Still Bobbi: Lessons on Building a Beautiful Life

by Bobbi Brown

“Feeling stuck? You need to read this book…Let [Bobbi’s] powerful story be your reminder that you don’t need permission and you don’t have to feel ready. You just have to start.” —Mel Robbins

Bobbi Brown, iconic and innovative makeup maven and beauty entrepreneur, shares her personal story of invention and reinvention in her captivating first memoir.

Beauty mogul and visionary Bobbi Brown changed the face of the makeup industry and built a billion-dollar cosmetics brand…twice. In Still Bobbi, she tells her life story and reveals the secrets to her success.

In the early ’90s, when makeup trends were about covering, contouring, and concealing, Bobbi blazed her own path, using makeup that accentuated a woman’s natural beauty. In the process, she revolutionized the cosmetics industry. At twenty-five, Bobbi moved to New York City to become a makeup artist and managed to break through the tall gates of the fashion and beauty industry. Eight years later, she got a Vogue cover. By age thirty-seven, she sold her namesake brand to Estée Lauder for a life-changing sum, and spent the next twenty-two years building it into a billion-dollar business. Then, one day, Bobbi was called upstairs and unceremoniously told she was no longer in charge of the brand she built. At fifty-nine years old, she had to reinvent herself and begin all over again, a journey that ultimately led her to launch her clean makeup brand Jones Road Beauty.

Through all her hardships, her ethos has remained consistent—embrace who you are, flaws, freckles, and wrinkles included. This is not just Bobbi’s beauty philosophy—it’s how she built a beautiful life for herself. Her rules are Real is better than fake. Simple is better than complicated. Family comes first. And when real life throws you obstacles, pivot and just figure it out.

After all this time, she’s still Bobbi.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Business, Biography, Biography Memoir, Autobiography

320 pages, Paperback

Published September 8, 2026

About the author

In addition to running her company, Bobbi continues to pursue her craft by creating the runway looks for New York Fashion Week. A permanent fixture backstage, she works with the industry’s best designers including Rachel Roy, J. Mendel, Erin Fetherston, Tory Burch and Cynthia Rowley.

Bobbi often does how-to segments on The Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and her advice can be found in syndicated columns and advice features for magazines and websites around the globe.

Of course, you can always find Bobbi where she began—on the set. Bobbi is still the world's most celebrated makeup artists for personalities and fashion magazines.

A New York Times bestselling author, Bobbi has written five instructional and engaging beauty and lifestyle books: Bobbi Brown Beauty, Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty, Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution, Bobbi Brown Living Beauty and Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual.

For Bobbi, making other people's lives better simply makes sense. "I love helping others because it feels good," she says. On a year-round basis, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics donates generous financial and in-kind support to organizations including Dress for Success and the Jane Addams Vocational High School.

Reviews

[JaymeO · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring entrepreneurial memoir!

Bobbi Brown is a Chicago born make-up artist who created a billion-dollar make-up company based on the “No Make-up Makeup” look. When she came up with idea in the 1980s, no one was buying it. Stuck in a decade of punk rock and bright colors, she would have to wait until the early 1990s to launch her brand. Consumers loved her concept and so did Estee Lauder. They quickly bought her company and kept her on board. However, she signed a non-compete clause that would prevent her from creating other brands and business for 40 years. In her 60s, she was finally able to launch Jones Road, a make-up line made from 100% clean ingredients. Brown shares tips, wisdom and business savvy to inspire others to follow their dreams and make their ideas a reality.

I listened to the audiobook which is read by the author. While I enjoy listening to memoirs that are read by the person who wrote them, Brown sounded like she was reading, as it was very one note, and negatively affected my reading experience. I didn’t dislike this format, but I didn’t love it either.

I enjoyed learning the ins and outs of the beauty industry from someone who grew up a few towns over from me. I immediately formed a connection with her early childhood memories. I was also intrigued to learn that she served on a committee for the Obama administration! However, at times Brown does come off as very full of herself, painting a picture of a rich socialite.

Overall, this book was a mixed bag for me. It’s a short read, so maybe give it a try!

3.5/5 stars rounded up

[Anastasiia Yezhova · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Still Bobby—it’s a very easy, fast read, and as someone who currently works at The Estée Lauder Companies, I found it genuinely fascinating to follow Bobbi Brown’s journey and her relationship with ELC. The story shows both sides: how the company gave her huge opportunities and reach, but also how she ultimately felt let down.
That said, this memoir feels more like a clean timeline of her life than a deeply revealing book. The language is simple, the pacing is smooth, and while she does try to be reflective, she doesn’t really dig deep into any topic. It’s more “here’s what happened and what I’m comfortable sharing” than an emotionally raw, fully open memoir.
Overall: a very interesting biography—especially if you’re curious about the beauty industry and the Bobbi/ELC story—but not a book that left me feeling like I truly met her on a deeper level.

