More Than Just Lipstick: My Journey Through the Beauty Industry

My life in the beauty industry has been a rich journey of discovery—filled with stories, reflections, and an ever-evolving exploration of trends. It’s a world that goes far beyond the surface, revealing the deeper connections between beauty, confidence, and self-expression.

From timeless classics to groundbreaking innovations, there’s always something new to uncover. Join me as I share musings and insights that invite you to see beauty as so much more than just lipstick.

A Life Of Beauty

Early In Life

The Five Senses Of Beauty

The creation of beauty products relies on the five senses. From the moment someone holds something in their hands it is the beginning of a new journey. It captures a collection of our senses that resonates at a very personal level. Through the sense of look, touch, smell, taste and sound. It is these senses that directs our desires. Without these senses there would be no beauty.

I have spent my career working on some of the most iconic beauty and lifestyle brands. And each day I stop and pause and think how lucky I have been. When I am in a beauty destination, I think how wonderful it is to be a part of this world. A world of bringing products to life and knowing they are having a positive impact on someone’s life.

The World Of Beauty

Many people think that this world is frivolous. I say not. The beauty and personal care industry is about making people feel better about them themselves – for both women and men. And to create a feeling of well-being. This could be from experiencing that first sensory lift from the top note of your fragrance. Or the revitalising feeling clean, fresh skin makes you feel after a shower. Or re-applying your lipstick after a long day at the office before stepping out in into the world.

Growing up surrounded by beauty, and extending this into my professional life, has created extraordinary experiences for myself. From my first Elizabeth Arden skincare program I was given at the age of twelve, to attending fragrance school in Paris in my early twenties, I knew that my destiny would lead me to beauty. At the time I did not know the impact this would have on my work.

The Beauty Business

The beauty and personal care industry is at the forefront of technologies and was one of the first industries that embraced naturally derived products. Clean Beauty has become a global trend though innovation and science. It is an industry, though the global foundation Look Good – Feel Better, that raises millions of dollars a year for Cancer Research. And, where globally employs hundreds of thousands of people across development, design, manufacturing, operations and retail to pursue their professional dreams. It is an industry that presents thousands of brands to the world generating global revenue like no other consumer industry.

When I am in discussion with some of the most knowledgeable product developers and testing a potential new product my first question is always ‘would I want to use this product myself’? If the answer is no, then I know we are not there – so it is back to the bench.

Dreams Do Come True

From that young girl bewitched by a perfect scent to my life today traveling the world in search of that latest product innovation, did I know then that I would meet Leonard Lauder at Cosmoprof and discuss what makes great cosmetic packaging for a few minutes? Or collaborate with some the most innovative research groups such as Intercos Cosmetics, Schwan and Fiabila Nail Colour, to name just a few. Or walk up the entrance on a cold winter’s afternoon to the Faber & Castell Castle Estate in the heart of Nuremberg. To then discover the beauty of lip and eye pencils that have been created on this site for ninety years.

BASED IN SCIENCE

For those of you that dream about working in an industry that promotes both internal and external beauty through the creation of products that have their basis in technology and science, it is challenging work. For those of us lucky enough the hard work it is well worth it. I see it in the final finished product as it is unwrapped from a beautifully designed carton. Or when you hold a well-crafted jar in your hand. Or when you unseal the embossed gold cap, to reveal a rich texture of product destined to be applied to the face. All this resulting in a feeling of well-being.

From that little girl bewitched by my glamorous mother to the woman I am today it is a beauty life. And I am still searching for that perfect red lipstick. And grateful for every moment.

So, dream a little – it may just happen to you.

Fran Benaud

Founder | Beauty Life Moments

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