Lance Avery Morgan
Here’s How To Get Gorgeous With This Honorary Texan
Carmindy Bowyer doesn’t just see faces, she sees stories. And with the flick of a brush and a signature sunny disposition, she’s been helping women rewrite theirs for over two decades. As the founder of Carmindy Beauty and the beloved makeup guru from TLC’s hit show What Not to Wear, Bowyer has transformed the everyday makeup routine into something far more meaningful: a ritual of confidence, self-love, and natural radiance. Our Lance Avery Morgan catches up with the dynamo to learn more about her success.
While the world of beauty is often driven by contouring fads and 12-step trends that feel more like homework than self-care, Carmindy has carved out her own lane, effortless elegance. Her philosophy is refreshingly simple: celebrate what you’ve got, don’t hide it. Her signature “Carmindy Look,” glowing skin, defined brows, soft eyes, and a glossy pout, became a movement long before the words “clean girl aesthetic” hit Instagram.
From red carpets to real women across America, Carmindy Bowyer’s magic lies in her ability to see what’s already beautiful. She’s less about transformation and more about revelation. “I want women to stop obsessing over who they’re not,” she often says, “and start loving who they are.” This belief became the very foundation (pun intended) of Carmindy Beauty, her thoughtfully designed, pro-quality, beginner-friendly cosmetics line. Each product is a love letter to simplicity and empowerment, from creamy highlighters that mimic the look of good lighting in a bottle to lip crayons that feel like a wink and a hug.
But Bowyer’s success didn’t come pre-packaged in blush compacts. Her path to beauty-world stardom was one of grit, grace, and a relentless pursuit of joy. Raised in Southern California, she discovered early on that art and beauty were inseparable, and that confidence could be painted on until it became a permanent part of her. Her early work in editorial and fashion gave her the credentials; What Not to Wear gave her the platform; and her innate empathy gave her an audience who trusted her completely.
Today, Bowyer is more than just a brand founder. She’s a role model, an author of four books, an entrepreneur, and a personal cheerleader to women everywhere. Whether she’s teaching a masterclass, speaking on panels, or posting tips on Instagram, her message remains consistent: You are enough, and you are beautiful. Her spectacular quality products are merely the cherry on top. She shows that all people, regardless of age, skin tone, or features, have the right to love themselves and truly shine through.
In a world that constantly tells women they need fixing, Carmindy Bowyer is here to remind them they’re already fabulous. And that, with the right highlighter and the right attitude, anything is possible.
The best career advice I’ve received is…
Carmindy Bower: When I was 15 years old, I was told by a friend’s father (who was a professional makeup artist) to apprentice alongside as many professional makeup artists as I could to not only learn the craft in different ways but also to see what resonated and inspired with me to create my own style.
Three qualities that got me where I am today are…
Carmindy Bower: Tenacity, passion, and not being attached to a traditional way of living.
Easiest career decision I ever made is…
Carmindy Bower: Saying yes to being cast on What Not To Wear. I was able to help real women all over the world learn how to love themselves and do a 5 Minute Face.
Due to my ongoing involvement with beauty, I have found that…
Carmindy Bower: Sadly, as advanced as we are becoming as a society, the more insecure we are becoming. True beauty is unique and comes in all forms, but due to social media, we are seeing a fear of aging, carbon-copy heavy makeup looks, and brands focusing on pre-teen girls. I’m still on a mission to teach people to recognize their beauty as they are and use makeup to elevate and celebrate it, not to mask or change it. My brand, Carmindy Beauty, is a streamlined collection of affordable and easy-to-use colored cosmetics for all. The line features hero products such as The 5-Minute Face Collection, Lit From Within Daily Prep Primer, and Celebrate the Skin You’re In Foundation.
What is influencing me right now in the beauty industry is…
Carmindy Bower: The whole “new middle-age” movement. Women over the age of 50 are having a significant moment, from embracing menopause and discussing it openly to the Gen X TikTok trend. We are sexy, new, exciting, and dancing through middle age.
About Texas, I have to admit…
Carmindy Bower: The warmth of the Texan people is next level compared to New York. I have done many speaking engagements, book tours, and local TV and radio in Texas, and have always received such support for my philosophy of empowering all women regardless of age, skin tone, skin type, or features.
How I made my first dollar…
Carmindy Bower: My father instilled a tremendous work ethic in us at a very early age. An allowance for chores was where I made my first dollar, but my first dollar ever made as a makeup artist was when I was 16 years old and got paid to assist another makeup artist on a photo shoot.
First music I bought was…
Carmindy Bower: Duran Duran. I was absolutely obsessed. They were deeply into fashion, and all their music videos were set in exotic locations, featuring models. I knew I wanted to travel the world and work in that environment.
Whenever I hear a Yacht Rock song, I immediately…
Carmindy Bower: Think about growing up on boats in Southern California.
Last thing I binge/marathon watched…
Carmindy Bower: Sirens with Julianne Moore. It was awesome!
Book that left a lasting impression on me…
My real-life hero has got to be…
Carmindy Bower: The Seeker’s Guide by Elizabeth Lesser. I’ve always been a spiritual seeker, and her book was a wonderful collection of things she has gathered throughout her life to help you live a true spiritual adventure.
On that note, my favorite fictional character is…
Carmindy Bower: Max from the children’s book Where The Wild Things Are. When I was a child, it was my favorite book and I wanted to independently explore the world like Max did.
Carmindy Bower: Karen Von Blixen the writer of Out Of Africa and Babette’s Feast. She had strength and tenacity and gave it her all even when things were stacked against her.
If I lived in a foreign city, it would be…
Carmindy Bower: I’m living in one now. I’m in Lisbon. I have lived in Milan, Cape Town, Sydney, Bali, and Havana. I’m nomadic now and love every minute of it. Next stop is Kenya.
What everyone should try in their lifetime is…
Carmindy Bower: Breathwork meditation. It is one of the best forms of natural therapy for anxiety.
If I could compete in an Olympic sport, or create one, it would be…
Carmindy Bower: Casual, non-competitive paddleboarding.
If I weren’t doing what I do I would (be a…)…
Carmindy Bower: A travel blogger.
A celebrity I would prank phone call, and what I would ask them is…
Carmindy Bower: Stevie Nicks and ask her if she would adopt me.
My hidden talent that most people might not guess is…
Carmindy Bower: I can out-fish any man.
If I had a superpower, I’d want it to be…
Carmindy Bower: Flight for sure.
A simple way to get people to laugh is easy. Just…
Carmindy Bower: Be honest about getting older. You must have a great sense of humor about it.
A phrase I might overuse would be…
Carmindy Bower: It was awesome.
My motto? Easy. It is…
Carmindy Bower: Create your own destiny.
Favorite scent these days is (because)…
Carmindy Bower: Nuxe Sun Delicious Fragrance Water. It smells like the beach, and I buy it at pharmacies when I’m in Europe.
My style icon is…
Carmindy Bower: Stevie Nicks.
My personal style signifier is…
Carmindy Bower: Boho Chic everything.
The classic designer I wish was still designing today would be…
Carmindy Bower: Paul Poiret, the OG Boho designer from the early 1900s.
The last meal that truly impressed me was…
Carmindy Bower: I was in the Agafay Desert in Morocco and ate a traditional Berber meal and it was insane.
In my fridge, you will always find…
Carmindy Bower: Coconut milk.
My perfect day would end…
Carmindy Bower: With a sunset dance off on the beach and an Aperol Spritz.
The title of my autobiography will likely be…
Carmindy Bower: Wanderlove.
To enter Carmindy Bowyer’s beautiful world, go here.
