Women in Charge: Hilary Taiwo on building a science-led beauty empire

From makeup artistry to cosmetic science, Hilary Taiwo has built a career rooted in knowledge, precision and purpose. As the founder of Hilary Says, she is bridging the gap between skincare education and retail, championing transparency, raising industry standards and empowering women to make informed beauty choices

Hilary steadily built her began your career in makeup artistry before transitioning into cosmetic science. On what inspired this shift, and how did it shape your perspective on beauty, she says, "Makeup was my entry point into beauty, but curiosity was what pushed me further. I loved the transformation makeup could create, but I found myself increasingly drawn to the science behind the products." Enlightening that curiosity is what led her into cosmetic science, and completely reshaped her perspective. "Beauty stopped being just about aesthetics and became about formulation, skin health and long-term results, she says."

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Reflecting on some of the defining moments that shaped her career trajectory, she shares that studying cosmetic science was a defining moment because it gave her the technical foundation she needed to truly understand the industry. "Working at Procter & Gamble was another; being part of global product development exposed me to world-class standards, discipline and innovation. And then, starting Hilary Says. Turning something that began as education into a fully-fledged business and platform was a major shift. It required me to step into leadership, take risks and build something from the ground up."

Her success in the beauty space can also be traced back to the London College of Fashion, which she says gave her a balanced perspective. "At London College of Fashion, beauty was not just about creativity, it was deeply rooted in science, research and formulation. Affirming that this experience shaped how she approaches innovation today. "For me, innovation is not about trends or buzzwords; it’s about creating products that are effective, safe and backed by real science. It also taught me to think globally while still understanding the importance of local consumer needs."

GLAMOUR: The beauty industry can be highly competitive. What challenges did you face early on, and how did you overcome them?

Hilary: One of the biggest challenges early on was credibility. When you’re young and entering a space that already has established players, you have to prove yourself constantly.

I overcame that by leaning heavily into knowledge and consistency. I made sure that everything I shared, whether online or in professional spaces, was accurate, thoughtful and backed by science. Over time, that built trust, and trust is what ultimately differentiates you in a crowded industry.

GLAMOUR: Working at Procter & Gamble on globally recognized brands must have been formative. What key lessons did you take from that experience?

Hilary: Structure and excellence. P&G teaches you how to think rigorously, from formulation to consumer insight to product performance.

I also learned the importance of testing, validation and consistency. Products are not just created; they are refined, tested and optimized repeatedly before they ever reach consumers. That level of discipline has stayed with me and influences how I approach everything I do today.

GLAMOUR: You have collaborated with an impressive list of international brands. What differentiates those who truly prioritize science and safety?

Hilary: The difference is always in the details. Brands that truly prioritize science invest in research, clinical testing and high-quality raw materials. They are also transparent, not just in marketing, but in formulation. You can see it in how they communicate, how consistent their products are, and how they respond to evolving scientific knowledge. Ultimately, they are not driven solely by trends; they are driven by efficacy and long-term trust.

GLAMOUR: As a woman leading in a science-driven field, what does being in charge mean to you?

Hilary: Being in charge, for me, is about responsibility. It’s about setting standards, making informed decisions and creating opportunities for others. It also means being intentional about how I show up - leading with clarity, confidence and integrity. Leadership is not just about authority; it’s about impact.

GLAMOUR: What leadership qualities have been most critical to your success? Resilience, discipline, clarity, and passion.

Hilary: Resilience keeps you going when things get difficult, which they inevitably will. Discipline ensures consistency, even on the days you don’t feel motivated. Clarity helps you stay focused on your vision and make aligned decisions. And passion is what drives you, especially in the early stages when everything depends on your belief in what you’re building.

GLAMOUR: How do you navigate spaces where women, especially women of color, are underrepresented in STEM and beauty innovation?

Hilary: I navigate those spaces with confidence and preparation. I make sure I know my craft, I understand my value, and I’m not afraid to take up space. At the same time, I think it’s important to open doors for others. Representation matters, but beyond that, access and opportunity matter even more. So as I grow, I’m very intentional about contributing to that shift.

GLAMOUR: What gap in the market did you see that led you to create Hilary Says?

Hilary: I saw a gap between skincare education and skincare retail. People were either being sold products without understanding them, or they were learning online without access to trusted, curated options.

For the flagship store: There was also a gap in premium, science-led retail experiences. I wanted to create a space that felt elevated, calm, and intentional; not just another store, but a destination where people could learn, explore and trust what they were buying.

GLAMOUR: Transparency is a core part of your platform. Why is this so important in today’s beauty landscape?

Hilary: Because consumers are more aware than ever, but they are also more overwhelmed than ever. Transparency builds trust. When people understand what they are using, why they are using it and what to expect, they are empowered to make better decisions. In an industry that can sometimes rely heavily on marketing, transparency is what grounds everything in truth.

GLAMOUR: What are the most common misconceptions consumers have about skincare and cosmetic products?

Hilary: One of the biggest misconceptions is that stronger is always better - higher percentages, more potent actives or more aggressive treatments. In reality, more isn’t always better; it’s about using the right ingredients in the right way for your skin.

Another is that viral products automatically mean effective products. Skincare is not one-size-fits-all, and what works for one person may not work for another. There’s also a misunderstanding around timelines. People expect instant results, but good skincare is about consistency and patience.

GLAMOUR: What should people be paying more attention to when choosing skincare products?

Hilary: They should pay attention to ingredients, formulation and whether the product aligns with their specific skin concerns. It’s also important to consider skin type and environment. A product that works in one climate or for one skin type may not work the same way for another. Ultimately, it’s about making informed choices rather than following trends.

GLAMOUR: What has been the most rewarding and most challenging part of building Hilary Says?

Hilary: The most rewarding part has been the impact; seeing people understand their skin better, make more informed decisions and get real results.The most challenging part has been building and scaling within a complex environment. Transitioning from digital to physical, managing operations and maintaining the same level of excellence as we grow has required a lot of intention and resilience.

GLAMOUR: What's your message to the GLAMOUR woman, and what is next for you?

Hilary: My message to the GLAMOUR woman is simple - invest in yourself, in your knowledge and in your confidence. Beauty is not just about how you look; it’s about how you show up in the world. As for what’s next, I’m focused on expanding Hilary Says into a fully integrated beauty ecosystem (retail, distribution and advanced skincare services) while continuing to elevate standards within the industry.