Toni Bravo – the “CEO of Blush” – is Taking the Beauty World by Storm
- adriana
- Oct 8
- 4 min read
From running social media at Rare Beauty to being crowned the “CEO of Blush,” Toni Bravo’s rise has been nothing short of dazzling. The Long Beach native turned Los Angeles powerhouse has become one of the most influential voices in beauty and fashion today – blending creativity, inclusivity, and undeniable charisma. With over 700k followers, collaborations with brands like Tower 28, Coach, and Rhode, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honor under her belt, Toni is redefining what it means to lead with both style and substance. Now, as she prepares for her first fragrance launch and continues shaping the beauty industry one shade at a time, Toni is proving that her impact is only just beginning.
Miami Living (ML): You’ve been dubbed “the CEO of Blush” and even called “The Blush Queen” by the New York Times. What do you think it is about blush – specifically – that became your signature and resonated so strongly with your audience?
Toni Bravo (TB): Blush was what I was most afraid of, so I tried it on camera. The pop of color was intimidating to me, but I think my honesty and novice in the space struck a chord with my audience, beginners or otherwise.
ML: Inclusivity is at the heart of your work, from testing hundreds of blush shades on your own skin tone to helping brands expand their ranges. What’s one moment where you felt, “This is why I do this”?
TB: When I began to see my consultation work result in shades on shelves. The behind-the-scenes work was pinch-me worthy already, having brands really listen and admire my feedback. But seeing the shades that I had a hand on expanding be available to buy, and seeing the smiles on the faces of people who test them in a new try-on video: priceless.
ML: You started your career behind the scenes at Rare Beauty. How did those early experiences shape the way you approach your own brand today?
TB: I started my career at my first big girl job, Buzzfeed, while actually being a junior at UC Irvine. I was there for about a year, learning about all the ways I love and loathe the internet, lol. I then left and graduated college. A week after graduation, I began my 6-month long work experience at Rare Beauty. I believe all of the experiences I have had up until now have allowed me to gain perspective into my career in many ways. I've learned what I enjoy, what I don't enjoy, and everything in between. When approaching my own brand, everyday is truly a new learning opportunity.
ML: Your upcoming fragrance launch with Le Monde Gourmand (congratulations!) marks a new chapter in your career. How do you want people to feel when they wear your scent?
TB: Thank you!! I want people to feel at home when they wear Aura de Vanille. I crafted it to be a scent that felt new, but familiar at the same time. Mixing together all of my favorite vanilla milk notes, plum & saffron, among other notes, I wanted this scent to be a reflection of the beautiful yet sweet complexity of my lifestyle now :)
ML: This fall, you’ll be hitting Paris, Milan, and New York Fashion Weeks after starting with Coach last year. How do you see your role evolving in fashion alongside your beauty influence?
TB: I attended both New York and Paris this fashion week and it was such an amazing experience. I absolutely love to immerse myself in spaces that feel as expressive as fashion week does, it's so inspiring. To me fashion and beauty go hand and hand, both informing each other every day for me. I'd love to continue to explore expressing & discovering my style with my audience and who knows, maybe a collab or edit in the future!
ML: Renovating your new 1920s Spanish-style home sounds like a dream project. What’s been the most exciting or surprising part of blending your personal style into a space you’ll live in every day?
TB: Working with the Proem team has been a dream and a half. I discovered Ashley and Marie's work through an AD tour video and the rest was history. Working with a professional team that knows how to timelessly blend my ideas into my space in a way I could never have imagined has been such a beautiful learning opportunity for me. I spend so much time at home, it was so important that it felt like me, and they could not have done a better job.
ML: From Rolling Stone’s “25 Most Influential Creators” to Forbes’ 30 Under 30, your rise has been meteoric. How do you stay grounded and connected to your Long Beach roots while living this fast-paced life?
TB: Honestly, I am surrounded by so many amazing people in my life that feel like they exist outside of work, which is so important. I also make time to go back home to Long Beach whenever I can :) It always feels so grounding to be able to go home, see family, and then return back to the hustle and bustle of it all.
ML: Looking ahead, what legacy do you want to leave in beauty and fashion – beyond the titles, lists, and collaborations?
TB: More than anything, I'd hope to inspire people to feel like they can express themselves outside of any box that they might have imagined.
