Redefining Beauty: Monica Ravichandran on Inclusivity, Innovation, and the Perfect Red Lipstick

Monica Ravichandran is rewriting the rules of beauty, fusing technical precision with creative genius in a way only a former software engineer could. As the mastermind behind the viral #browngirlmakeup trend on TikTok, Monica has carved out a space where inclusivity reigns and makeup becomes an expression of individuality, not limitation. Her deep understanding of colour theory—honed through hours in Italian labs—has made her a trusted voice in an industry often criticised for its lack of diversity. With her first red lipstick launch timed to perfection for her upcoming wedding, Monica is taking her expertise to the corporate world, creating the “perfect red” that speaks to both heritage and personal identity. Here, we sit down with the beauty mogul to discuss her journey, her mission, and the artistry behind her bold new venture.

Photography by Grace Bukunmi

Monica, your journey from software engineering to becoming a beauty content creator is nothing short of inspiring. What sparked your passion for beauty, and how did your technical background shape the way you approach the industry?

Growing up, I watched my mom wear makeup every day, and I feel like that sparked my love for beauty. She always used makeup as a way to empower her and to calm her down in the morning, so it kind of became a ritual for me, too.

I feel like all my color theory content came from my STEM knowledge. As an engineer, I was always taught to wonder why certain things are the way they are, and by simply asking, “WHY do brown girls struggle with their makeup more than people with fairer skin?” One part of the answer is shade inclusivity, another part is undertone inclusivity, and the most misunderstood answer is color theory. 3 years ago, I made THE FIRST ever #lipstickcolortheory test with my friend @jazlmao and something so simple as swatching lipsticks on two different skin tones blew everyone’s mind and amassed almost 100M views across 3 platforms. I also use my STEM background to iterate as a content creator faster. I have one of my employees run an AI comment sentiment analysis report to help generate more and more ideas based off of the comment section every month.

You’ve become the face behind the #browngirlmakeup trend on TikTok. How did it feel to create a space where so many people could finally see themselves reflected in makeup?

When I was first creating brown girl content on Tik Tok 5 years ago, no one was talking about it. Brown girl makeup had been a thing on Instagram and YouTube, but no one brought color theory into the conversation. I still remember tons of people saying it’s so cringe to make this sort of content. But the ONE THING my software engineering degree helped me understand was SEO. And branding myself as THE brown girl makeup person helped me find a purpose with my own content, helped inspire the next generation of content creators, and resulted in a multi-million-dollar business. I love being able to inspire so many people and uplift an underrepresented audience. It’s truly so rewarding and has given me so much purpose in my life.

Your expertise in color theory has revolutionized how we view beauty for all skin tones. Can you share the moment you realised that understanding undertones could change the beauty game?

My mom, dad, and I all have very different skin tones and undertones, so I learned early on that color theory plays a huge role in makeup and even the slightest change in skin tone depth and undertone. The best way I was able to display this was the #lipstickcolortheory trend I started with my friend. You can really see how much skin tone depth and undertone make a difference.

You’re launching your own red lipstick ahead of your wedding, a beautiful tribute to your mother’s favourite colour. What was your process like in creating the perfect red, and what does it mean to you on such a personal level?

I wanted to make a red lipstick that made me feel the same way my mom feels about red lipstick. Red lipstick is bold, it’s a statement, it’s also empowering when you find the right shade for you. I’m so excited to finally share something that’s unique and has so much sentimental value to me and my family, and FINALLY have a red lipstick for people with olive skin!!!

With your extensive experience working alongside top beauty brands like NYX, Rare Beauty, and The Ordinary, how have you seen the beauty industry evolve in terms of inclusivity, and where do you think it’s headed next?

I think some brands are definitely moving forward and prioritizing inclusivity, but there are a lot of brands that I think have actually gone back in time. I think the narrative will keep pushing forward, but I don’t think we’re at a place at all where I can say everyone is becoming more inclusive.

As someone with a strong STEM background, you’ve taken a scientific approach to understanding beauty. How do you balance the technical and creative sides of the beauty world, and how do you think this has given you a unique perspective?

