Ruby Hammer
Ruby Hammer, MBE (born 10 December 1961) is a British-Nigerian makeup artist. Hammer has worked with the world's most celebrated photographers, hairdressers, art directors, stylists, and models globally. Early life. Hammer was born to Bangladeshi parents in Nigeria where her father was a doctor. She emigrated with her family to Britain at the age of 13. Her parents intended to return to Bangladesh (known as East Pakistan at the time), however, the Bangladesh Liberation War broke out there while they were on holiday in England. In 1984, Hammer graduated with a BA (Hons) in Economics from  City University London. In 1986, whilst pregnant, she modelled in the 1987 Mothercare catalogue. Career. In 1998, Hammer teamed up with beauty publicist Millie Kendall to create the Ruby & Millie cosmetics brand, sold exclusively in Boots pharmacies nationwide. It became one of the most innovative brands to be launched in the international beauty industry in decades and was the first major UK cosmetics brand to launch in 30 years. In August 1998, the first Ruby & Millie site was opened in Harvey Nichols in Leeds and London. Hammer has created looks for photographers, runways for designers, including John Galliano and Jasper  Conran, and has worked on photo shoots for fashion publications such as "Vogue", "Elle", "Red", "Harpers and Queen", "Bazaar" and "Marie Claire". She is regularly quoted on trends, beauty tips and advice. Hammer worked on advertising campaigns and televisions commercials for international brands such as Oil of Olay, Pantene and Head & Shoulders. She has been asked to launch products, advise on new looks and train personnel for Estee Lauder, Clarins, Clinique, Aveda and Revlon. Her television credits includes "The Clothes Show", "BBC Style Challenge", "Britain's Next Top Model", "GMTV", "This Morning", and "10 Years Younger", where she was the  resident makeup artist for 3 series. In December 2009, Ruby & Millie launched teen cosmetics range Scarlett and Crimson. In September 2011, Hammer launched launch the cosmetics beauty gifting range "Ruby Hammer Recommends" exclusive to Debenhams. In August 2019, Hammer launched her highly edited capsule collection of beauty essentials. Awards and recognition. In 2007, Hammer was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2007 New Year Honours for her contribution to the cosmetics industry. Personal life. In 1985, Hammer married Polish-born entrepreneur George Hammer who was responsible for bringing the Aveda hair and lifestyle brand  to QVC. In 1999, they were divorced. In May 2009, Hammer married Italian-Polish hotelier Martin Kuczmarski. Her daughter, Reena (born 1987), is creative director for Urban Retreat beauty salons. Hammer lives in Maida Vale, London. She can speak fluent English, Bengali, Hausa and Hindi.