Dylan Lauren on Cake-Inspired Makeup and Expanding Her Candy Empire
Dylan Lauren wearing Ralph Lauren at an event in 2011. (Photo: Getty Images)
Ask candy guru Dylan Lauren who she looks to for beauty inspiration and she doesn’t hesitate. The daughter of legendary fashion designer Ralph Lauren calls out her mom Ricky and says that her dad motivates her, too. “I look up to both my parents because they have continued to act young at heart, look amazing, stay in shape, never get lazy, and always stay hip, if not cooler, than the people their own age,” says Lauren.
Dylan has the same young-at-heart approach even when it comes to her career. She is the CEO namesake of Dylan’s Candy Bar, with a kingdom (or queendom, really) of candy.
Check out our exclusive Q&A to find out what makes Dylan feel confident and the beauty treats she loves.
Hilary Sheinbaum: Who are your beauty inspirations, and why?
Dylan Lauren: My mom. She looks the same if not better than she did 30 years ago, and I hope to look and act as youthful and beautiful when I’m her age. Laetitia Costa, Gisele Bundchen, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Christie Brinkley, and model Valentina are also all beauties.
HS: What did your parents teach you about beauty growing up? How was it explained to you?
DL: My parents were very much into “au naturel” – nothing fake or cheesy. My dad prefers women with natural or no makeup, nude lip color, and naturally sun kissed hair. I grew up surrounded by models and Ralph Lauren images, which painted a picture of the ideal woman I aspired to be.
HS: How do you define beauty now?
DL: To me, beauty is decorating oneself in a way that enhances one’s features for the better, and exhibiting a contagious or mysterious aura and energy that attracts men and women.
HS: Of the Ralph Lauren fragrances, which is your favorite and why?
DL: I love the smell of Romance. Every year, we do a Dylan’s Candy Bar truffle box gift set for Valentine’s Day as a gift with purchase (of the scent). But I also love the Ralph line.
HS: What are your favorite candy-inspired beauty products, and why?
DL: I love our Dylan’s Candy Bar Rock Candy Lip Gloss. It looks exactly like blue, purple, red and pink rock candy and tastes like Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Strawberry, Grape and more. I also love the kitchy-ness of our Whirly Pop Lip Gloss and our Angel Food Cake Chocolate Bar Lip Balm.
HS: What makes you feel confident?
DL: A great hair blow out. I always feel better when my hair looks good. I also love the way I feel after a hardcore workout. I feel confident when my arms look toned.
HS: What was your proudest accomplishment in the past year?
DL: I am so proud of the growth of Dylan’s Candy Bar into two more flagship stores: Union Square in New York City and Chicago on Michigan Avenue, and two airport stores: JFK and Detroit. And also that we finished decorating our new apartment – phew!.
HS: What beauty products do you keep on you at all times?
DL: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Deep and Bobbi Brown Bronzing Gel, as well as Almay Smart Shade Bronzer – it’s great year round, and I don’t have to sit in the sun. I like both Carmindy and Chantecaille grey/black or purple eyeliner. They make my eyes pop but aren’t too harsh and black. Body Shop Vitamin E Body Butter I use on my face and body. It is excellent for moisturizing and creating fresh glowing skin. Bliss Foaming Face Wash, I love the color, smell and minor exfoliation. I put it into travel size containers for the gym and travel.
HS: Is there a beauty treatment you treat yourself to on special occasions?
DL: I dye my eyelashes on occasion so I don’t have to wear mascara. I find that mascara weighs on my eyes making me sleepy and it is a pain to take off. I also get deep tissue massages to allow me to stay lose for workouts and gain more tone eventually. It also helps to de-stress, which does help, because stress shows in my posture and face.
HS: What other beauty regimens do you live by?
DL: I think eating everything in moderation – obviously that includes candy, and exercising is very key. Putting good energy into your body and raising your serotonin will lead to a positive mood, exuding a more attractive glow. I also think surrounding yourself with positive people who don’t over criticize but give good constructive criticism help build you up and enhance your beauty. It helps build confidence. Laughter or humor is a great beauty treatment as well! And lastly, maintenance is key!
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