[Tara Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fun read. I love learning how successful entrepreneurs start their business(es) and overcome obstacles, and I felt like Bobbi Brown balanced the personal vs work storytelling well.

[Elnora A · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! Bobbi’s memoir was well written and engaging. It was like sitting down and having a conversation with a good friend — once I started it, I didn’t want to stop! I really enjoyed learning Bobbi’s story— both the personal side as well has how Bobbi Brown Essentials and later Jones Road Beauty came to be. I love her philosophy on beauty and her outlook on life. Her attitude & resilience through the ups & downs (which we all experience!) was truly inspiring—I’m even more impressed with her & JRB than I was before. If you’re a fan of Bobbi or JRB (or if you just like a good, inspirational story), you should read Still Bobbi!

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

@justbobbidotcom is definitely a girl that has made her own sparkle!! ✨ What a fantastic account of her life. Thank you so much @scribnerbooks #partner for my gorgeous gifted copy! 🥰🥰🫶

I both jumped back and forth between the audiobook and the physical book. That was definitely a win win situation. The audiobook is wonderful as it is narrated by Bobbi herself. I loved feeling her excitement and her emotions shone through on so many levels. The physical copy is fantastic as well… especially with photos I have never seen before at the start of each chapter. 😍

I am a true Bobbi Brown cosmetics girl… it’s definitely my go to. So I loved learning more about this woman that built this multi million dollar empire from the ground up… and stayed true to herself. 💄💖

From Vogue… supermodels and movie 🎥 stars… Let’s not forget the presidents… Bobbi has found herself in great company over the years and I couldn’t get enough of hearing the stories of how she found herself being thrown into the spotlight as her brand gained steam.

What an amazing ride Bobbi has had! It was inspiring, fascinating and entertaining. I highly enjoyed it!! Side note… when I was in The Hamptons for The Hamptons Whodunit.. I saw 👀 the Jones Road store and the line was out the door!! Next time I need to make time to stop in. 😍💄❤️

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m kinda sorry I read this. Bobbi Brown is an icon to my generation, developing the famous “no makeup makeup” look that I (and, I’m sure, millions of Gen Xers and Xennials) still adhere to today. I own a few of her instructional books, I went to her makeup counter (twice!) in preparation for my wedding, and I still mourn the discontinuation of her lavender-scented face wash that was the most amazing face wash I’ve ever used (seriously. It’s been 20 years & I still think of it longingly). But perhaps her telling her story in her own words wasn’t the best idea. She is absolutely ignorant of her own privilege - most grandfathers do not get invited to the White House to meet the president after having built an absurdly successful business, like hers did. Yes, she did create two successful businesses herself but she definitely had a leg-up when she got started. And, while she does admit at some point that she doesn’t have a literary mind, this was written at a painfully low reading level. It was simplistic to the point of being absurd. And hearing her pronounce “especially” as “ekspecially” was pretty cringe. Sorry, Bobbi, I love you, your products, and your philosophy on embracing your natural appearance, but perhaps it would have been better for the wizard to stay behind the curtain.

[Danielle Andreozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an easy read from the beginning I was hooked. I couldn’t put the book down. Bobbi is such a relatable down to earth person. I love how she didn’t bend what she has always stood for. She is the Queen of the No-Makeup Makeup look. She didn’t invent makeup but she reinvented it. There is no one quite like Bobbi Brown!!! Go read this book now!!!!

[Cindy(groundedinreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning about Bobbi’s start in cosmetics and everything that she embraces! A truly authentic woman who believes in enhancing natural beauty and empowering women!

Thank you Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook!

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Marysue Rucci Books for sending me a free advance reader’s copy!

4.5⭐️ out of 5

After graduating college, Bobbi Brown moved to NYC and worked as a makeup artist in the 1980s. A decade later, she created a line of ten lipstick shades that were so popular, it led to her launching a cosmetics company. Estée Lauder later bought the company and Bobbi retained creative control for about twenty years. She is known for her natural, clean look make up style and both Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and her new beauty brand, Jones Road, have been wildly successful.

