Interview with Natalie Bloom

Livia talks with Natalie Bloom the creator of Bloom Cosmetics 16 years ago and still going strong!

1: Livia: How did you get started with beauty products, all those years ago and where did you get the inspiration to get your own product range?
Bloom began as a hobby selling home-made gift cards and gift ideas to small stores. I didn’t have a long-term strategy and simply created quality products that I was passionate about and that had a strong design sensibility. At the time, I never dreamed that Bloom could become a global success story.

However, over time I became a lot more strategic with how I developed Bloom and the direction I took the business in. My range of gift products grew to include Essential Oil Blends, Massage Oils and an Aromatherapy Lip Balm. The Lip Balm evolved into Lipsticks, Lip Gloss and Lip Shine which then led to eye products. Soon a full cosmetics line was on the horizon!

Sixteen years on, Bloom’s range has swelled to feature over 300 products including colour cosmetics, skincare and a bath and body range. From Dubai and Bangkok to London and Beverly Hills, Bloom is now a brand that is stocked across the globe.

2: Livia: How much time you spend on yourself a day? (Beauty, personal development, fitness etc.)
In today’s super-charged world, it is often hard to find time for yourself. But, regardless of how busy things are with work and my family, I always make sure I take a few moments to enjoy the romance and ritual of applying makeup.

3: Livia: What is your regular beauty routine?
I’m a low maintenance girl but a stickler for the basics! Twice a day I cleanse with Bloom’s Nut’s About You – Sweet Almond Cleansing Oil as this is truly the most gentle and effective way to remove makeup and impurities. I also moisturise in the morning and evening so that my skin looks hydrated and fresh and exfoliate every other day.

In terms of turning back the clock, I believe prevention is better than cure! So my daily beauty routine also religiously includes applying Daily Shield – Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30+. This oil-free, feather light formula is ideal for wearing under makeup and protects me from wrinkles and spots caused by everyday exposure to the sun.

4: Livia: Do you have a favourite beauty product that you can’t live without and Why?
Choosing just one beauty product is like asking me to say which of my children is my favourite! But if I had to choose, it would be a dead tie between Lip Gloss and Mascara. Even if I don’t have time to do a full face of makeup, a lick of Mascara and quick swipe of Lip Gloss instantly gives me a beauty boost that changes the colour of my day!

5: Livia: Do you have a home beauty remedy that you swear by?
I absolutely adore Bloom’s Shower Cap – it brightens every shower time and believe it or not, my home beauty remedy involves wearing it even when I’m washing my hair! Maximise the performance of your hair treatment by shampooing, then gently squeezing excess water out. Put your treatment in and pop your shower cap on. Then, allow water to fall over your cap so that it steams up and helps ingredients penetrate the hair shaft.

6: Livia: What sort of products or treatments do you splurge on and why?
When it comes to my beauty budget, I believe that brushes are the best place to splurge. The difference between using a good quality makeup brush rather than a cheaper version is like cashmere to cotton! Other than brushes, I’m also very partial to splurging on a manicure as perfectly polishes nails are the ideal accessory for any outfit.

7: Livia: What’s the best piece of beauty advice your mother gave you?
When I think back, I can definitely trace my love affair with all things beauty back to my mother. In fact, you could almost say makeup is in my makeup! Mum taught me the importance of grooming and taking pride in your appearance. She never leaves the house without makeup and is incredibly precise with her application.

8: Livia: In your hectic schedule, what do you do to relax?
To relax, I indulge in weekly French classes. Not only do these classes satisfy my love of all things French, they also provide me with much treasured time for myself. I also love cooking, especially on the weekend when I have time to lovingly prepare a meal to share with friends and family.

9: Livia: Do you have a favourite perfume at the moment?
Perfume is the exclamation mark on the statement you are making, and Gardenia Passion by Annick Goutal is the magical finishing touch that I can’t be without. This incredible fragrance perfectly captures the seduction of blossoming gardenias. In fact, I’m so enamoured with Gardenia Passion that I now stock it in Bloom’s Flagship Store on Chapel Street, South Yarra.

10: Livia: And last of all, who would be your dream person to make over with Bloom Cosmetics?
Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. While she may not need a make over, I could think of no better canvas for Bloom’s products than France’s First Lady! This willowy beauty is both beautiful and thoughtful – the essence of who I think a Bloom girl is.