Monica Ravichandran on Viral Lipstick Color Theory, Brown Girl Makeup, and Career Change

From Tech to Beauty Influencer

• 💡 Monica Ravichandran transitioned from a demanding career as a software engineer and product manager to full-time beauty content creation due to burnout.
• 🚀 Her decision was supported by the success of her viral lipstick color theory test and a growing community.
• 🛠️ She previously worked at an influencer marketing agency, building tech tools for creators, blending her tech and beauty interests.

Inspiring Brown Girl Makeup

• 💖 Ravichandran's focus on brown girl makeup stems from her personal struggles with insecurity surrounding her skin color and finding suitable products growing up.
• 🎯 She aims to provide makeup tips and recommendations that she wished she had, addressing the historical lack of representation in the beauty influencer space.
• 🔬 Brands often benchmark Fenty and MAC for deeper skin tones without sufficient innovation or testing on human skin, leading to issues with undertones and shade matching.

Viral Lipstick Color Theory

• 💥 The concept of lipstick color theory went viral after a video demonstrating how the same lipstick shade looked different on various skin tones gained millions of views.
• ✈️ A follow-up video, filmed in an airport, proved the authenticity of the swatches and further amplified the concept's reach.
• 📈 This concept continues to resonate, highlighting its importance in the ongoing conversation about inclusivity in beauty.

Red Lip Collaboration and Beauty Philosophy

• 💄 Ravichandran co-released a red lipstick with Mob Beauty, inspired by her personal search for the perfect shade to match her wedding lehenga.
• 🎨 The shade was developed with a unique blend of pigments, including a tinge of purple, to create a neutral dark red that works across various skin tones, avoiding the