The beauty founder shares her routine

Few people in the beauty industry are as iconic or influential as Victoria Beckham. Her original ITG top shelf was the stuff of legend and basically sold out Weleda Skin Food globally. Proceeding that, she collaborated with Estée lauder on a capsule that was met with rave reviews. Finally, the former Spice Girl went out on her own and launched Victoria Beckham Beauty. Yes, another celebrity beauty line, but VB has achieved rare cult status. The products are excellent – expensive yes, but seriously effective. If you haven’t tried the The Foundation Drops, you must (the collaboration formula marries skincare with dewy coverage).

Late last year, the brand excitingly launched locally into Mecca, so we now have access to test, try and shop in person. In celebration of the recent launch, RUSSH spoke with VB herself to understand her creative vision, commitment to quality and how she’s

What does beauty mean to you — how do you define it?

Beauty is about feeling like the best version of myself. It’s not about trying to look perfect, but feeling confident in my own skin. That’s why I focus so much on good skincare and looking fresh and healthy.

What is it you love about beauty as an industry?

I love the process of creating products that genuinely make a difference. Beauty has always been a part of my routine and my work, so developing formulas and shades that feel considered and modern feels like a natural extension of that.

What was your earliest beauty-related experience?

I have so many memories watching my Mum get ready for dinner parties in the ’80s. The hairspray, the bold lipstick, the perfume… it all felt so glamorous. I would sit on her bed completely in awe.

Do you think being in the spotlight from a young age altered your relationship with yourself or your perception of beauty?

It definitely made me very aware of my appearance from a young age, probably more than I realised at the time. There was an expectation to always look a certain way. Over the years, I’ve become much kinder to myself and more focused on feeling healthy and comfortable, and that’s really informed everything I do with the brand, too. Creating products that help skin feel like skin, and makeup that enhances rather than masks.

So tell me about the original creative pull to get into beauty – did your early collab with Estée Lauder spark something, or was it always the dream?

I loved being so involved in the process with Estée Lauder, and it made me realise I had a clear point of view on the kind of products I wanted to create. I had always known the kind of beauty I wanted to make, and that experience really gave me the confidence to bring my own line to life.

What sort of gap in the market did you want VB Beauty to fill?

I wanted elevated, modern formulas that feel effortless to use. Products that slot into a daily routine easily but still deliver. Clean ingredients were hugely important to me, as was creating colours and textures that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

You’ve also collaborated with Augustinus Bader and the outcome has been pretty amazing – everyone is obsessed with the complexion drops. Were you a fan of AB before?

I’d been using Augustinus Bader for a while and really admired the science behind the skincare and the results I noticed using the products. When the opportunity came up to collaborate, it felt like the perfect fit. I wanted to create products that really cared for the skin while you wore them, and working with Professor Bader made that possible.

Amazing. How have you thought about expanding your line – what’s your NPD pipeline like from idea to final product?

When thinking about a new product, I always start with a clear idea of what’s missing or could be better. From there it’s a long process of testing, refining and living with the product for months. I’m very particular and I will not sign off on anything until it feels truly best in class. I am the Creative Director but also the fussiest customer, so it has to earn its place.

The process obviously works, because you’ve launched some cult formulas – I’m specifically thinking about your eyesliners and the aforementioned complexion drops…

I’ve always been really focused on creating formulas that perform well and look good. The Satin Kajal Liners are creamy, blendable, but they stay put. The Foundation Drops feel incredibly light but still give an even, healthy finish. It also treats the skin while you wear it, which was so important to me. I think people appreciate makeup that is simple, effective and feels good.

Okay, I need to know about your own routine. What are you using right now?

I keep my routine pretty simple, especially in the morning. I start by cleansing with my Daily Cleansing Protocol, then I apply my Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator which acts as the perfect base. For makeup I focus on the essentials. I fill in my brows with Babyblade in Medium Brown and set them with the Crystal Clear FeatherFix, smudge a bit of Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa along my lash line, and add a few coats of Vast Lash mascara. I finish with my beloved Lip Definer in 02 and a touch of Posh Balm in Fleur. For the cheeks I like to add a few drops of Colour Wash in Flushed to give a healthy glow.

Who or what inspires you within the beauty industry?

I’m inspired by people who have a really clear point of view and expertise. Working with incredible experts like Melanie Grant and Professor Bader pushes me to think differently about formulas and skin health, and that’s why I collaborate with them to create products that are truly best in class.

I love that and also admire those with expertise. I’m curious, given there’s so much trend-driven newness, how do you stay laser focused or in your own lane?

I try not to get distracted by every trend. For me, it’s about creating products that feel timeless, elevated, and true to the brand. Everything we do has to have a clear purpose and feel like something I would actually use myself.

Shop the edit:

Victoria Beckham Beauty Augustinus Bader The Foundation Drops