How to land a job in beauty journalism

I have to admit, I'm one of those smug people that loves their job. I'm actually excited to go into work every day (yup, even Mondays), and although I might need a little trip to Costa to give me a kick of energy before I start, I can firmly say that I enjoy what I do.

And that's why I'm on this career path. I don't want to go into work everyday dreading what's around the corner, or come home stressed AF just so that I can put food on the table. I work in beauty journalism because I love it and it makes me happy. I know it's not that easy for everyone, and I'm very lucky to live in a country where careers like journalism are accessible, but if you can find a job that brings you joy then I urge you to stick with it - it might not be the most lucrative but you never know where it may lead.

I'm going to give you a few tips on how to land that beauty journalism job before you can say BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector. There are plenty of jobs in the journalism industry, so don't let anyone tell you that you won't make it - because you might! Before I graduated, some guy asked me what I wanted to be, and I said 'an Editor at a magazine'. He said, 'so does everyone'. That's stayed with me for the past few years, because he was implying that I was just like everyone else, so why should I have that job? Well, it's because I'm determined - and if you're determined, then you can definitely land your dream beauty journalism job. Which leads me to my first tip:

Be determined

It's unlikely that you'll just 'fall into' beauty journalism. In fact, you'll probably have to put in a lot of work before you even start applying for jobs. How do you get prepped? Think about starting a beauty blog; try writing about your favourite beauty products so that you build confidence in giving your opinions. Read a shit tonne of magazines and websites; Allure and Stylist are popular titles which cover a broad range of topics but have dedicated beauty tabs, whilst Professional Beauty is good for strengthening your industry insider knowledge and staying ahead of consumers. In this industry, knowledge is key.

You'll probably be asked at your interview, 'What's your favourite beauty brand?' or, 'Which brands do you think are up and coming right now?', which is why you need to constantly research the market. Look at social media for hints, and keep an eye on advertising campaigns in magazines, and on websites, TV and billboards.

Intern

Journalism isn't for everyone. I know some people who've interned at magazines, before getting a job in a field such as PR (they interlink, by the way, and many journalists often find themselves doing a little bit of PR over the course of their careers and vice versa), or something completely different. Interning is a good way to find out if this is the job for you, to see if you can put up with the work load, process and people. 

I interned for six months before I started in journalism. Unfortunately, it was unpaid, but it led to a job at the end of the term, which grew into a career.

When you're interning, make sure you're doing work that you would be doing if it were a full-time, permanent role. You're not there to get coffee or neaten up the beauty cupboard (ESPECIALLY IF IT'S UNPAID - but that's a whole different post). You're there to learn about the world of beauty journalism. If you feel like you're not learning anything, ask to shadow someone or move to a different department.

Tip: Try not to intern somewhere like Vogue; it's nothing like the rest of the magazine world.

Work on your digital skills

SEO and social media are your two best friends. Get to know them, because they will be essential for your career. The publishing world is moving rapidly into digital media, and it's very unlikely that smaller print magazines will stick around for much longer (I've already worked at two which have since closed down). Learning these two skills will put you ahead of the game, and make you stand out from other journalists. To gain access to information about SEO online as well as social media, you will need to make sure that you're using high speed internet providers Atlanta (or a quick Google search to find these in your local area). Ensuring you have a good internet connection will make it easier to work on your digital skills, making it quicker for you to earn money!

You can easily find tutorials for both these skills on YouTube, so get watching. When you're looking for tutorials on SEO, it's all about keywords. In terms of social media, just having a Twitter account isn't going to cut it. You need to know about analytics, engagement, demographics, niche hashtags, and lots, lots more.

Take a course

It's not essential, but having 'Course in Digital Writing' on your CV will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. I took a course in Features Writing whilst at my current job; I learned a lot about how to keep a reader engaged, and I can keep it on my CV. Try the Press Association - they have so many courses available for all areas of journalism. Some may be expensive, but it's up to you how much you want to invest in your career.

Be friendly AF

Being mean will get you nowhere in this industry. People remember you for being friendly, loyal and dependable. If a PR from, say, Dior Beauty met you and found out that you're rude, it causes a bad relationship between not just you and the PR, but the PR and the magazine, and also you and A LOT of other PRs. People talk, and you don't want them to be saying bad things about you, so be nice. 

However, try not to be fake. People can detect fakeness from a mile away. Basically if you're a rude, mean, grumpy person, prone to being fake just to get a leg up in your career, this industry isn't for you.

Which brings me to my last point...

It's 80% 'who you know'

Sure, you can probably get by with doing your research, nailing interviews and having a great work ethic, but in my opinion that can only get you so far. If you don't get into the world and meet people, you might find that it's harder to progress - because everyone knows someone, and that someone could be looking for a beauty journalist at a very well-known magazine.

