Marc Jacobs Dispenses Some Serious Beauty Wisdom

ON HIS BEAUTY PHILOSOPHY

"I don't love the idea of perfection. To me, there's no such thing as a nose that's too big, or brow that's too full, or hair that's too teased or too straight. Individuality is what's exciting."

ON MAKING MAKEUP

"[Creating this line] felt very much like the design process. Beauty is part of the art and ritual of getting dressed to go out into the world. It's about looking at your life as this movie where you're the star. Cosmetics, perfumes, bags, shoes, clothes—they're luxuries, not necessities. We can all live without them—but we wouldn't want to."

ON HIS TOP PRODUCT PICKS

"The concealer, which I've often used after many late nights of working—or a couple of nights out—was a really important product for me. The palladium-tip applicator is very cool and soothing. You feel that it's corrected and remedied something. And the lip balm—I prefer a creamy mint sort of flavor. The formulas for those particular things, I would personally use. They're guy-tested, girl-approved!"

ON HIS SECRETS TO SUCCESS

"I've had ups and downs. I've been fired, I've been hired, out of business, in business—but I persevere. I'm not a quitter; I'm a fighter. I'm not afraid to take risks and chances. I love what I do, and I'm passionate about it. I'm still able to do it because I retain the passion and the curiosity, and I don't give up."

ON HIS GREATEST LIFE LESSONS

"Trust your instincts, believe in yourself, and find a group that supports you. It's hard to overcome fears, but you've got to. I mean, I wasn't always able to wear a lace dress! There were times in my life where I felt very selfconscious, very insecure. But the best thing you can be is yourself."