Embrace Your Natural Beauty: Meet Isabel Madison, Founder and CEO of Nude Envie
At first glance, Isabel Madison, the founder of Nude Envie reads like a Danielle Steel novel, the story of a strong, glamorous woman who never compromises her ideals.
Isabel’s father, the late Perry Cohan, was a charismatic immigrant from Iran who became a leading cosmetics chemist for beauty brands such as Halston and Max Factor. As a young girl, Isabel showed a natural creative instinct in his laboratory, and he soon entrusted her with creating and naming makeup shades, and later with sales and modeling. Working beside him, she learned leadership, the joy of making others happy through beauty, and the resolve to overcome challenges.
When Max Factor offered him a lucrative move to New Jersey, her father declined rather than uproot his family from Los Angeles. Instead, he took a bold risk and launched his own cosmetics line, Visage Beauté, known for custom-blended makeup with creamy, velvety textures and, according to the family, among the first to introduce brow gel in the 1990s. Its success caught the attention of Revlon, which acquired the brand in 1998.
Isabel’s own chapter began after she raised her three children. Struggling to find makeup shades that suited her skin, she began creating her own lipsticks, and friends who tried them kept coming back for more. In 2016, she launched Nude Envie, a cosmetics line designed to enhance natural beauty. Seeing how her makeup lifted women’s confidence, she says, brought her “immense joy in contributing to their happiness.”
In person, Isabel is tall, beautiful and impeccably graceful, every inch a Steel heroine. We first met at a charity event at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills, where I briefly mistook her for designer Alexandra von Furstenberg. Isabel answered my mix-up softly, with a warm smile, a true reflection of inner beauty shining outward.
Beverly Hills Vibe is delighted to speak with Isabel about her self-care routine, her favorite products for every skin tone, and the exciting next chapter for Nude Envie.
As the CEO/Founder of Nude Envie what are your primary roles?
In my capacity as the CEO and Creative Director, I derive immense satisfaction from the creative process of developing new products. Engaging in experimentation, creation, and personally testing various textures and shades consumes my time, often leading me to work into the late hours of the night, free from distractions, to ensure the utmost precision and excellence in the final outcome.
While the creative aspect remains my favorite facet of the role, I am equally committed to overseeing the quantitative aspects of the business. This involves active involvement in sales strategies, meticulous attention to numerical data, and the daily operational activities that contribute to the overall success of the company. Balancing both the creative and business dimensions allows me to uphold a comprehensive approach to leadership, ensuring the seamless integration of innovation and strategic business management.
For those who are not familiar with Nude Envie, please tell us about your brand.
Nude Envie presents a stunning collection of effortlessly wearable shades suitable for everyone. I am not a professional makeup artist, therefore my passion lies in easily fostering self-confidence and feeling good about oneself for all. Our line boasts a range of feminine and beautiful lipsticks, lip liners, eye shadows, and blushes—all designed to enhance your natural radiance.
Each lipstick is meticulously formulated with just the right balance of shimmer or sheerness, tailored to the specific shade. Crafted by me, a woman intimately acquainted with what makes women feel beautiful, each formula is carefully crafted to ensure the perfect amount of pink or peach undertones, avoiding any undesirable gray or beige hues while maintaining a nude aesthetic.
Our products are designed to create harmony and balance on the face. Lipsticks are paired with matching eye shadows, and our cheek products are curated to complement both lips and lids, enhancing your overall look. Our cream blushes, highlighters, and bronzers not only provide a radiant glow but also contain skin-enhancing ingredients and they help conceal blemishes and imperfections. These creams can be layered with their corresponding partners for a truly magnificent finish.
You mentioned that putting on make-up is a process of self-care. Please tell us about this.
To me, prioritizing self-care is an integral aspect of my daily routine. It encompasses the way we communicate with ourselves, our self-perception, the time we dedicate to ourselves, and the manner in which we treat ourselves. A fulfilling morning routine involves appreciating one’s own beauty, adding a touch of color to the cheeks, lids, and lips. The act of applying makeup not only enhances our appearance but also nurtures a sense of inner beauty and well-being.
What was your background before starting Nude Envie?
I am the proud mother of three wonderful children, having dedicated many years to being a stay-at-home mom before venturing into the business of Nude Envie. During my time as a stay-at-home mom, my primary focus was ensuring the well-being and perfection of my precious children. Now, with Nude Envie, my cosmetics line, I extend that same dedication to ensuring the perfection of my new “babies” – my cosmetic creations.
What were some surprises or challenges you encountered when starting your company?
The primary challenges I faced revolved around the creative process and ensuring that all my products met my exacting standards. At times, there were pressures from others to adopt their suggestions for the sake of convenience in collaboration. However, maintaining focus and trusting my own instincts were crucial. Resisting external influence and staying true to my vision proved to be a significant challenge that I had to overcome.
What exciting things can we look forward to from Nude Envie this year?
I am thrilled about the projects currently in progress. To begin with, we are introducing exceptional eyeliners, available in both pencil and liquid formulations. Additionally, I am excited to unveil a limited edition of eye pencils that exude a sparkling, jewel-like quality, evoking the vibrant atmosphere of disco vibes.
Where is the next place on your wish list to visit?
I would love to visit Japan. The captivating culture, warm hospitality of the people, exquisite cuisine, and stunning topography make it a destination I am eager to explore in the near future, hopefully in the Spring!