For all you introverts screaming inside - it's not that hard. I'm very much an introverted person. When I first started out in journalism, meeting lots of new people really took it out of me and I'd have to take time out afterwards because my anxiety was so high. It takes me a while to come out of my shell, and I find it hard to 'let my hair down' around people I don't know. I'll never be the charming, charismatic girl that people instantly warm to. I know that. But it doesn't stop me from being nice, making quiet conversation, and hopefully leaving a good impression. 

Don't know anyone yet? Join groups on Facebook, participate in hashtags on Twitter, find forums, follow people, comment on people's blogs. The internet is a huge contact book - USE IT.

Tip: If you meet someone you like at a press event, party or conference, whip out your phone and ask for their Twitter/Instagram handle, then follow them then and there. It's the modern day exchanging of business cards, except unlike ten years ago, where your business card would most likely end up at the bottom of their desk draw, your follow will end up at the top of their notifications list and they'll hopefully follow you back. If you're really organised, put them in a Twitter list of journalists, then you'll know to regularly check the list and interact with people to keep your name fresh in their minds.

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Beauty products to help you survive summer

I have an unpopular opinion. I don't like summer. It's actually my least favourite season (yup, I like winter more than I like summer). Why? I guess the thing that bugs me the most is the heat - I'm definitely not a hot person. My boyfriend recently asked me, 'if you could live anywhere in the world apart from the UK, where would you live?' My answer: Iceland. I'm that bad. 

Luckily, where I live, it tends to keep fairly cool. Sure, I still have to chuck the duvet on the floor in the middle of the night, and I may break into a sweat while walking up a flight of stairs, but it's nothing compared to the intense heat of London. Just last week, I was on the tube and I could barely breathe because the air was so thick (London-based readers, how do you cope?).

What I DO like about summer are the new releases in the beauty world - the products that help you get through the season and make your life that little bit easier. I've rounded up five beauty products that are currently helping me survive this summer, from haircare, to teeth whitening, to makeup products. Read on, and I hope these inspire you to try something new!

Colab Original Dry Shampoo, £3.49

Available at Superdrug, Colab was created by blogger Ruth Crilley (A Model Recommends). These very Instagrammable dry shampoos come in different styles, but my favourite is the 'Original', which features a handwritten black font on a light pink background - so cute.

The fragrance features bergamot and rose, which isn't too overpowering, and the formula doesn't leave a huge white mark. This is ideal for summer, as your scalp is likely to produce excess oil and sebum in the heat, leaving your hair looking a little bit less fresh than normal. I tend to use this on third day hair, with a few sprays in the morning and then just after lunch if needed.

Natural Teeth Whitening Co Charcoal Powder, £14.99*


I was always a bit sceptical about charcoal teeth whitening powder. Ever since I saw the trend appear on Instagram, I've always wondered whether it worked or people were being paid to say so. However, I was curious to try it for myself, seeing as my teeth aren't the whitest thanks to years of drinking tea.

I received a sample from the Natural Teeth Whitening Co, which uses natural, vegan ingredients. I'm always up for supporting vegan products, so I was happy to give this a go. The powder is a little messy, as you would expect, but if you're using this over a sink this shouldn't be too much of a problem. 

The charcoal is finely ground and non-abrasive, and it's also food grade so it won't matter if you happen to swallow some. You use this by placing a pinch of the powder in the palm of your hand, dipping your toothpasted brush into the powder, then brushing for two minutes. Rinse, then brush with water to remover any extra residue. 

Over the course of 16 days, using the powder twice per day, you should see a gradually whitening smile. I saw results in less than a week, which totally changed my mind about these products. Plus, you can use this whenever you feel as if your smile needs a boost, as it doesn't contain nasty chemicals.

Panasonic IPL Machine, £349.99

This is a little on the expensive side, but it's a great tool for those of you who hate other forms of hair removal. It's painless (unlike waxing or epilating), doesn't cause ingrown hairs (unlike shaving), and doesn't smell (unlike hair removal cream).

Is intense pulsed light (IPL) safe? Home IPL systems such as the Panasonic machine are far lower in strength than the IPL treatments you'll find in a clinic. The only thing I've found is that when you're using the machine for a long time - say, to do both legs - it gets a little hot towards the end, but this is definitely nowhere near painful.

I've been using this sporadically over the past few months, but it's best when you use it weekly on a higher setting (3 or 4 is best). Since I've been using it, my hairs have become finer, and they're looking naturally less hairy. 





