Toni Bravo: The CEO of Blush Redefining Beauty, Fashion, and Fragrance

At just 25, Toni Bravo has cemented herself as a powerhouse content creator, beauty entrepreneur, and fashion force. Affectionately known in the beauty world as “The CEO of Blush,” Toni has turned her passion and curiosity into a career built on authenticity, inclusivity, and artistry.

Words by Angel Neal

Photography by Grace Bukunmi

From her early days as a shy makeup enthusiast to becoming a visionary voice shaping today’s beauty culture, Bravo’s evolution is nothing short of inspiring. Recently recognized by Rolling Stone as one of 2024’s 25 Most Influential Creators and celebrated in Forbes’ 2025 30 Under 30 list for Social Media, Toni Bravo shows no signs of slowing down. We sat down with her to explore her journey from shy makeup beginner to beauty innovator and fashion tastemaker. When asked what drew her to blush specifically, Toni admits the product choice was rooted in fear. “Honestly, it scared me the most going into making beauty content,” she says. “I actually didn’t wear any makeup, so blush was the first thing that actually spooked me out a little bit. I just decided to go for it.” That leap of courage, she explains, resonated with her audience, drawn to the joy and vibrancy of trying on color.

Toni has played a pivotal role in pushing brands to expand their blush ranges with inclusivity at the forefront.

“It’s about looking at the shade families they’ve already created and making sure what we’re adding works for all consumers,” she explains. “I see it as humanizing the people who are actually buying these products, not just creating shades that look fun or cool.”

Her thoughtful approach to collaboration ensures every product is usable and inclusive.

Her experience at Rare Beauty further informed her perspective. “That was my first real stint in the beauty world, straight out of college. I understood where gaps existed within diversity and inclusion. That was a lightbulb moment for me, creating content centered on my own experience, something I wasn’t seeing in the space at all.”

Working with brands like Tower 28, Toni describes her process as collaborative and precise. “I adore Amy and the Tower 28 team. They understood me immediately, even when I described a shade as an emotion or feeling. There’s really never been any miscommunication. It was fun, beautiful, and something I’d do 10 times over.” Her commitment to honesty also defines her brand partnerships. “Not being authentic benefits nobody,” she says. “Honest reviews and transparent feedback actually help brands improve. Community is built on authenticity and respect.”

Toni’s curiosity doesn’t stop at makeup. She’s recently ventured into fragrance, creating a growing sub-community around scent layering and exploration. “I was sent a bunch of fragrances, and I started sharing my opinions. People started asking for my take on new launches, and organically it snowballed into this sub-community.

I love making fragrance approachable and fun.”

Her upcoming collaboration with Le Monde Gourmand reflects her cinematic sensibility. “My mood board was full of cozy, elegant, Nancy Meyers inspired visuals, movies, places I’ve traveled, and the feelings I associate with them. Turning those visual elements into a scent has been a dream.”From makeup to fragrance to fashion, Toni defines her space in the industry through authenticity and personal style. “Documenting yourself over time lets you see how your style evolves. I encourage my audience to feel an authentic connection to what they wear, buy with intention, not just to collect.”

EAU DE PARFUM

AURA DE VANILLE EAU DE PARFUM

1 fl oz / 30 ml •

Regular price

$30

*Toni’s dream scent comes to life with Aura de Vanille, a warm gourmand. Vanilla milk melts into salted jasmine, grounded in cashmere woods. Soft yet indulgent, it wraps you in a cocoon of sweetness that feels undeniably yours. Buy Here.

As a Black woman in beauty and fashion, Toni recognizes the importance of visibility and inclusivity. “Existing as a Black woman in this industry naturally calls attention to inclusivity, whether explicitly or not. A lot of people use my content to decide where to spend their money, so my perspective matters. Inclusivity has always been an anchor for me. Collaborations with industry icons like Pat McGrath and Patrick Ta have offered Toni a deeper understanding of artistry and longevity. “Being around pioneers reminds me it takes years to become ‘overnight.’ It forces you to zoom out and appreciate the foundation we’re building our communities on.”

Recently, Toni purchased and renovated a 1920s Spanish-style home in LA, working with interior designer Lisa Road. “It means everything. I spend so much time at home, so creating a space that reflects me is paramount. I wanted it done right the first time, timeless, and true to my energy.”

Featured in Rolling Stone, Forbes, Vogue, and The New York Times before 25, Toni is mindful of the legacy she’s creating. “Sometimes it’s hard to visualize how many people are impacted by your work online. Seeing it in traditional publications reminds me that this is bigger than me.”

Disruption, she explains, is at the core of her ethos.

“Whenever I show up on social media, I cause some kind of disruption—often positive. In beauty and fashion, being a disruption is about speaking up and using your voice. Change doesn’t happen without disruption.”

Asked what she hopes people will say about her in 10 years, Toni’s answer is simple yet profound: “I hope they’ll say I’ve become more of myself. Every year I get closer to that, and I hope it’s apparent to those on this journey with me.”

Toni Bravo is not just a content creator, beauty entrepreneur, or fashion personality, she’s a curator of experiences, a champion of inclusivity, and a disruptor shaping the future of beauty and fashion. And through it all, she remains unapologetically herself.