What inspired you to get into the make- up and beauty business?
I always loved watching my mother get ready for events and believe I had an eye for perfection from a very young age. I love empowering people and making them feel beautiful. Makeup is a form of expression, and I love how it can transform your mood instantly.
How did the Napoleon brand start?
I was studying law and marketing when I met my wife Soula-Marie at university and starting my own makeup brand was something I had always discussed. It wasn’t until our honeymoon I decided I was going to take a leap of faith and tell my parents I wanted to start my own business and become a makeup artists. My father was hesitant and caught a little off guard at first, but with time he now appreciates everything I have achieved and my business ethic – which I inherited from him.
Currently, what is your favorite beauty trend?
I am loving that natural, fresh and uncomplicated beauty look where the skin is the feature. I have seen it recently on the runway and on the red carpet, think Margot Robbie at the Oscars. It’s all about investing to application stages of cleansing and applying foundation on where you need it. Keep it modern with subtle highlights and no chocolate bar contouring.
What make-up look do you wish would come back into style?
This is a tough one, there are so many. I would probably say the classic big bold brow ala Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor is I’d love to see. I’m a big fan of a textured, full brow that looks completely believable. It has shape, definition and really frames the face.
What’s the best beauty advice you could give someone?
The best advice I can give is to have fun with makeup. Makeup should tell a story and is a great way to express yourself. Whether it’s through wearing a bold red lipstick to that important meeting at work for an extra boost of confidence to sweeping a golden eyeshadow onto your eyes for a night out that you know catches the light, it’s your story so enjoy it.
What are 3 beauty products every woman should own?
The three essentials every woman should have in their makeup kit is:
1 | Balm Voyage Makeup Remove & Cleanser.
Cleansing and makeup removal is one of the most essential steps to keeping skin clean, clear, supple and is a key step to anti-ageing. I love this balm as its incredibly gentle, hydrating and leaves the skin feeling repaired and pampered.
2 | Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer. My number one best-selling product is ideal to smooth the texture of the skin, is calming, hydrating and provides a barrier between your skin care and makeup. Plus it can be used as an eye mask, to fix makeup mishaps and
3 | Mesmer-Eyes Mascara. This mascara is a real game changer. It lengthens, curls and thickens lashes, and features a unique double sided wand to ensure every single lash looks amazing!
How do you balance being a husband, father and hugely successful businessman?
When you love what you do, work doesn’t seem like work! However, I’m very strict with my time. When my family needs me that’s what comes first. Having run the business with Soula-Marie and my brother Emanuel for over 20 years, I have become very good at juggling and making time for everyone.
Do your daughters listen to your beauty advice?
They give ME beauty advice! I love how savvy and on trend each of them are. They each have their own individual personal style and love to experiment with new beauty looks. That’s not to say that I don’t add my two cents worth in here and there (laughs)
What’s next for Napoleon Perdis?
Expanding to the Middle East and China. They are the next beauty hubs of the world and the opportunities are endless. Empowering women will always be top of the list, as well as staying true to here we are as a brand and proudly Australian owned family business.