Dead Sea Spa Magik BB Cream, £13.95

I don't wear a lot of makeup in summer - I prefer to work on my skincare routine and get my skin in tip top condition so that I don't feel like I have to wear it. However, on the days where my skin could use a little pick-me-up, I apply this really light BB cream from Dead Sea Spa Magik.

It's light coverage, so it doesn't feel heavy and it gives a nice dewy finish. I like that my freckles come through when I'm wearing this, but red blemishes and dark under-eye circles are covered up by the colour correcting formula. The only problem I have with this is that it only comes in one shade, which is perfect for me in summer when my skin is darker, but not so great in winter.




Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, £20*

It took me a few tries to get used to this product - but now I'm hooked. I'm very meticulous about my eyebrows; if they're not quite right, my entire face doesn't feel right, so as you'd expect I'm picky when it comes to the products I use.

Benefit's Gimme Brow has a tiny brush which distributes the eyebrow-thickening formula evenly, giving you fuller eyebrows in just a few strokes. I apply this after my BB cream, sweeping in an upward direction with the brush, before finishing off with a tiny bit of brow powder to make my brows just a little bit bolder. This formula makes my eyebrows stand out, but in a natural way - which is perfect for summer makeup looks.

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*Gifted for review

5 Tips for the Perfect Summer Road Trip

If the words 'road trip' can't get you pumped for summer, then I don't know what will. To me, there's nothing more exciting than an adventure to pass the time during the long, lazy days of June through to August. Add to the mixture some stunning views, a well-curated playlist and my girls in the passenger seats, and I'm sold.

However, whilst I love the thought of driving off into the distance without a care in the world, I'm also a meticulous planner. I plan for the worst, so that the worst doesn't happen. That includes making sure myself and everyone else is safe, checking that my car is in perfect working order, and helping to supply enough provisions in case of emergency.

If you're heading on a road trip this summer, make sure safety is a priority, and tick these following points off your list.

1. Route

I used to love riding along on 'mystery tours' with my parents when I was little, but these days I prefer to know exactly where I'm going so that I don't get lost, or panic when I accidentally take a wrong turn.

Routes are easy to plan with a sat-nav - or, if you can't afford one, simply mount your smartphone to your dash using a phone cradle (you can find these really cheap on Amazon or eBay) and program your journey into your phone's sat-nav system. 

I tend to look up my route on Google Maps, and zoom into Street View on any tricky bits so that I'm prepared.

2. Tyres

Did you know that tyres can explode whilst you're driving? If your tyres are wearing, or they're set at the wrong pressure, the heat can increase the chance of the tyre exploding - which could be fatal if you're traveling at high speeds.

Before you set out, make sure that your tyres are set at the correct pressure (you'll usually find the pressures stamped into the side of the driver's side door or written in the vehicle handbook). Make sure to take into account extra weight from people or luggage in the car.

If you haven't replaced your tyres in a while, it would be a good idea to get this rectified before you set off. Point S has the option that lets you book tyres online - simply tap in your registration number or tyre size to see what's available.

3. Breakdown cover

My first car used to overheat when it got too hot. Yes, really. I'd have to either park in the shade, or risk being stranded for hours (which has happened). 

Because of this, it was essential for me to have breakdown cover. It was super easy to sign up with The AA - and not too expensive, considering the amount of money and stress it would save you if something did go wrong.

4. Food and drink

In summer, it's important to drink plenty of water, even when you're sitting in an air-conditioned car. Bring several bottles of water on your trip, and stash them in the cubby holes throughout your car so that you or your passengers can reach for one if needed.

I love taking snacks along on a road trip - my favourites are non-messy, bitesize nibbles such as Pringles, finger sandwiches and Maltesers.

5. Hay fever (yes!)

Did you know that if you sneeze whilst driving at 70mph, you could lose your vision for up to 100 metres? Unfortunately, some of us can't help sneezing, but if you have hay fever it might be a good idea to seek advice on the best, non-drowsy medication to use.

You could also help to alleviate your symptoms by wearing sunglasses and closing vents and windows to avoid contact with pollen.

*This is a sponsored post

Pretty in Pink

Weddings, no matter the season, are the perfect chance to amplify your favourite makeup look. How? Building on the pigment until you achieve a stand-out pop of colour. It's an easy way to enhance your favourite facial feature, without experimenting too much. As we all know, a little bit of experimentation can quickly lead to complete failure (*inner makeup artist voice* 'go on, just extend that liner flick a little further... oh, no, not that far. Oh God. Just st- ahh, too late'), but trying out a bolder version of a proven success is a no brainer.

