Victoria Jackson on Why Less Makeup Means More You

We sat down with our founder, Victoria Jackson, to talk about what she really thinks. From why less mirror time matters to her 50-year-long No Makeup Makeup® philosophy - and why trends are the trap.

What does less mirror time mean to you?

The longer we sit in front of the mirror, the more time we have to pick ourselves apart. Suddenly you’re looking for everything that’s wrong instead of seeing everything that’s right. I want you to get ready, feel good and go live your life. There are so many better things to do with your time than stare in the mirror. 

What do people misunderstand about beauty?

I think we’ve made beauty way too complicated. We’re constantly being told there’s a new look, trend or new thing we’re supposed to change about ourselves. I don’t believe that. Beauty is personal. It’s whatever makes you feel good and feel like yourself.

How did you come up with “no makeup” makeup, the philosophy?

I’ve loved makeup since I was a little girl. Even when I became a makeup artist, I never wanted to cover people up. I wanted to see them. People would tell me, “Put more on!” and I’d say, “No. Less is best.” I’ve believed that my entire career. No makeup makeup is really where my heart is. It’s not just a look to me. It’s what I believe beauty should be.

What was it like to introduce the concept of “No Makeup” Makeup to the world?

In the ’80s, a no makeup makeup look was pretty radical. Everybody was wearing a lot of makeup, and I was saying, “Take it off. I want to see you.” I wanted to see beautiful skin. I wanted to see freckles. I wanted to see the person, not the makeup. And here we are all these years later, and people still want the same thing: to look like themselves, just really good. That never goes out of style. 

What does the word “reinvention” mean to you?

You have no idea what life is preparing you for. I didn’t graduate college. I didn’t graduate high school. If you had told me then what my life was going to look like, I never would have believed you. So be open. Be curious. Be resilient. When something doesn’t work, find another way. And don’t take no for an answer.

What’s the most overrated beauty trend?

Anything that makes you feel like you have to become somebody else. Trends change every five seconds. I’ve been in beauty long enough to watch them all come back around anyway! Confidence is the only trend I care about. Know who you are. Like who you are. Everything else is just makeup.

What’s the biggest mistake people make with foundation?

Being afraid of it! It’s foundation. It shouldn’t be complicated. I created No Makeup Makeup® Foundation because I wanted something that made your skin look beautiful without looking like you were wearing a lot of foundation. You should still see you. That’s the whole point.