How To Start Your Own Cosmetics Empire!
We’re thrilled today at Butter to have the opportunity to learn how it’s done from a beauty industry titan. Gang, we present Too Faced Cosmetics CEO, creative genius and all around great guy Jerrod Blandino.
Jerrod, tell us how you got your start in makeup?
I got a job behind the counter for Estee Lauder. It was the first and last company I’d work for before creating Too Faced.
Who were your major inspirations growing up? Have they changed throughout the years?
Madonna, H.R. Puffenstuff, Gaultier, Strawberry Shortcake, Coco Chanel, My Grandmother, and Tootie from “The Facts of Life”
What did you do prior to working in makeup?
I was an art teacher for kids, preschool to 6th grade.
Photo by: Scott Nathan
What steps did you take toward the creation of Too Faced Cosmetics?
I had quickly become obsessed with all things makeup. I began to destroy every tester in the cosmetics department at Saks where I worked and created some amazing signature products which I would sell to my clients. Jeremy my partner and the business brains saw an opportunity and together we sought out labs and made our dreams come true!
If not cosmetics, what alternative careers could you see yourself working in?
Television. For sure! I think I would be Kelly Rippa, with a penis of course!
One of the most asked questions we receive is “Why TOO and not TWO Faced?” Can you explain the inspiration behind your company’s name?
Too Faced is a term we coined working behind the counter for those makeup junkies who would completely melt down if we were out of their favorite lipstick or if their one of their signature products was discontinued. They were just too obsessed with their looks, ya know; “TOO” faced?! It’s beyond vain, and I loved them for it!
I know it’s like picking a favorite child, but what is your absolute favorite product from the Too Faced line?
It’s gotta be Lash Injection mascara. Not only did it completely turn the cosmetics industry on it’s ear with it’s 3D polymer that builds tubes around each lash that expand and stretch; but it’s the best selling product in our entire 10 plus years in business. I’m quite proud of that. And it’s just fucking AMAZING!
What are your best beauty tips for the “On-the-Go” girl who is super busy? What products are essential for completing a look?
You must have a great bronzer that works with your skin tone (we have 7 now I believe, it keeps growing because I’m obsessed with the various tones, textures, and nuances of a great tan for every occasion and skin-tone), The perfect mascara (Lash Injection of course), a pinky-nude lip color ( Totally Nude lipstick), and a second-skin of a foundation to even out blotchy or problem areas (my Magic Wand foundation is based in sea water and marine minerals so it helps to keep skin clear and healthy and it’s finish is almost cashmere like, the perfect skin texture you had when you were like 7 or 8 years old!)
What modern day person do you believe encompasses the Too Faced girl? Why?
Gwen Stefani, she bold, sexy, feminine, fabulous, confident, and self assured!
Too Faced is no stranger to helping a cause. You created the Betsy Baby duo-shadow in honor of Sephora’s Senior VP, who is a breast cancer survivor. Your sister Lisa, who was battling skin cancer, was also your inspiration for the Love Lisa beauty kit. We’d like to know how your sister is doing, and how can Too Faced fans can contribute to the cause?
Lisa is still battling melanoma, that type of skin cancer never goes into remission but rather, in simple terms goes to sleep. I am thrilled to say she is doing great! Thank God! She is a survivor and has been clean for over six years. We just returned from NY where we were given the humanitarian award from the Melanoma Research Foundation, an amazing group that is feverishly in pursuit of finding a cure for this horrible disease. Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer among 18 to 35 year olds today. It’s an epidemic! You can help by donating time and or money to the MRF and staying out of the sun. Fake your bake! With all of the fabulous self tanners and bronzers out there, (Too Faced has the best of course) there’s no reason to risk your health for a sexy glow.
Congrats with the 10 year anniversary of Too Faced! Where do you see yourself and Too Faced Cosmetics 10 years from now?
We’re going to take over the world! Too Faced will become a lifestyle brand. I plan on doing handbags, shoes, accessories, wallpaper, EVERYTHING!
What advice can you give aspiring makeup artists toward reaching the successes that you have accomplished?
If you have a dream, one that you feel in your gut. Not a wish; there’s a difference. But if you have that gut wrenching ambition that you just know is real, go for it! Don’t take no for an answer, and most importantly NEVER GIVE UP! You will fall and fail more times than you will want to remember, but learn from those hard times. Learn from your successes and keep moving toward the light!
Too Faced Cosmetics can be purchased at retailers like Sephora, Ulta and of course, http://www.toofaced.com