It’s given me a unique perspective because I used to work as a product manager at an influencer marketing agency. So, I apply a lot of the product management lifecycle to my current everyday workflow with my assistants. I’m highly analytical and data driven, and this also helps me prevent creative burnout.

You’re known for educating your audience about everything from makeup techniques to inclusive shade ranges. How important is it to you to create content that not only informs but also empowers your followers?

It’s really important to me that the core messaging for every video is that “brown skin is beautiful.” Even if it’s not the main topic, it needs to be the subtopic!

Your upcoming wedding sounds like it’s going to be an incredible celebration of cultures. How do you plan to merge your Indian heritage with your fiancé’s Irish background, and will that influence your approach to beauty for the big day?

Our wedding will be 3 days long. The first day, we’re blending American and Indian fusion. The second day is the Indian wedding & ceremony. And on the third day, we’re having a whole Irish American wedding. My fiancé, Chris, will be wearing a similar Irish suit to what his father wore, and we will be having a bagpiper process us to the reception! We’re super excited for this.

As someone who’s been a panellist at major events like SXSW, what do you hope the beauty industry takes away from conversations on inclusivity and diversity, especially when it comes to skincare and makeup for different skin tones?

I hope that the beauty industry learns that even though Brown and Black girls are minorities, our spending power and voices are not. We deserve to be represented and treated equally. The specific panel I participated in at SXSW was about how BIPOC creators are paid 29% less than their white counterparts, and when I learned about this, it was truly enraging. Because our communities are truly the strongest, and to know that there’s still a pay discrepancy in 2025 is alarming.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you in the beauty space? Are there any exciting collaborations or projects that you’re particularly excited about in the near future?

I have a couple of fun secret projects that I can’t quite share yet, but *hint hint* it’ll be with a few K-beauty brands!!

Monica’s Holiday Rules

You’re jet-setting to your dream destination—what’s the one beauty product you can’t forget?

Never forget sunscreen!!! Sunscreen is especially important if you have brown skin.

What’s your travel style secret for looking effortlessly chic on a long flight?

I have acne-prone skin, so I always douse myself in Hypochlorous Acid before a flight to kill any bacteria and follow it up with the Peace Out Skincare Bio Collagen Masks!

When it comes to beauty on the go, what’s your must-have item?

I love me a multi-use blush/cheek product to touch up my blush and lippie. I love the free pudding pots!!

If you could get ready for a night out in any city, where would it be, and what’s the look?

Honestly, I’ve come to an age where I don’t really love “going out” anymore, but I loved going out in San Francisco with my friends from school! Probably a bold, strong eyeliner look with a fun lip!

With your wedding around the corner, what’s your beauty routine for staying flawless through three days of celebration?

Estee Lauder Double Wear. Tons of setting spray between layers, and the One/Size Setting Spray at the end. I’m praying this keeps my makeup locked on.

Do you stick to your skincare routine while travelling, or do you let the destination work its magic?

I do not change up my skincare routine at all when I’m traveling. I try to keep my beauty routine as consistent as possible to prevent more breakouts.

How do you incorporate your love of colour theory into your travel beauty bag?

I always have like 10 lipsticks in my bag at once. And if you have a different skin tone than mine, expect multiple swatches LOL. Everyone around me at some point in time has become my color theory model.

What’s the one fashion piece that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation?

Weirdly – a hat. I do not wear hats unless I’m on vacation. Given LA is so hot and sunny, I should be wearing hats here more often.

Ultimate beach getaway—how do you keep your makeup looking fresh in the sun?

The beaches of the Dominican Republic are my favourite! Honestly, if it’s hot and I’m at the beach, I just don’t wear makeup. Maybe a blush & lip stain, but that’s about it. Love the milk lip & cheek stain that stays on for so long.

Bold beauty or natural vibes when exploring new places? What’s your go-to look while travelling?

I think bold for restaurants and a night out, but sometimes I keep it natural during the day. It depends on where I am. I match my vibe to the location of where I am traveling to!