Ruby Hammer MBE is a makeup artist and a fashion and beauty entrepreneur. She was awarded an MBE in 2007 for her long-standing contribution to the cosmetics industry.
Ruby Hammer | |
|---|---|
 Hammer in 2019 | |
| Born | 10 December 1961 Jos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | BA (Hons) Economics |
| Alma mater | City University London |
| Occupation(s) | Fashion and beauty makeup artist, entrepreneur, columnist |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Agent | Angeli & Co |
| Known for | Co-founder of Ruby & Millie cosmetics brand |
| Spouses | |
| Partner(s) | Martin Kuczmarski (2004–2009) |
| Children | 1 |
| Website | www |
Early life edit
Hammer was born to Bangladeshi parents in Jos, Nigeria,[1] her father was a doctor.[2] She emigrated with her family to Britain at the age of 12. Her parents intended to return to Bangladesh (known as East Pakistan at the time), but the Bangladesh Liberation War broke out there while they were on holiday in England in 1971.[1] In 1984, Hammer graduated with a BA (Hons) in economics from City University London.[3]
Career edit
Hammer's first work with makeup artistry was assisting at London Fashion Week. After realizing that she could make a living from her hobby, Hammer went on to do the makeup of runway models for designers including John Galliano and Jasper Conran.
Hammer has worked as a makeup artist on models and celebrities including Sharon Stone, Kate Moss, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Caroline Winberg, Elle MacPherson, Alessandra Ambrosia, Tyra Banks, Poppy Delevingne, Cat Deeley, Meghan Markle, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks. She has also styled the cosmetics looks for the covers of Red Magazine, Elle, Tatler, Easy Living, Harper's Baazar, You and Stella, and Sunday Times Style.[4]
Hammer has worked on advertising campaigns and television commercials for international brands such as Oil of Olay, Pantene and Head & Shoulders. She has been asked to launch products, advise on new looks and train personnel for Estee Lauder, Clarins, Clinique, Aveda and Revlon.[5]
Hammer's television credits include The Clothes Show, BBC Style Challenge, Britain's Next Top Model, GMTV, This Morning, Beautification and 10 Years Younger, where she was the resident makeup artist for 3 series.[5]
In 1998, Hammer teamed up with beauty publicist Millie Kendall to create the Ruby & Millie cosmetics brand, sold exclusively in Boots pharmacies, nationwide.[6][5] It was the first major UK cosmetics brand to launch in 30 years.[citation needed] In August 1998, the first Ruby & Millie location was opened in Harvey Nichols in Leeds and London.[7] In December 2009, Ruby & Millie launched the teen cosmetics range Scarlett and Crimson.[8]
In September 2011, Hammer launched the cosmetics beauty gifting range "Ruby Hammer Recommends" exclusive to Debenhams.[9]
In August 2019, Hammer launched her capsule collection of beauty essentials[10] which led to the industry nominations of 'Best Newcomer' Vogue Magazine, and Best Expert-Led Beauty Brand. Sunday Times Style.[citation needed]
Awards and recognition edit
- In December 2002, at the launch of the British Asian Fashion Awards held at The Clothes Show, Hammer received an "Outstanding Individuals Award," which pays tribute to an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the British Asian or mainstream fashion industry.[11]
- In 2007, Hammer was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2007 New Year Honours for her contribution to the cosmetics industry.[3]
- In November 2013 she was nominated for the #EightWomen Awards.[12]
Personal life edit
Ruby lives in London,[13] with her husband Martin Kuczmarski. She has a daughter, who also works in the beauty industry, and one grandchild
Books edit
- Hammer, Ruby; Kendall, Millie. (2000). Face Up: The Essential Make-up Handbook. Ebury Publishing. 978-0091874759.
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b "Ruby Hammer MBE". Swadhinata Trust. 1999. Retrieved 1 May 2012. Ruby Hammer
- ^ "From International Makeup Artist to Successful Entrepreneur – Ruby Hammer Shares Her Inspirational Story". Female Entrepreneur Association. 24 October 2011. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
- ^ a b "Interview with Ruby Hammer – International Make-Up Artist". Womens Everything. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
- ^ "Clients | Ruby Hammer". Retrieved 28 November 2023.
- ^ a b c "Ruby Hammer – Eyes". The Trusted Beauty Guide. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
- ^ Bridge, Rachel (2010). How to Make a Million Before Lunch. Virgin Books. p. 163. ISBN 978-0753539576.
- ^ a b "Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2004 Finalists". Red Hot Curry. 20 February 2004. Archived from the original on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2012. Ruby Hammer
- ^ "Ruby and Millie 'Scarlett and Crimson' Launch". In Publishing. 15 December 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
- ^ Sewell, Cate (28 July 2011). "Ruby Hammer Launches Exclusive Range With Debenhams". Glam UK. Archived from the original on 19 August 2011. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
- ^ Coates, Hannah (22 August 2019). "Why This Ingenious New Brush Gadget Is A Make-Up Bag Must-Have". British Vogue.
- ^ "British Bengali Success Stories". BritBangla. 2003. Retrieved 1 May 2012. Ruby Hammer
- ^ "#EightWomen Awards 2013". Media Diversified. November 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2015.
- ^ Atkins, Ismay (2005). Time Out London Shopping Guide. Time Out Guides Limited. p. 6. ISBN 9780903446679.
External links edit
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