Colleen Rothschild knows just about everything there is to know about beauty. As the founder of Colleen Rothschild Beauty, the long-time beauty guru and now entrepreneur sits down to spill all of her insider secrets. And yes, her products are as fabulous as she is. Check out my conversation with Collen on our IGTV(instagram tv @getintehgroove1).
Name, Age, where do you live?
Colleen Rothschild, 55, Plano, Texas (Dallas suburb)
Give us an overview of your career.
My career spans 4 decades. I’ve been in the Beauty Business since the mid-eighties when I went to Cosmetology School. Back in the day, I remember watching movie and television credits thinking that would be so cool to be listed as a part of the hair and makeup crew.
After school, I began working in the beauty world right away… I then took a short hiatus to become a Flight Attendant, which ended up being extremely helpful in the long run. I met new people from around the world, experienced different cultures, and I was able to open my mind to unlimited possibilities. After that short break, I got back into beauty and started working “behind the scenes” in manufacturing.
I helped companies, large and small, from all over the world, create their skincare, haircare and body care products. I loved utilizing my creativity, passion and resourcefulness to help others succeed. After a decade or so of learning everything there was to know about making beauty products, I decided to start a business alongside my husband, Stan. I hoped my experience, my people skills and my determination would be a recipe for success. I jumped in with both feet.
Tell us about what you are doing now.
I am the founder of Colleen Rothschild Beauty. Good or bad, for me, my business is also my hobby. I am constantly looking for new ways to make people feel and look better. I am working on many exciting new products that will be launching 4th quarter and beyond. When I do take a moment for myself…I love photography. It’s a way to utilize my creativity and my love of technology.
You’ve spent over 30 years in the beauty industry. Have you always wanted to work in beauty? Have you ever thought about leaving?
Yes…I have always wanted to be in the beauty industry. I was the girl in high school that did everyone’s hair and makeup. Little did I know then, I also wanted to be an entrepreneur. I took a quick break to be a flight attendant, but never wanted to leave the world of beauty.
How would you describe your beauty style? What’s your signature look?
I go through stages…perhaps like most. Right now, I love the stark juxtaposition of bright blonde hair and a red lip paired with an all-black outfit.
As we age, our skin needs a little more help in the hydration department. What are the products and ingredients that we should be looking out for?
I feel the reason our skin may seem dehydrated and parched is because the speed at which our skin cells naturally shed, slows down as we age. With this slow down process comes a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin which can cause a dull and rough appearance. Products with AHAs such as our Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum and retinols like our Retinol Supreme Night Oil can help speed back up the cellular turnover giving skin a renewed glow.
Talk us through what the average product development is like. How do you create a product? How do you know when the formula is right?
There is no “average” development process for me to create a new product. Just like an artist, creativity comes to mind in many ways. Sometimes it comes to me while I’m driving, maybe after spending a day at the lab, after reading trade publications, maybe a request from one of my sisters. Intuition and experience tells me when a formula is right. It also helps if my sisters like it too!
What’s your skincare routine, morning and night? What are your must-have Colleen Rothschild products?
I like to keep my skincare routine relatively simple. At night I start with the Radiant Cleansing Balm. I love this because it removes all my makeup and cleanses in one fell swoop. Then I will use the Glycolic Acid Peel Pads to help clarify clogged pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells sitting on the surface. Lastly, I apply my favorite “cocktail”. A skincare cocktail that is. I take a small dollop of the Extreme Recovery Cream into the palm of my hand, then a few pumps of the Face Oil No. 9 onto the cream. I massage them together, then apply all over my face, neck, and backs of my hands. In the morning, while in the shower, I wash my face with our Balancing Gel Cleanser which helps get my skin ready for the treatments ahead. Before applying my makeup, I gently massage several drops of the Age Renewal Super Serum which addresses texture, dehydration, elasticity, fine lines and radiance followed by the Sheer Renewal Cream for continuous, weightless hydration.
How has your style changed as you’ve gotten older?
As I get older my style has become more of a uniform, signature style. I mostly like clean silhouettes, wardrobe basics, all in a neutral palette. You can usually find me in jeans, a tee shirt, blazer and a pair of loafers.
Culturally, aging is viewed as this sad thing. In reality, I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t feel bad or sad. I feel better than ever. What’s the key to changing the conversation about aging?
I love the confidence that comes with aging. They key, I feel, is to not disparage getting old ourselves. By buying into aging stereotypes, we give others the license to do the same. Avoid saying things like- “I’m too old to understand technology” (learn about it) or “I’m too old to touch my toes” (take a yoga class) or “I’m too old to start a business” (who said).
What’s the best thing you’ve read lately?
Need to take more time to read, which I love. I do love listening to a good crime podcast in my free time!
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Michelle Pfeiffer, younger and older version!
What’s the last thing you bought online?
New dishes from Pottery Barn after I realized the ones I had were over 20 years old and not a complete set any more.
What would you put on your menopause registry?
LOVE this question. I started menopause early (44)m so I am far on the other side. A few things I would have loved and still love are: Soft, lightweight PJ’s (which I just found on Amazon and bought for my mom and sisters), a chic bedside fan, the vitamin, Magnesium, which I love for legs that are restless at night, and of course, our Extreme Recovery Cream.
If you could have one superpower what would it be?
I kind of have one. ☺ I’ve been told I have “healing” hands. Technically of course they can’t heal a medical ailment, but I’ve been told that my touch soothes and calms. So, if I had a real superpower it would be to heal others of pain and illness.
If you had a warning label what would it say?
Caution: I may change my mind.
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