Photon Courtesy of Rachel ten Brink
I know I’m not the only one curious about celebs, influencers, and industry insiders’ favorite beauty buys as well as who and what shapes their view of beauty in the biz.
Whether we consider ourselves a makeup maven, mane master, nail art authority, or fragrance aficionado, most of us have our pick on what we like to focus on or get the most excited about when it comes to beauty. But Rachel ten Brink likes to dabble — it’s pretty much the premise behind both of her brands she co-founded (and currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer for both). Scentbird, a monthly subscription sampling service, offers users a chance to find a fragrance they’ll fall head over heels for by taking their tastes, mood, and occasion, via a quick quiz, into account or simply select a scent they’re dying to spritz. Deck of Scarlet works similarly by offering users a new full-sized palette every other month, which comes complete with liners and lip colors, and partnering with influencers like Roxette Arisa to curate the colors.
That cosmetic curiosity has been instilled in ten Brink since she was small, playing with the products on her mothers’ dressing table and flipping through magazines for the latest launches. And it has served her well throughout her 15 years as a marketer in the beauty business, working for big brands like L’Oreal, Estée Lauder, Procter & Gamble, and Elizabeth Arden before launching both of her own. After playing with Scentbird’s plethora of perfumes and swatching some of the shades from Deck of Scarlet, I reached out the beauty mogul to get her take on how she balances her beauty looks, her biggest influences, and some of her current makeup musts.
On her approach to style: “My approach to beauty is a combination of classic with a pop of color. I grew up in Latin America so I am definitely not afraid of color! A bold red lip, a swish of blue liner, a little glitter here or there, I love all of it. I find it so important to integrate a little bit of the unknown, to not be afraid to try something new; which is one of the reasons my co-founders and I launched Deck of Scarlet.
“For fashion, I like to mix more neutral pieces with bold statement pieces. I love accessories, necklaces, rings, earrings, shoes — I change it up every day. I think when it comes to both beauty and fashion, it’s all about balance and not overpowering one trend with another but instead, utilizing one focal point whether it be a bright lip or a bright red shoes.”
On her beauty idols: “First of all, I would say my mother. She has always been incredibly glamorous and beautiful. She’s always put together, always enjoys beautiful clothes, fun makeup, and gorgeous fragrances. Her beauty is framed by incredible warmth and empathy; she is truly the person that lights up the room when she enters. I love that she’s always experimenting with Deck of Scarlet makeup and trying out new shades!
“Also, I worked for Estee Lauder earlier in my career and I truly admire her. She was a mother, a wife, and an entrepreneur. I love that she was in her 40’s when she started Estee Lauder and never stopped challenging herself and her company to do better. She understood the power of women, ‘confidence breeds beauty.'”
On Her first big beauty moment: “My first beauty memory is of my mother’s dressing table. She always had gorgeous perfume bottles —Opium, YSL Paris, L’Air du Temps —as well as boxes and boxes of gorgeous makeup. I remember the smell of the Clarins skincare she used at night and YSL Paris when she was going out.”
YSL Lipstick in Prune Avenue.
On her first beauty buy: “I have always been obsessed with beauty. I remember getting Seventeen magazine when I was growing up in Costa Rica. I would study the articles and ads and make a list of stuff I wanted — none of it was available in my local stores, only in the U.S. My dad would travel for work to the U.S. and I would send him with a huge list of items to pick up for me at the drugstore. Poor guy had no idea what he was shopping for!
“Later on, I remember buying myself a YSL lipstick in a deep chocolate brown when I was in college abroad in England at Harvey Nichols in London. It felt incredibly glamorous.”
On the best beauty advice she’s received: “When you’re feeling a little tired or a little beat up, wear red! A bright red lip can totally transform your face and your mood. Confidence goes a long way in making you feel and look beautiful.”
On her favorite beauty tip to share: “Dare to be bold. If you want to try that dark blue lip or holographic highlighter, do it! Just always remember to wash your face at the end of the day. Your skin will thank you later.”