Ruby Hammer, the artist who liberated make-up

In an industry known for drama, Ruby Hammer MBE has become one of the world’s most respected make-up artists by taking a different approach – one centred on humility, simplicity and taking chances.

During her four decades as a beauty entrepreneur, Ruby has worked with many of the world’s most high-profile celebrities and all the original supermodels. She has countless magazine covers, ad campaigns and TV programmes to her name, along with a collection of businesses.

In 1998, she co-founded the cosmetics company Ruby & Millie, the UK’s first major beauty launch in 30 years. More recently, she created an eponymous, award-winning series of essential beauty products and tools that critics raved about. In recognition of her impact on the cosmetics industry, Ruby was awarded an MBE in the 2007 New Year Honours List. 

The common thread that links Ruby’s diverse achievements and experiences is her unwavering commitment to demystifying make-up and making it accessible to all. She finds real joy in experimentation, freed by how easy it is to try again until you achieve the desired look.

Born in Nigeria in 1961 to Bangladeshi parents, Ruby’s life took a dramatic turn at the age of 12 when war broke out in her parents’ homeland. At the time, Ruby and her family were on holiday in England and were forced to unexpectedly migrate to Britain for their safety. She went on to graduate from university with an honours degree in economics, but knew it was make-up, not money, that motivated her. 

During her childhood, Ruby observed the transformative power of make-up by watching her mother become empowered by it. To Ruby, her mum suddenly looked like a Bollywood star, with the self-confidence to match. It was in those moments that she understood the importance of make-up in helping people feel better about themselves.

After years pinching her mum’s eyeliner to play with, Ruby began an informal apprenticeship assisting at London Fashion Week. By working for prestigious designers, including John Galliano, she quickly grasped what she wanted to achieve in life.

Ruby’s innate ability to understand her clients and customers and put them at ease with her relentless positivity is the stuff of industry legend. As a trailblazing woman of colour in the cosmetics industry, Ruby feels fortunate to have seen her own impact by having such a lengthy career. She trusts that the future of the industry will focus on individuals and diversity rather than an obsession for excellence and ever-evolving technology.