Ruby Hammer MBE

I’m British Bangladeshi. Originally born in Nigeria, Africa and came to the UK aged 12 years old. London has been my home ever since. I’m an economics graduate, and though not formally trained as a makeup artist I seized an opportunity to assist and the rest is history.

My first inspiration was my late young mum, who was 17 years old when she had me. As a young woman, she would transform herself with makeup, she was very experimental with makeup and hair. I didn’t know you could make a living as a makeup artist and then I got a lifetime opportunity to assist at LFW after my graduation and I have never looked back.

I am born in Africa, of Asian heritage, my formative years in Europe (the UK in particular) and I’m in the creative industry so being inclusive is part of my nature and upbringing - It is inherent to me, I wouldn’t know how to be any different. 

I have never had a template or a game plan, I take opportunities when they are presented and run with them to the best of my ability. Ahead of Ruby & Millie which is a real feather in my cap, I have always had a commercial/entrepreneurial side to me. I launched Aveda, L’Occitane and Tweezerman in the UK. I have worked back of house, front of house… with an understanding of each area.

Nothing in life stands still, everything evolves. This is an evolution of me as a person, an artist and an entrepreneur and circumstances in life. 

I didn't want to repeat Ruby & Millie, at this stage in my life I wanted an edited range of the products I love and use. Products that can simplify your beauty routine, rather than overwhelm. Each product has been carefully crafted to give you the result you expect and more. The Lip Serum Balms have a double reward of being skincare and colour, the Magnetic Brush sets are not only precise and controllable they are portable and hygienic...

One of the first things to realise is that we are all unique and precious in this universe. When you realise that it is as simple as that. When you try to be someone else you falter as you never live up to them… I love the quote comparison is the thief of joy. Realise who you are and what you are, and that you are unique. Life throws everybody obstacles and hurdles, humans, animals… plants everything. You have to sit back and enjoy the good that you see. 

However you feel, wherever you are it is all alright… ask for help. People are more willing than you realise.

• Make sure to do your trials 

• Tubing mascara will not smudge

• Carry a set of clean beauty tools and products for touching up throughout the day

• Don’t use any skincare that is too aggressive on the day, plan in advance

• Try to enjoy the actual day, do all the preparation and relax into the day as a little bit of magic always happens. You cannot beat inner beauty shining through.

• Always a decent cleansing balm, I love the new one from Aromatherapy Associates.

• Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Cheek Colour, a little goes a long way and it sits beautifully on the skin.

• I always use a Lip Serum Balm, I use one shade every single day.

Other than my wedding band I have two pieces. 

I have a gold and stainless steel Rolex which matches any piece of jewellery that I wear. It never really comes off, I love it. The other fine piece is the Vanrycke Paris, a very fine necklace with a simple diamond baguette… it is classic

Clarity Earring in rose gold

Drop marquise bracelet

Pear Stud Earring