There are red lips—and then there’s AMERICAN. RED. by celebrity makeup artist Nicole Bryl. 

Red lipstick has held a special place in American history, but more than that, it’s been a bold way for women to express femininity and even patriotism across the decades. From beautiful historic portraits to the very halls of our own White House, red lipstick stands out as a symbol of beauty — and now it’s a source of national pride thanks to Nicole Bryl!

Best known for her iconic work with our beautiful First Lady Melania Trump, Nicole has developed a bold, rich, patriotic RED hue that goes beyond beauty; it’s a symbol, a statement, a salute to strength, elegance, and patriotism. From the White House to the hard working moms and caretakers of this great nation, Bryl’s signature LIMITED EDITION red lip kit captures the essence of American glamour, classic, iconic, and unapologetically powerful.

“This isn’t just a lip color—it’s an expression of freedom, and our fierce American spirit.” – Nicole Bryl

On AMERICAN.RED. Lip Kit and It’s Meaning

What inspired you to create your limited edition AMERICAN.RED. Lip kit—and why now?

My AMERICAN. RED. lip kit was born from a very personal intersection between beauty, patriotism, power and conservatism. As a makeup artist of almost four decades, helping women step into their confidence and often positively transforming their spirit by way of something as simple as the perfect red lip, I wanted to shine a light on this expression of resilience and strength for all women to access, and now is certainly the perfect time to shine.

Red lips have long symbolized femininity and strength. How does your AMERICAN.RED. lip kit modernize that tradition while honoring its roots?

I would say that through my personal beauty lens, which combines the glamour of old fashioned American movie stars and pin up gals, merged with timeless classic elegance, power suits and bold femininity, I created AMERICAN. RED. lip kit in support of women who are unapologetically courageous. These women want products that reflect not just their beauty, but also their unwavering beliefs. This isn’t just a lip color—it’s an expression of freedom, and our fierce American spirit. Modern ideology meets classic beauty, if you will.

Can you tell us about the moment you knew you had found the perfect red? What made this one different from the rest?

It was the perfect ratio between cool red and warm red, the balance of which simply made me feel pretty. A classic shade combination and elegant texture that I knew would not only look stunning on my gorgeous clients, but also the hard working woman and caretakers of this great nation.

How do you hope your work—whether through makeup, skincare, or storytelling—will impact the next generation of American women?

In my four decade career in beauty, although highly creative as it were, has always been rooted first and foremost in integrity, loyalty, long standing client relationships, genuine love for their families and children, hard work, respect and above all, ethics. I am the person my clients count on for consistency, friendship, protection and care. A home, a heart, someone they can trust implicitly. And they are that for me too. They are protective of me, encourage me and teach me to be better. And when the chips were low for all conservatives a few years back and our beliefs and businesses were bullied and cancelled we didn’t waver. We stayed authentic to who we were no matter what, and we stuck to what felt right to us even in the darkest of times.

I hope to inspire the next generation of driven, conservative creatives to live in their truth with peaceful strength, align with those that feel safe, and to always stay true to themselves. Walking through fear, rather than avoiding it takes courage and resilience and we have all rested our heads on our pillows soundly at night knowing we did just this. There IS a place for conservative beauty and we too are good people who have good intentions.

ON CAREER, BEAUTY, AND PATRIOTISM

What does “American beauty” mean to you today?

To me, American beauty today is about being awake in our quickly changing times, standing in our own truth and remaining steadfast without apology. It’s about feeling beautiful and authentic no matter what life throws you. Whether you prefer a dramatic or understated look, at the end of the day it’s about real women rooted in values, showing up polished and with grace. Resilient positivity, let’s be generous in our support of one another. And the same goes for the fellows out there too. When they appreciate their own grooming and taking care of their skin, clothing, and hair it’s pretty darn cool. Who doesn’t love a well groomed man?

Your work has graced numerous globally celebrated red carpets, fashion campaigns, film, television, state dinners and two inaugurations. How has your philosophy on beauty evolved over the years, especially working with women in political positions?

My philosophy on beauty has deepened with time. Working with women in the public eye, especially those in political and diplomatic roles has taught me that beauty is less about perfection and more about presence. True beauty is experiencing joy from within, lending a hand to others and is certainly rooted in purpose. And having several excellent lipstick options doesn’t hurt either!

Do you believe patriotism has a place in the beauty industry? How does your emerging beauty brand Nicole Bryl, Made in America challenge industry norms?

Yes, I believe patriotism not only has a place in the beauty industry, it’s long overdue. Beauty is an expression of identity, and approximately 53 million American women do identify as conservative, love of our country has been central to who we are for some time now. We shouldn’t have to check our personal values at the door so that we are “accepted” into the beauty world.

My three patriotic lip kits: FIRST. LIP. , LIBERTY. BELL. and AMERICAN. RED. challenge industry norms by standing unapologetically for both elegance and conservative American principles. It proves conservative patriots can be celebrated while also remaining fiercely RED.

ON TWO DECADES AS FLOTUS’S MAKEUP ARTIST

What’s been the highlight of your career as a makeup artist so far?

No doubt working with our beautiful First Lady Melania Trump for both inaugurations and any photoshoot or world event that she might call upon me for. Working with our First Lady then, now and always is simply a brilliant and memorable day spent. Her unique and unmatchable aesthetic for beauty coupled with her elevated perspective on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness deeply inspires and uplifts me. What a humbling honor to be a part of these two historic moments in time. Melania is truly a kind, elegant and courageous woman whom I respect and admire immensely and I am certainly a far better artist and professional because of her. 

