Taylor Chang-Babaian, creator of Kre-at Beauty. Courtesy Photo
"My mother was always trying to make me more beautiful because I wasn't naturally pretty," the Korean American tells StyleList, adding that her mom suggested everything from eyelid surgery to diets. "I think I got the pressure from how she grew up. My mom even scheduled surgery during my teen years -- which I never did. My sister was prettier, and was put in pageants. I was the smart one."
The 36-year-old played with makeup to refine and accentuate her unique features, beginning the path that finally culminated in the founding of her very own eye makeup brand, as well as two published books, "Asian Faces: The Essential Beauty and Makeup Guide for Asian Women," and the freshly released "Style Eyes," which focuses on eye tips.
StyleList first glimpsed Chang-Babaian's Kre-at Beauty line earlier this year, when she spilled her secrets to getting Christina Aguilera's lush lashes. (The blonde songstress is a fan of Chang-Babaian's false lashes.) Now Chang-Babaian, who charges less than $20 for most of her products, is debuting her line at Barneys New York, where she will soon branch out to items like mascara and eyelash curlers.
Chang-Babaian focuses on the eyes, she says, because they can go from everyday to red-carpet glamour. Celebrities often wear false lashes, completely changing the look and shape of their eyes. But thanks to Kre-at Beauty, you don't have to worry about looking like Tammy Faye Bakker -- Chang-Babaian designed the strips and individual lashes to be worn either day or night, and by career girls, stay-at-home moms, and celebrities alike.
When going for a more natural look, choose a pair that most closely mimics the anatomy of real eyelashes. "Look for lashes that are varied in length like your natural lashes. I also make half lashes just for the outside corners of the eyes that'll add that extra oomph too," says Chang-Babaian.
As for her recent WWD feature story and Barneys launch, Chang-Babaian is both thrilled and humbled.
"I am super-grateful for all the love. I hope I represent 'You can do it!'"
In other news, check out StyleList's tips for applying false eyelashes.