A leading expert in global cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances, Desiree Reid recalls some of her earliest and happiest memories, watching her mother primp in front of the vanity. a?She would apply these false eyelashes, lots of black eyeliner, and her mod wig. It was the look in London in the 1960s.a? Over the course of her successful career, her unparalleled and innate beauty expertise has brought Reid to such iconic brands as Revlon, Max Factor, EstAe Lauder, and Avon, where she has developed and marketed products to consumers around the world. With the recent launches of IMAN Cosmetics and Jay Manuel Beauty under her stylish belt, she is a guru in new beauty technology and new markets, and practiced at the maxim she preaches to up-and-comers in the industry: a?Itas simple: Do what you love.a?
Name: Desiree Reid
Occupation: Senior vice president and general manager of Impala Inc., where she launched IMAN Cosmetics and the high-tech Jay Manuel line. a?IMAN Cosmetics was launched 20 years ago, and the brand is still very relevant and growing distribution globally. Jay Manuel Beauty is amazing because Jay has such a love of beauty and technology and has been able to combine both into products that perform and make the experience fun.a?
Beauty background: a?My mother was a beautician and I grew up with aunts who always wore makeup, but I really didnat think of a career in beauty until college, when I had interviewedAthe head of sales at Revlon for a course I was taking. Revlon was where I started my career, so I guess he was a great salesman.a?
Her work ethic: a?Very strong, which is important when you are charged with managing the images of two quite visible talents.a?
Her turning point: a?Definitely when I went to for work IMAN Cosmetics. I started as a consultant and, 20 years later, I am still growing and learning.a?
Her personal style: a?Casual. My work uniform usually encompasses a pair of jeans, a shirt, and a jacket.a?
Her slogan: a?This too shall pass.a?
Her vision of beauty: a?I don’t have a definition of beauty; I think itas defined and redefined at different times in our lives. At this point in my life, beauty, for me, is defined by how self-confident I feel and about how I look and feel inside and out.a?
Finding inspiration: a?Inspiration comes from everywhere, especially my travels. I am also inspired by the young people I work with.a?
In her bag: a?IMAN Luminous Foundation and Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick, my iPad mini, my phone, my keys, and my wallet.a?
Best beauty advice: a?When I was growing up, my mother always made sure I washed my face and moisturized in the morning and at night. Even now, I feel bad if I donat wash and moisturize twice a day.a?
Whatas next: a?For IMAN Cosmetics, we will continue to grow distribution and launch new and exciting products. For Jay Manuel Beauty, we expect to expand into brick and mortar soon, as well as go international.a?