Today’s beauty confession come from @ChereenGibson, resident Beauty Editor at O, The Oprah Magazine.
How did you first get started in the beauty industry?
I started out as the junior sub-editor at Woman & Home, and was soon promoted to features writer and travel editor. It was on a press trip to Mauritius that I realised that my passion for all things beauty, combined with my writing ability and creativity, would stand me in good stead to work as a beauty editor – something I’d wanted to do since I was a little girl. I guess my previous editor must have seen it too, as she offered me the position of beauty and health editor in 2009. I’ve since started as the beauty editor at O, The Oprah Magazine, which is a dream come true. I have always dreamt of being on the Oprah show, but never though that I would have the opportunity to work on such a fantastic brand with such a talented, inspiring and supportive team.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Definitely seeing my creativity and beauty philosophy brought to life on the pages of O. So much hard work goes behind planning every beauty page – from the products featured, the way they are laid out on the page and the words used to describe these – so it’s a great feeling when it all comes together! I’ll never tire of the thrill of seeing my name in print.
What’s the most common questions girls ask you when they find out what you do?
Do I get to keep all the products sent to the beauty department? The answer: No, unfortunately not! These products are sent to us to photograph for inclusion in the magazine, first and foremost. I’m lucky enough to get to test and try out some of the latest products from time to time, though!
What was the last thing you purchased?
A beautiful black vintage dress from Vintage Street in Kalk Bay.
What are your top five beauty products right now?
- Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer – my skin is smoother, softer and more even-toned, literally overnight!
- Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation – offers sheer, buildable coverage and SPF protection for skin that looks naturally glowing and healthy,
- Kerastase Elixir Ultimé – This miraculous hair oil is to thank for my hair’s healthy shine and great condition, despite my flat ironing habit!
- Lancôme Hypnôse Dolls Eye Mascara – this lengthens and defines each lash, and is perfect for recreating that gorgeous ‘doe-eyed’ 60s look, made famous by Twiggy,
- Tom Ford Violet Blonde – I am a huge Tom Ford fan. From his womenswear and sunglasses collections to his magnificent lipstick and fragrance ranges (and even his directorial debut) I love and want it all! Violet Blonde is one of his newest scents and is a powdery blend of violet and iris, with notes of Sambac Jasmine, musk, vetiver and benzoin.
What are your all time fave products? Things you’ve loved since forever and can’t live without?
- Sebastian Professional Potion 9 is my go-to hair treatment – it contains 9 active botanical ingredients that soften, smooth and strengthen the cuticles. I often stop using this product for a while as I find that the time between my regular trims are cut short – I swear it makes my hair grow faster!
- ghd Style Straight & Smooth Cream is my daily essential. As a flat iron devotee, I love the fact that this product helps to tame my hair, as well as offering thermal protection benefits in one,
- Clarins Extra-Firming Lip and Contour Balm. This beauty lives beside my bed and gets smothered everywhere – from lips and cuticles to any other dry patches – on a nightly basis. It contains raspberry oil, which is rich in nourishing Vitamin E, and shea butter to moisturise and soothe my lips and is one of my beauty essentials,
- Good ol’ Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser never fails to impress. I always have this product on hand, even though I often don’t use it until my skin is really suffering. It’s great for giving skin a much-needed dose of moisture and delivers fast results, especially during dry, Johannesburg winters,
- The original Crème de la Mer. This cult beauty product is my ultimate beauty treat. I tried it for the first time about two years ago, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s quite pricey, but think of it as an investment – in healthy, great-looking skin.
Favourite blogs and webbies you visit:
- StyleScoop, of course! I can get lost on StyleScoop, so have to limit myself otherwise I’d spend entire days browsing the fabulous content! (Thank you Chereen xxx)
- Allure.com – the beauty expert’s bible, Allure magazine’s on-line counterpart. I visit this site on a daily basis for inspiration, to check up on their product reviews and for news of international beauty launches.
- Kiss, Blush and Tell – a gorgeous local blog filled with product reviews, video posts and inspiring posts in general.
- thebeautydepartment.com – Lauren Conrad and friends’ blog showcasing all the latest trends, with tried-and-tested tips and advice on pulling off these trends in real life. I love their DIY nail posts in particular (ombre nails, anyone?)
- Cupcakesandcashmere.com – the delightful Emily Schuman’s blog is full of décor inspiration, recipes, fashion posts and the occasional beauty post. I love this inspiring blog in it’s entirety, but her beauty posts are my personal highlight.
Favourite nail polish for summer?
I’m obsessed with Yves Saint Laurent Manucure Couture Colour Nail Polish Duo No. 5 in Duo Favourite Chic. It contains a gorgeous cappuccino shade and a denim-inspired blue – I can’t wait to try a French mani with a twist using these two!
Favourite scent for the season?
Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola – a sweet, summery scent that will be on counters in January.
What’s your beauty secret/ tip?
It’s a rather boring one, but it works – stay out of the sun, and wear SPF every. single. day. I wear Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF40 over my moisturiser – it’s fabulously light and non-greasy, so perfect for wearing under your foundation.
Where can we stalk you?
Twitter: @ChereenGibson
My Blog: forthebeautyofit.blogspot.com
