for the images.
Thanks for the extra info!