Lynne Mills: When I started Girl Meets Brush back in 2015, it was just me with an idea and a passion for creating something I felt was missing in the market.

Anne Marie
3 days ago
5 min read

Congratulations on 10 years of Girl Meets Brush! How does it feel to reach such an incredible milestone?

Honestly, it feels surreal — in the best way! When I started Girl Meets Brush back in 2015, it was just me with an idea and a passion for creating something I felt was missing in the market. To see how far it’s come — from our first brush set to a full professional range and thriving community — makes me so proud. It’s been an incredible journey, and the best part has definitely been watching our artists grow and seeing our products used everywhere from client work to backstage at Fashion Week.

Looking back to 2015, what inspired you to launch Girl Meets Brush, and how did your two decades of make-up artistry experience shape the brand’s vision?

After nearly 20 years as a make-up artist, I’d seen it all — brush sets that were too complicated, poor quality, or just didn’t have what you actually needed. I wanted to create something simple, professional, and long-lasting — a collection that truly made sense for artists and everyday users alike. Girl Meets Brush came from that experience. I wanted to take all those years of working on shoots, backstage, and with clients, and channel them into a brand that made artistry more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Your first product — the Pro 12-Piece Brush Set — remains a fan favorite. What do you think has made it stand the test of time?

It’s timeless because it works! The Pro 12-Piece Set was designed to do everything you actually need, without any extras gathering dust. Each brush has a purpose, they’re made to last, and they perform beautifully. Plus, they’re cruelty-free and vegan, which was important to me from day one. It’s simple, pro-level, and reliable — the kind of set you reach for again and again.

Over the years, Girl Meets Brush has evolved into a full professional range. What key moments or milestones stand out in that journey?

Launching our palettes was a huge one — that’s when the brand really started to grow beyond brushes. Also the Academy in 2018, which opened up a whole new side to what we do, supporting and training upcoming make-up artists. Another major highlight was working backstage at London Fashion Week, which we now do every year. And this year’s partnership with Tran Hung SS26, where our Academy and MUA Awards community took over the runway looks — that was a real “pinch me” moment!

The brand has always been about making make-up simple, professional, and empowering. How do you stay true to that philosophy as you continue to grow?

That’s our compass, really. Every time we develop something new, I ask — “Does this make artistry easier and more empowering?” We’ve never tried to be the biggest brand, just the most thoughtful. The range stays tight and purposeful, and we’re constantly listening to our community to make sure what we’re creating actually helps them in their work. It’s about keeping things focused and real.

2025 has been a major year with a brand relaunch and several exciting new products. Can you tell us more about these innovations and what inspired them?

It’s been such an exciting year! The rebrand felt like a natural evolution — fresh visuals, refined packaging, and a modern look that really reflects where we are now as a brand. We’ve added new blush duos, expanded our palettes, and just launched the new Pro Brush Set, which takes our original hero concept and gives it a sleek, updated twist. And we’re about to launch our Make-Up Prep Skin Case line — which I’m obsessed with! It’s designed to bring skincare prep into the pro make-up space, and it’s such a perfect way to end our anniversary year.

Your team recently took part in London Fashion Week as the official make-up sponsors for Tran Hung SS26. What was that experience like for you and your artists?

It was amazing! Being the official make-up sponsors for Tran Hung SS26 (with Jera Creative) was such a proud moment. Our Academy artists and MUA Awards community did the full backstage make-up, and they absolutely smashed it. For me, watching them create looks using our own brushes and palettes — and seeing their confidence shine — that’s what Girl Meets Brush is all about.

Since launching Girl Meets Brush | theACADEMY in 2018, you’ve helped nurture hundreds of emerging make-up artists. What impact has that community had on the brand — and on you personally?

It’s honestly been the heart of everything. The community has shaped the brand in so many ways — their feedback inspires new products, and their talent keeps me motivated. Personally, it’s been so fulfilling to mentor and support artists coming into the industry. I remember being in their shoes years ago, so creating those opportunities now — whether it’s online training or working backstage — means the world to me.

Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and artist-designed products are core to Girl Meets Brush. Why has sustainability and ethical production been such a priority for you?

Because I think beauty should always feel good — ethically and creatively. It’s non-negotiable for me. From the very beginning, I wanted our products to be cruelty-free, vegan, and responsibly made. There’s no reason professional-quality tools can’t also be kind to the planet and animals. It’s something our customers and artists really value too, which makes it even more worthwhile.

The upcoming Make-Up Prep Skin Case launch marks the finale of your anniversary year. What can fans expect from this new addition?

It’s all about that perfect skin prep before make-up! The Make-Up Prep Skin Case is our new baby — it combines skincare and artistry in one pro-inspired kit. It’s sleek, travel-friendly, and designed for both MUAs and make-up lovers who want to create that flawless base. It’s fresh, functional, and very “Girl Meets Brush” — I can’t wait for everyone to try it!

As you reflect on a decade of creativity and community, what lessons have you learned along the way — both as a founder and as an artist?

So many! Mostly that passion and persistence go a long way. You’ll always have ups and downs, but staying true to your vision and listening to your audience will guide you through. I’ve also learned that simplicity is powerful — in artistry and in business. And to never stop learning — that’s something I try to pass on to our Academy students too.

Finally, looking ahead, what’s next for Girl Meets Brush in the next 10 years? How do you see the brand continuing to shape beauty together?

The next chapter is all about growth and collaboration. We’re working on expanding, building even more opportunities through theACADEMY, and continuing to launch pro-led, innovative products. But our focus will always stay the same — supporting artists, creating community, and keeping make-up professional yet accessible. We’re not just following trends — we’re helping to shape them together as a make-up community.