You must have travelled to many interesting locations for work over the years. What have been some of your most memorable destinations?

Goodness I’ve been blessed with many incredible work locations over the past four decades as a makeup artist, but here are just a few off the top of my head: Two days in Istanbul, Turkey for an event with Sir Richard Branson at the historic Kempinski Hotel. Then there was that time I landed via helicopter on top of an Exxon oil rig two hours off the coast of Houston, Texas in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico waters and slept two nights there in a bunk bed – my daredevil client was filmed swinging off the side of the rig for two days, needless to say I was holding my breath while reapplying her lipstick for touch ups.

A private dinner with Paloma Picasso in Paris after working several couture fashion shows. A Mercedes Benz photoshoot with opera diva Anna Netrebko in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. All the star studded A-list Red Carpet events in NYC through the years, especially the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum. A photoshoot inside the private Trump airplane with the President and First Lady-to-be for Paris Match Magazine before their historic 2024 win. Any time spent at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, it’s just so stunningly beautiful there and the backdrop for those photos are incredibly gorgeous. And of course at #1, all of the memorable moments spent working at the White House serving our magnificent First Lady Melania Trump, this experience certainly Trumps them all.

What is it like working behind the scenes in such a historic and political setting like the White House? How has that influenced your aesthetic as a makeup artist?

Working behind the scenes in the most historic and political setting in America has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. You’re not just presenting someone’s makeup for a camera interview or an event, you’re helping shape how history remembers them. There is a quiet reverence in preparing for this moment and a deep sense of responsibility that comes with it. 

Every brushstroke must reflect timelessness. Being in close proximity to the most powerful women in the country, especially one who carries themselves with such elegance and grace has deeply influenced my aesthetic as an artist. I’ve come to value even more the power of clean beauty and true elegance that endures time rather than looks that are trending. It has also reinforced my belief that beauty and patriotism can coexist. There is something incredibly moving about using your craft for a greater purpose, especially when that purpose is rooted in tradition, and acts of service.

You’ve worked closely with Melania Trump, but you’ve likely studied the aesthetics of other First Ladies too. Which First Lady’s beauty style do you admire most, and why?

Without hesitation, Melania Trump. While many First Ladies throughout history have carried themselves with grace and dignity, Melania’s beauty style is, to me, the most refined, disciplined, and quietly powerful. She understands that true elegance doesn’t need to be loud to command attention, it simply is. Her look is always impeccably tailored, timeless, and understated in the most intentional way. She embodies the kind of classic American glamour that doesn’t waver with trends, and her presence alone elevates every room she walks into. What I admire most is that her beauty is never performative. It reflects who she is at her core — confident, kind, composed, and resolute. As someone who has had the honor of working with her closely for years, I’ve seen up close that her aesthetic choices are rooted in self-respect, strength, and an unshakable sense of identity. That’s rare.

ON STYLE, SIMPLICITY, AND SELF-EXPRESSION

If a woman has only five minutes to feel prettier and dash out the door what does Nicole Bryl say she must do? 

1. Splash your face with cold water to wake yourself up quickly and invigorate your skin.
2. Apply moisturizer. 
3. Spritz your face with a water mist of choice which adds extra hydration and gives you a quick glow. 
4. Grab a Nicole Bryl Made in America lip kit of choice and apply it, you should never leave the house without adding a touch of something on your lips if nothing else. 
5. Throw on your favorite sunglasses, preferably ones that are not too dark so people can still make out your eyes when they are talking to you. 
6. Add one dash of your favorite perfume and bam, you’re ready to run out the door in a flash and feel like you’ve perked yourself up. 

*(Added bonus: Either pull your hair back neatly or run a quick brush through it and by all means put on fresh clothes no matter what, the freshness makes you feel happier).

What’s one beauty myth you wish women would stop believing? 

That everything you see in magazines will also look good on you. Taking inspiration from magazines from a creative standpoint is certainly fun, but thinking we need to wear all of what we see is another thing. I can only speak for myself in that I am an everyday person who has always been fluffier, rounder and less chiseled than my stunning clients who grace the covers of magazines. I will never be able to wear a size 0-6 or even a 6-10 and at 5 foot 3 inches most clothes don’t fit me right either. I lean into the fabrics that make me feel prettiest and happy, and prints and patterns that might also make me step into my strength and I’m ok with this. I don’t compare myself to anyone on TV or in the movies. I appreciate and celebrate them and greatly enjoy their beauty, but I never compare myself to them.

Do what makes you feel empowered and call it a day. This can also shift and adjust over time so be aware not to get stuck in an old pattern of beauty that no longer serves you either. The most beautiful people I know are the ones who check in with themselves and don’t seek external validation. How sensational this is!

Is the AMERICAN.RED. Lip Kit for Everyone?

AMERICAN. RED. limited edition lip kit is available to everyone who enjoys wearing a red lip! Whether it’s a bold everyday signature statement or a sometimes look, it’s certainly wonderful to have this option in your beauty collection. Now if you’re asking if every woman can wear red lipstick I’d have to say no. Not every woman can carry a bold AMERICAN. RED. lip look. That’s why I created beautiful options such as FIRST. LIP. (a more natural pink/peach lip kit), as well as LIBERTY. BELL. (a dusty/gold lip kit) for all to enjoy.

SHOP NICOLE’S LIP KITS:  nicolebryl.com

FOLLOW NICOLE ON INSTAGRAM:  @nicoleskinofficial

American beauty has always had a signature, and to see the legacy respected and expanded through the hard work and passion of Nicole Bryl is an honor. Shop Nicole’s makeup line and proudly wear your God-given beauty with pride and patriotism.