As a makeup artist, Brown found that models want a more natural look when they aren’t on the catwalk. Brown gave it to them, and then to consumers. Ditching the garish blue eye shadow and fuchsia lipstick popular in the ’80s, she developed more muted shades, which took off after debuting at Bergdorf Goodman in 1991. Brown’s best-selling books and her energy as a spokeswoman helped separate her from the pack. Estée Lauder bought the company in 1995, but kept Brown as CEO. She lives in Montclair with her husband and their three children.
Read more Best Of Jersey articles.