NYX Cosmetics VP Bianca Bolouri Shares the Best Advice She’s Ever Received

#WomanCrushWednesday celebrates our favorite beauty influencers and women in the industry.

Here, Bianca Bolouri, Vice President of Marketing at NYX Professional Makeup shares her favorite products of the moment, the best piece of advice she’s ever received and what beauty means to her.  

How did you get started in makeup?

Far too young, well at least that’s what my mom told me. I started probably around 12 years old.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Being a mom of a 2 year-old, my day is usually pretty crazy! I work out in the morning and then take care of my little man until our nanny gets there. Then, I power through getting hair and makeup done. My day is pretty hectic; I am usually in back-to-back in meetings the moment I walk into the door — sometimes I even forget to put on my lipstick. Then, it’s home and within minutes I am in sweats, top bun and focused on quality time with my son.

What's your holy grail makeup product you keep in your purse, and why can't you live without it?

I have three holy grails! One, powder foundation — best for quick touch-ups. Two, lipstick — at least four cause I never know how I will feel. And three, lip balm … after so many matte lipsticks, my lips need some nourishment!

What's coming up at NYX Professional Makeup that you're most excited about?

We are about to launch a program that combines the worlds of online and offline with makeup professionals and beauty influencers! It will be the first time where a brand takes talent from the ones behind the camera and the ones in front to make the largest online library of makeup content and DIY!

Take us through your daily makeup routine — do you tend to reach for neutrals on an everyday basis, or do you like to throw in a lot of color?

My makeup routine is robust, but at the same time over the past few years I’ve really streamlined it. Typically, I start with foundation, concealer (I love to use a very light color to lighten my face) then I do a quick contour to add a little more dimension. I always set with finishing powder — gotta love that matte look. Then, golden highlight, brush the brows and add a pop of blush. For my eyes, it's either a smoky eye with neutrals or a simple cat eye. My go-to trick if I am in a rush: I put bronzer on my eyelids as a shadow and run with it.

How has working in makeup impacted your life, and what moment in your career are you most proud of?

I am grateful for working in makeup because I have noticed from various panels I’ve been on or conversations with women that we all struggle with makeup. What is too much, too little, what looks good on me, how long does it take, etc. so I love working in the field because its allowed me to learn makeup and what works and then perfect it to ensure that it’s a no brainer, easy, faster approach! I would say there is no number one highlight; there have been many in different ways! Probably the largest was actually launching a massive hair care brand in the US and seeing it flourish, struggle and flourish again. It’s a tough category, not very “beauty” first and yet it was the hardest and most rewarding launch ever.

Do you have a favorite NYX campaign or project you've ever worked on?

Oh man! No, no! I can’t pick one! I’ll go with my most recent which is the launch of Love You So Mochi. It was the most whimsical and fun launch. The whole activation was so fun and playful it took me into a new world.

Tell us a little bit about your blog, The Giddy Life — what prompted you to start it?

Have time for a thesis? Ha! Overall, I started it because going into parenthood we felt we were constantly getting the typical parent download — “sleep now before the baby comes,” “enjoy your date nights before the baby comes” etc. Once Mr. Parker entered this world we just made a conscious decision to focus on our son but not at the loss of our relationship and overall lives. We integrated him and had a blast doing it — this is something I wanted to share with mamas! Also who doesn’t love a good hack? That was a huge focus on the blog, too.

What's the best advice you've ever received, and from whom?

My dad has always asked me… in school, sports and my career: “so what”? “So what if you fail your exam, lose your job, etc.” This way of thinking has unlocked any fears and limitations I’ve ever put in myself. When you think about the worst case and know you are ok with it, then it immediately frees you.

And with that, what's your advice for an aspiring beauty brand director?

Focus on your consumer. Do what you think is right. Surround yourself with people who are smarter, and own the worst case scenario of it all!

If you weren't in makeup, what would you be doing?

I would own my own business — likely something for moms and kids!

And finally, what does beauty mean to you?

Beauty means comfort. Comfort in my own skin.