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Despite almost two decades writing about her passion for beauty, from spas to skincare via scent, Caroline Brien can still work up an ‘ooohhh’ for the latest pretty palette or sublime serum texture. An author and former Beauty Features Director at Marie Claire, she also finds time to satisfy her frustrated inner film critic by helping out at the profits-to-charity London cinema 
Beauty aficionados, brace yourselves. Our blossoming love affair with the hi-lo approach to everything from fashion to food has now hit the cosmetics world too. Say hello to BeautyMART, an inspired shopping idea dreamed up by Ruby & Millie co-founder Millie Kendall and former Vogue Beauty Director Anna-Marie Solowij, that brings together an ever-evolving edit of the best high street and premium-priced products from around the globe.
Housed chicly, boutique-style in Harvey Nichols branches in London and Liverpool (with more to follow), it’s akin to an old-fashioned sweet shop for grown-ups, boasting cult brands like Becca Cosmetics, classics such as Camay soap and well kept secrets including CB I Hate Perfume. Staying on the subject of edible, their latest innovation is a BeautyMART vending machine in the Knightsbridge site with pre-packed beauty bags where the crisps and Diet Coke should be. For a fast fix you can stock up on kits such as the bling-tastic Clubbing and super-chic Vintage Glamour, filled with a selection of cosmetic essentials and priced from £3.45 to £98.
With almost 50 years experience between them spanning journalism, consultancy and retail, you’d be pressed to find a duo more perfectly qualified. We asked them to share some of industry insights and wisdom…
Anna-Marie Solowij and Millie Kendall introduce BeautyMART
After such a long and illustrious career, why do you still get excited about beauty products?
Millie Kendall: With every new generation there is a whole host of girls and women that are new to cosmetics. I’m really interesting to see what they buy and why.
Anna-Marie Solowiji: There’s always something new to get excited about, or something old I’ve forgotten that still excites me. What initially gets my attention is what would excite any woman: great packaging, a brilliant new gadget, fab colours and the promise of something truly transformational.
What’s been the biggest change in how we shop for beauty products recently?
MK: There isn’t a major change in the way we shop but in what retailers are beginning to recognise. I’ve always championed that “the customer is king” and it’s becoming apparent that the customer is leading the way so retailers are reacting.
A-MS: Online. It has changed the face of retail and not just in beauty.
What’s your top tip for successful beauty shopping?
MK: Go with your first instinct, be open-minded and don’t ever look too closely in a mirror – no one else does and you’ll only scare yourself if you do!
A-MS: Be informed. That way you’ll be able to see through the sales talk and the marketing right to the heart of the product.
What’s the next ‘big thing’ we’ll see in the beauty business?
MK: BeautyMART, what else could I say.
A-MS: BeautyMART, of course! The mix of high and low and the edit of products from different brands are how modern women shop.
Millie Kendall’s staple beauty products include everyday essentials such as Carmex lip balm and Bourjois Volume Clubbing mascara…
What are your current beauty essentials?
Millie Kendall
● Carmex Lip Balm - soothes my lips particularly when it’s cold season.
● Bourjois Volume Clubbing Mascara - I’m a new convert as it really is as good Maybelline’s revered Great Lash.
● Une BB Concealer is the closest to the original Nobara foundation by Shu Uemura I have ever found.
● CB I Hate Perfume At The Beach 1966 - I just love this scent as it reminds me of LA.
● Damone Roberts Brow Gain - helps grow back over-plucked brows.
Anna-Marie Solowiji
● Dead Sea Magik Bath Salts - they’ve stopped me getting post-yoga muscle ache.
● Balance Me Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve as it’s 100% natural and anti-chapping.
● Leilani Bishop Orange Blossom roll-on fragrance - I love orange blossom and was excited to see that Leilani was behind the brand. She’s a former model and we worked together in the early 2000’s.
● BabyBelle Body Buffer - I’m a total convert to this deep muscle electronic massage and body exfoliating gadget. It’s a bit of a budget buster (£295) but I use it every night on aching shoulders and legs.
● Face Stockholm Brow Fix - a brown tinted brow grooming gel that makes your brows super-glossy.
Anna-Marie Solowiji’s beauty product edit includes classic Dead Sea Magik bath salt, orange blossom perfume and rose otto lip salve
