When a makeup maven starts giving advice, you take notice.

Part luxury beauty store, part editorial masterpiece, Violet Grey is the crème de la crème of online beauty boutiques. Their selection is carefully vetted and curated by makeup artists and Hollywood stars, so a trip through their store is like getting a peek into an A-lister’s makeup bag. Not to mention that one could spend hours reading through their digital magazine, The Violet Files, where Hollywood’s most glamorous leading ladies, like January Jones, Cindy Crawford, and Eva Mendes, share their intimate secrets. So when we had to opportunity to speak with Violet Grey’s founder, the brilliant Cassandra Grey, we practically fell over in excitement. When a makeup mogul hands out advice, you stop and listen. Beauty lovers, break out the Moleskines and start taking notes.

 

Violet Grey is all about old Hollywood glamour. What’s the best beauty secret you’ve learned from the industry?

I have learned so much. Here are some of my favorite secrets: Elizabeth Taylor used to bathe after putting her makeup on to set it with the steam (Violet Grey is named after the color of her eyes), Lauren Hutton has used coconut oil in her hair to make it shiny and healthy, and  almost everyone has had their teeth done which is why most movie stars have a perfect smile.

 

You have access to the world’s best beauty products, so we’re dying to know, what’s your anti-aging strategy?

I use ZIIP [anti-aging device] a few times a week to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The FOREO LUNA™ 2 is a must-have to make sure my skin is thoroughly cleansed. I also like to use Royal Fern Phytoactive Cleansing Balm, May Lindstrom’s Blue Cocoon Beauty Balm, and I can’t get enough of 111Skin Bio Cellulose Treatment Masks, which delivers an instant facial in 20 minutes.

 

Running a successful company, you must be constantly on-the-go. What’s in your travel beauty bag?

I’m addicted to mist.I learned from models that water is your friend. I use the Hydra Beauty Essence Mist by Chanel. I am never without it. Serge Normant’s Dry Shampoo is a great beauty bag staple because it gives touchable volume and texture. Dior Lip Glow is also perfect because it acts as a lip balm and delivers a little bit of color. A new favorite of mine is RMS Master Mixer. It’s a great multitasking rose-gold highlighter that you can blend seamlessly with an eyeshadow, lipstick, or foundation.


What are your holy grail skin care products?

La Mer Crème de la Mer, it never fails and is so hydrating. La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask because it makes my skin feel baby-soft when I wake up. Also, Sisley Black Rose Oil—it instantly plumps and smooths fine lines.

 

What’s a common beauty mistake women make? How can they fix it?

Less is more when it comes to beauty. Always stick with the French girl beauty mentality: enhance your natural features and let your hair air dry.

 

What’s a beauty secret you wish you knew sooner?

I wish someone told me how important neck cream was! I’m currently loving Dr. Macrene’s Anti-Aging Neck and Dècolletage Treatment.

 

What’s a life lesson you wish you knew sooner?

Don’t communicate via email when you are upset.

 

What should women consider when purchasing new beauty products?

Is it approved by The Violet Code? [Editor’s note: Touché.]

 

What’s the secret to always looking pulled together?

Confidence. It’s all in your eyes.