A fascinating memoir featuring a trailblazer in the beauty industry. She’s a perfect example of finding your passion and creating your own path. With setbacks and disappointments along the way, Bobbi remains resilient and figures out how to bounce back and move on. Highly recommend if you are looking for an inspiring read.

[Jody Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bobbi Brown is from Montclair and I have used some of her products to I thoroughly enjoyed reading her memoir. Learning about how she entered the world of cosmetics, all the famous people she has worked with and coming to understand how cosmetics are made. Quick, fun book, full of pictures and inside information on places so close to home.

[melhara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first 5-star read of the year! And what a great way to start the year - with an inspiring and empowering memoir about a businesswoman, entrepreneur and beauty industry expert, Bobbi Brown.

This memoir details Bobbi's ups and downs throughout her career. From starting in the industry as a makeup artist to creating her own products, partnering with Estee Lauder and creating a billion-dollar company; hustling while raising three sons; and then pursuing several other different business ventures (including publishing several books and running a hotel, just to name a few)... Needless to say, Bobbi's journey was absolutely fascinating.

If you've ever been to or shopped at Sephora, you've likely seen Bobbi Brown Cosmetics - the very first makeup brand that Bobbi created, which revolutionised the makeup industry and made the 'no makeup-makeup' look popular. She also invented products like gel ink and foundation sticks! Most recently, if you've been on TikTok or Instagram, you'll likely have seen ads for Bobbi's newest company, Jones Road Beauty (I know I have! Bobbi Brown's social media presence has not gone unnoticed).

Turns out, when Bobbi sold Bobbi Brown Cosmetics to Estée Lauder, she signed a deal stipulating that Estée would own her brand and her name, that she couldn't start a competing business for 25 years.

I did the math on my fingers. I was thirty-seven years old. In twenty-five years, I'd be... thirty-eight, thirty-nine, forty... sixty-two! Time to retire! Pour me a tequila shot!

I turned to Steven and uttered those famous last words: I won't want to work when I'm sixty.

Well, the day her non-compete ended, Bobbi launched Jones Road Beauty. The path that led her to starting this new makeup company wasn't an easy one, and I loved reading about all the lessons she learned from her first brand and from her decades of experience, to how she's running her current startup company differently while also maintaining her philosophy that makeup should look natural and be used to enhance someone's natural beauty.

Story time:
For my high school prom, my mom hired a makeup artist to do my makeup and a hairstylist to do my hair. Before this, I never wore makeup (other than for dance recitals from when I was 6 to 8 years old). So when the makeup artist started layering heavy makeup on my skin, applying thick fake lashes, and gave me the most extravagant eye makeup to match my dress, I was horrified. I never knew what cake face meant until I looked in the mirror. I cried, and I rarely cry. You might think I'm being dramatic, but the makeup artist ruined the one day of my teenage life where I was supposed to look and feel beautiful. I still went to prom with the full makeup look because I didn't want to ruin the work that my mom paid so much money for.

When I went to my friend's prom (at another school) the following week, wearing the same beautiful dress, my mom applied my makeup for me - just bb cream, light blush, and a few coats of mascara. I had never felt more beautiful.

Fast forward a few years, my roommate in college taught me how to apply makeup, and I started experimenting with the 'no makeup' makeup look, which I love.

And that's why Bobbi Brown's messaging and philosophy of developing clean and natural makeup that makes you feel and look good resonates with me. I like how I look, and I don't want to mask that with heavy makeup. I just want something light to even my complexion and give my skin a healthy glow - is that too much to ask for? Apparently not, because Bobbi Brown is here and she has a solution: Jones Road Beauty.

Some key matters I took away from this book:

- I get the impression that Bobbi is an extrovert or really knows how to network because so many of the people who helped get her to where she's at were strangers that she'd strike up a conversation with (including meeting a cosmetics buyer for a department store at a party, or striking up a conversation with a random a lady in her apartment's elevator who happened to work at a cosmetics lab?). She's either great at befriending people or the universe really wants her to succeed.

- Bobbi is definitely a workaholic and will never stop working.

- Bobbi is clearly proud of her sons Dylan, Cody and Duke, but Duke is definitely Bobbi's favourite child, right?

- Time for me to check out Jones Road Beauty!

*All quotes are taken from an Advanced Readers Copy and may change prior to the release of the final copy.*

**I had received a physical ARC from the publisher for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have to preface that I am a big Bobbi Brown fan, buying her first book in 1998 in my 20’s. She is an icon. I coveted her make up a little at a time back then and am a convert to her current line, Jones Road, now in my 50’s. Going to her store in Chicago is a field trip and more fun with friends.

