Season 13, Episode 7: Understanding the beauty industry (with guest Ruby Hammer MBE)

Dahlia is joined by Ruby Hammer MBE one of the UK's leading makeup artists to discuss the beauty landscape today and share her story. Ruby reflects on her upbringing in Nigeria, the influence her mother's style had on how she now dresses and the resilience she has built through her career. Dahlia and Ruby discuss the beauty industry today, why to buy certain products and how to understand what works for you. Ruby talks about managing menopause, her divorce and gives her outlook on the world and what truly makes someone beautiful. Ruby Hammer MBE’s stellar beauty career has made her one of the most recognisable and sought-after makeup artists, beauty and grooming experts in the world. From creating iconic looks on 80s supermodels to launching Ruby & Millie, the first British inclusive makeupartist range. In 2007 Ruby received an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to the cosmetics industry. Ruby has been pushing boundaries andredefining the beauty category for over 40 years. Today, Ruby remains numberone on speed dial for celebrities, royalty, and editors alike – just as sought after for her unrivalled industry insight as her award-winning eponymous products.Ruby’s passion for colour started at a young age. Born in Jos, Nigeria to Bangladeshi parents, she moved to London in at the age of twelve, where she discovered the world of beauty – covering her bedroom wall with torn out iconic looks from her favourite makeup artists instead ofpop stars. Before obtaining her BA (Hons), her career began on the shop floor in Harrods, where the store discount was used to buy makeup and international fashion magazines. A chance encounter led to being invited to work as assistantto a leading makeup artist, gaining experience working on the top fashion magazines of the time and building key contacts. A few short years later, Ruby was a leading makeup artist in her own right – creating her own iconic looksfor editorial and red carpets, and breaking boundaries as one of the first makeup artists of colour to feature regularly on British TV.Today, Ruby remains one of the leading makeupartists in the world with a huge presence in both print, digital and social platforms. Her beauty motto is “Makeup shouldn’t be a mask”, preferring to use her skill to emphasise your features and celebrate difference. Always achampion of diversity and age inclusivity, she avoids filters and photoshopping on her social media feeds celebrating natural beauty, creating and defining newinfluences rather than following the trends. In addition, Ruby being recognised for her impeccable style and design sense, has been hand-picked to collaboratewith brands such as Scamp and Dude and Wyse and served as ambassador on both commercial and charitable projects. She is loved by her peers and VIP clients both for her innovation and genius, as well as for her huge heart and willingness to give back.