Melissa Hebeler / E!And you thought you liked playing with makeup.
Imagine a day in the life of Too Faced Cosmetics' co-founder and chief creative officer, Jerrod Blandino. He wasn't always one of the brainchildren of the mascaras and bronzers we love today. Before the beauty pro was surrounded by pink walls, products and a pup named Clover, he was a record store associate with a deep love for all things Madonna. How did this trendsetter go from customer service to confidence builder? Get to know the man behind the fun, girly beauty brand that celebs use too.
What was your first job?
After a two-week stint at Chuck E. Cheese's salad bar, I worked at a record store where I developed an appreciation for all things pop culture—and an obsession with Madonna that only a gay teenager could muster.
How did you get started in your career?
I started as an artist enrolled in animation school, but their idea of art was just too rigid for me so I left and got a job working at a makeup counter. That's where I got to transform the way women looked and felt every day. I clawed my way out from behind the counter to create Too Faced.
What is a typical day like for you?
I'm in a mix of creative review meetings, product presentations from our development team and one-on-one design sessions with our lead package designer.
Tell us about your office décor.
I did it myself with a little help from my friend and celeb interior designer Mary McDonald. The space is everything I have wanted and have dreamed about for 17 years running Too Faced. It's a place where I can go and dream, focus and reflect. I love the Chinoiserie wallpaper, my vintage chandelier and the 18th century French pink upholstered sofa and chairs. They juxtapose with modern elements like my custom marble desk with gold Too Faced logo accents. In my private bathroom, I have signed Murakami artwork, Hunt Slonem bunny wallpaper and a framed copy of our first Vogue article that reminds us of how far we have come and the adventure we're on. Probably the most functional item in my whole space is my Amazon Echo Alexa—she's my new best friend who can turn my lights on and off, play an Adele track and tell me I'm pretty.
What is your favorite signature product from your line and why?
My bronzing collection, which is one of the largest in the biz. My sister was diagnosed with stage four melanoma cancer and was given months to live. It's a miracle, but today she is healthy and thriving, and Too Faced is committed to creating beautiful bronzers in almost every finish imaginable so that women don't have to sacrifice their health to get a gorgeous glow.
What are a few of your best makeup tips?
Put your face in the freezer for 20 seconds to tighten skin and close pores before applying foundation. If you do nothing else, apply three coats of mascara to your top lashes and one coat to the bottom for a wide awake flirty flutter. Apply Lip Injection before any lip products to fake a plump pout without a trip to the plastic surgeon's office.
What's the biggest mistake most women make with their makeup/beauty products?
They don't evolve. They stay with one look too long. It's life's greatest temptation not to move forward.
Who are a few of your celebrities you've worked with in the past? And for which big events?
Katy Perry and Francesca Eastwood have starred in Too Faced campaigns. Jeannie Mai is my best friend and a Too Faced addict.
What's the best part about your job?
I get to be creative and help instill self-esteem in women around the world with our products.
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken?
Calling my best-selling mascara Better Than Sex, and it's paid off. It's the number one mascara at Sephora in the United States, Canada, Italy and Spain. It's also the number one product Sephora sells in the U.S.! The name scared everyone, but I knew my Too Faced girls would get it.
Who are some of your career heroes?
Mrs. Estée Lauder for forging the path, Kevyn Aucoin for his creativity and 1950s animators for their ability to bring fantasy to life in a romantic way.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
If you believe something in your heart and soul, don't ever give up. There will be a million reasons why you should, but you will eventually achieve your dreams and more. Even if your dream changes a bit, it will still be bigger and better than you imagined. However, it can't be just a selfish endeavor that you're after. You have to do something good, something that will positively change the world and the people around you.
Today for lunch I had… the same thing I always have: a tossed salad with a scoop of tuna and yogurt-based dressing. My nutritionist (who is also Jessica Alba's nutritionist) is Kelly LeVeque and she has changed how I eat.
The first place I log onto every day is… Instagram to see what my peeps and the world is up to.
My usual Starbucks order is… the Coffee Bean and it's hot green tea Genmaicha.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would… be on TV with my friend Jeannie.
My favorite place to visit is… Paris.
List five things that are on your desk right now… a picture of my husband, Jeremy, and our fur baby Clover, pink peonies, my Mac laptop, Compartes chocolate and the Too Faced Mr. Right Brush and Cocoa Powder Foundation to even my complexion out and make me look like I'm actually getting sleep.