Her memoir is mostly what I expected. Bobbi was born into an upper middle class family. Her grandfather immigrated to the US as a young man and built a successful car dealership. He was a role model for hard work. Her parents were also hard working, her father a lawyer and her mom, a beautiful and perfection driven house wife. She described the family she grew up in and how she was impacted, both positively and negatively.

Bobbi went to college and struggled to find her path until a conversation led her to make up artistry and Emerson College. She was scrappy and hit the streets of New York City trying to find footing as a make up artist. Eventually, as we know, she does and with great force and impact in the fashion industry. Her signature look was fresh and natural, not necessarily what the 80’s and 90’s was about, but she was firm about who she was and it paid off.

She shares her story, of raising a family while building a career, trying to balance being a business woman and a mom, driven but down to earth. I think she accomplished that. What I was curious about was when did Bobbi Brown make up stop being hers. She described her experience working with Estee Lauder over many years. Things were fabulous until they weren’t. She candidly shares her disappointments and successes. Eventually she finds her footing again with Jones Road, her current clean make up brand.

Bobbi Brown’s writing is very approachable and honest. I think she tells her story with integrity. I enjoyed this read, I felt like I received an honest peek behind the curtain of who Bobbi is and the challenges she has faced and the success she has enjoyed.

[Anna Kate Newall · Rating 4 out of 5]

BB is a BB (boss b!tch) and I loved hearing all about her journey to finding a career that paired with her passions and the work she had to put into build a life she loved. Hearing the stories of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Jones Road was so great - I found myself smiling and laughing throughout. Her words at the end are so true and a great reminder; you can always build again.

[Sue Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked hearing Bobbi Brown tell her own story in this memoir.

[Rena Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very VERY easy read. Felt very seen / heard by Bobbi’s career and creativity. Very inspiring to read someone who has successfully lived out a version of my dream! Reading this has only made me respect her as an innovator & entrepreneur even more

[Heather Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read the Galley of this new book. I’ve been a Bobbi fan for a long time and I enjoyed “getting to know her” through her story. The book is a great read - it’s positive, uplifting and inspiring. It has just the right amount of detail to keep the reader engaged but moves through the time line at a comfortable pace without being invasive.

So many things happen to us for reasons we don’t always understand, sometimes reading about someone else’s experiences demonstrates our common values and helps us recognize our own worth.

[Ali Printz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Jones Road for the advanced copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I grew up using Bobbi Brown makeup and pored over Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty. Now, as an adult, reading Bobbi's story was such a delight. I was hooked by her candor and straightforward approach to the book. I really enjoyed learning more about her background, her passion and grit as she truly built a business. But what stood out the most were her nuggets of wisdom around resiliency and always making it work.

[Lily Feinberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn’t necessarily an earth shattering book, but I really love Jones Road Beauty and I do love a celeb (is Bobbi a celeb idk) memoir moment, so I decided to read this. It’s not particularly well written, but it’s a super fast read, and I did enjoy it. Bobbi Brown is undoubtedly a remarkable business woman, and I think the strongest parts of the book were where she talked about her beauty philosophy and her firm belief that makeup should be about enhancing natural beauty. A lot of her discussion of celebrating aging, accepting and celebrating women’s beauty as it stands, and not adhering to the societal norm of women needing to cover all of their blemishes was extremely moving. I don’t think I realized how groundbreaking that sort of belief in natural makeup was back when she pioneered it, and I did love learning more about that.

A lot of this, however, read a little…. Spoiled? There wasn’t much description of any hardship or overcoming of obstacles (which adds necessary ebb and flow to a memoir) and there was a lot of inherent privilege sprinkled throughout the book that was def cringe in spots (a lot of talk of multiple vacation homes, large home renovations, personal drivers, etc). However, I still enjoyed reading this and did find it elevated my existing admiration for Bobbi Brown.

[Hilary Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️🎧 this was a quick audiobook! Enjoyable to listen to Bobbi narrate.

[Selena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I listened to the audiobook and Bobbi has a great narration voice, it felt like I was at a wine bar chatting with a friend hearing her story. I really enjoyed learning all about what happened with her and the Estee Lauder and how her brand Jones Road was created! I also unaware how involved with the Obamas she was. I know this was her memoir, and she has written books about makeup application but I expect more of that in this book. I also felt like she is out of touch at times.

[Alyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

she was too busy name dropping to establish any of her real relationships with the people who helped build the brands that she did.

this felt incredibly guarded, she has walls up and I would have appreciated a deeper dive into the development of her brand and products

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Still Bobbi felt like sitting down for a heart-to-heart with Bobbi Brown herself. The writing is approachable, humorous , down-to-earth, and sprinkled with both surprising stories and heartfelt lessons.

I was fascinated by the background that shaped her: her grandfather’s business drive, her glamorous mother, her father’s encouragement, and her grandmother and aunt teaching her comfort and authenticity. I never realized Bobbi had struggled with her image, and her “ah ha” moment of realizing she could be beautiful too was eye-opening.

Her career stories were full of unexpected turns, from her early hustling to her first big breaks. I loved how she studied everyday women, like moms in the park, to create makeup that was simple, quick, and real. Her product innovations always came from wanting beauty to be accessible for busy women.

What really shines is how she stayed true to herself - whether turning down the pressure to become a “fabulous New Yorker” or being the mom at the soccer game even while building a global brand. She valued family, kindness, and authenticity over glamour.

I was saddened to read about her struggles with Estée Lauder, but inspired by how she held her ground and then launched Jones Road Beauty the very day her non-compete ended. I’m already a fan of JRB, so it was exciting to read how it came to life.

Her reflections on aging gracefully, her “I Am Me” series, and ending with the Impact Award tie everything together beautifully. This memoir shows a powerhouse entrepreneur who is still humble, authentic, and deeply family-centered.

As a longtime fan (and a Wisconsinite who loved reading about her Chicago/Wisconsin connections!), this book made me appreciate her even more. Honest, inspiring, and full of lessons for women at any stage of life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advance copy. Opinions are my own.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of Bobbi Brown, and avid user of her products, I was excited to receive this book from Bobbi and Simon & Schuster. I was already familiar with the basic facts of her career, so it was interesting to read about her inspirations. I love to know all the behind the scenes tidbits and stories, and Bobbi did not disappoint. I learned about the creation of her first makeup company, its success and later the drama and eventual parting of ways. Luckily, it led to her creating Jones Road, the ideal makeup for women of a certain age. I get compliments all the time, not on my makeup, but on how good my skin looks. People think this is just my natural skin! It’s amazing, she’s amazing, and I’m glad to have had the chance to read her story.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been interested in the culture of fashion since I used to sit reading Vogue at the beauty parlor waiting on my mother - who had a standing 10:00 appointment every Friday, I know who Bobbi Brown is. However, I am not much of a makeup wearer, so I admit, I have never purchased her makeup. That may change Jones Street, here I come.
This book was a delight from start to finish and so refreshing to read about a woman who certainly typifies resilience and authenticity. If you have any interest in fashion, in reading about what happens behind the scenes, in following the successful rise of a small independent company to becoming a billion dollar industry, this is the book for you. Brown's creativity and optimism is very uplifting and
something to keep in mind. I will be thinking about her saying "so what, now what," for quite a while.
I can't wait to get my two nieces a copy of this book, they will love it - they can't have mine!
Thank you to Goodreads for my copy.

[Olivia Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an icon! I loved this little peak into the mind of such a successful and driven woman. Bobbi Brown truly changed the beauty industry in the 90s & she just seems so cool!

This memoir was a quick read. It was interesting to learn how she started Bobbi Brown and the journey it took her on. And it was so fun to hear about the girly world of fashion and makeup from an industry veteran!

[Shannon Tharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Bobbi was a great story of Bobbi’s hard work and dedication to get to where she is today. It was so interesting to read about her younger years, her stories of perseverance through working in a large corporation, and her amazing success with creating Jones Road Beauty. An amazing story of hard work, dedication, resilience, authenticity, being true to yourself, and proud of who you are.

[Katelyn Lunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new fav celebrity memoir! Bobbi is such an inspiration, what an amazing lady. I used to pour over her beauty books in elementary and middle school, I checked them out from the library over and over. This book told her story of building two iconic beauty brands and what it’s like to start over.

[Lindey]

🎧love a good memoir, even someone I didn’t initially know much about. I really enjoyed hearing about the business/marketing/product ideas from Bobbi. Like most celebs, some comments were out of touch (headed to her house in the Hamptons during Covid - good for her!) but overall an interesting read.

[Lucie Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of my favorites! It captured a great essence of what Bobbi Brown's journey was as a fashion designer and what challenges and successes she faced. It was very intriguing and kept me reading.

[Camille Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It was cool to learn more about someone I knew about from a young age. I had no idea she was as famous as she is. She’s done a lot in her life and I loved learning about her influence on the makeup industry over the years.