My current summer go-to makeup look is a mix of pink and coral eye shadows on a golden, dewy, slightly shimmering base with natural-looking lips. I know it works, I can recreate it without too much thought, and I'm confident enough to mix it up if I need to. As such, I would definitely wear this for a summer wedding, with an enhanced pigment on the eyes to give the look some purpose - and a beautiful floral headband from Johnny Loves Rosie*.

Here's what I did:

Products

Skincare
Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil
Face
Black Up Radiance Concealer in NCOS 01
Dead Sea Spa Magik Beauty Balm
Lord & Berry Luminizer in Moon
Eyes
Pur Minerals Soul Mattes Eye Shadow Palette
Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours the Brave Palette
Perricone MD No Mascara Mascara
Brows
Benefit Gimme Brow
Soap & Glory Archery


1. Apply two to three drops of Trilogy Rosehip Oil by patting it onto your skin. If it's going to be a hot day, stick to maximum of one drop so that you still get the dewy look, but also so that the makeup doesn't melt off your face. If it's going to be extremely hot, skip this part and use a dewy setting spray at the end.

2. Cover up any dark under eye circles or blemishes with your concealer. I'm using Black up at the moment because I'm more tanned than usual, and the yellow pigment in the concealer works wonders for my purple under eye circles.

3. Apply a light-to-medium coverage BB cream or foundation. I definitely prefer a BB cream in summer, but use whatever you prefer depending on your skin type.

4. Add a few swipes of Lord & Berry's Luminizer to the highest point of your cheeks, the centre of your nose, and your cupid's bow. Work in with a buffing brush until you reach a soft glow rather than a shimmer.

5. Sweep a primer of your choice over your eyes, then apply the lightest cream shade from the Pur Minerals Soul Mattes Eye Shadow Palette all over the lid with a blending brush.

6. With the same brush, blend the lighter minky pink shade over the outer two thirds of the eye, and slightly over the crease. Work this shade under the eye with a clean smaller brush. Pick a slightly darker shade from the palette and, using the smaller brush, work it into the outer corner of the top lid and bring it under the eye.

7. Using a flat shadow brush, take the shimmering coral shade from the Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours the Brave and pat it onto the lid. Build this up until the shade becomes opaque and you can see a visible shimmer.

8. I used Soap & Glory's Archery to fill in my brows to a soft but defined shape, and held them in place with Benefit's Gimme Brow (my go-to brow product right now).

9. Curl your lashes, and finish with a few coats of Perricone MD's No Mascara Mascara.

Tell me what you think of this look, and whether you tried to recreate it!

What are your go-to wedding makeup looks? Tell me on social media:

Instagram - @jenloumeredith

Twitter - @jenloumeredith

*Gifted for review

National Pina Colada Day got me like...

I'm not usually a huge fan of creamy alcohol (Baileys? Eurgh... and don't get me started on espresso martinis), but my one exception is the Pina Colada. 

I had my first taste of this coconutty, pineapply cocktail when I was fourteen on the deck of a cruise ship with my mum and sister. All I can remember is thinking, 'if this is what alcohol tastes like, I can see why some adults become addicted'. Unfortunately, not all alcohol is quite as delicious - and people definitely don't get addicted to alcohol because of the taste.

Since then - and I think this is the case for a lot of folk - I've associated Pina Coladas with holiday. In fact, it doesn't feel like a holiday until I've had my first satisfying sip. I tend not to have Pina Coladas at home, just in case my brain gets confused and goes into vacation mode. But if you're just a little bit crazy, here's a delicious recipe to celebrate National Pina Colada Day (just stick on Love Island, grab a blow-up flamingo pool float and pretend that you're on the east coast of Majorca):

Ingredients:

50ml Malibu rum
50ml pineapple juice
30ml coconut cream 
Wedge of pineapple

Method:

1.Pour all the liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker with some ice, and shake well.
2.Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
3.Slide the wedge of pineapple onto the rim of the glass, then finish off with a tiny umbrella.

*

If you're a fan of all things tropical, and National Pina Colada Day has inspired you to do a cheeky bit of shopping, I've put together a wishlist of my favourite tropical themed homeware, beauty and fashion. Nail the vibe with palm prints, gold hardware and the odd splash of hot pink.

1. Leaf Cushion, £56.99 - Wayfair

2. Hoola Quickie Contour Stick, £23.50 - Benefit

3. Palm Print Shorts, £12 - Boohoo

4. By Terry Sun Designer Palette, £65 - Cult Beauty
5. Tropical Print Skirt, £24 - Dorothy Perkins
6. Pineapple Jewellery Tray, £4.99 - New Look
7. Pinita Colada Body Wash, £3.50 - The Body Shop
8. Palm Print Playsuit, £49 - Topshop
9. ghd V Gold Amber Sunshine Styler, £119 - Very