Working in magazines, whether in print or online, has changed so much over the last few years. With more and more emphasis on e-commerce, search engine optimization (SEO), and the so-called death of print, the landscape can be hard to navigate for anyone considering a career in editorial. Beauty editors are responsible for curating, writing, and editing some of the most impactful spaces in this industry. Here, 10 beauty editors look back at their careers and give advice to young writers and PR professionals about how to land a job in magazines.
Tiffany Dodson, beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar
What was your first job in the industry?
“My first official job in the industry was as an editorial assistant at SELF Magazine for then editor-in-chief Carolyn Kylstra. Prior to working at SELF, I was a freelance writer for outlets like Teen Vogue and Bustle.”
How did you get to where you are today?
“I think several factors led me to my current position with Harper’s Bazaar, but one of the main reasons is that I’ve been willing to listen, learn, and adapt in each of the positions I’ve held so far in editorial. Following through on what’s expected of me in every role, utilizing constructive criticism to bolster my writing and editing skills, and having a unique point of view on beauty and wellness have helped propel me to success in this industry.”
What is your advice to young writers?
“Some of my advice for young people looking to work in magazines is not to be afraid to start at the bottom. Although it may take a little time to reach the editorial position you’d like to be in, there are valuable lessons to be learned in each role you’ll carry throughout your career. I’ll also add that developing a portfolio of writing clips is very important, and can help get your foot in the door of the magazine world.”
How can brands and PR stand out to you?
“With so many notes landing in our inboxes each day, it can be tough for those who work in PR to stand out. The emails I tend to open the most often have compelling subject lines, and often make it easy for me to provide coverage thanks to links to high-res photos, and clear and succinct messaging.”
Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor at ELLE
What was your first job in the industry?
“I cut my teeth in the industry as a print editorial intern at Nylon Magazine. Once I entered high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in writing, and my English teacher and former NYT editor suggested I explore journalism. I collected Nylon for fun and spent hours thumbing through the vibrant pages. I was enthralled by seeing my multiple personalities—the emo music lover, the girly fashion obsessive, and the budding beauty maven—find themselves a home at the publication. Throughout my internship, my tasks ranged from transcribing theeditors’ interviews and researching various topics to running around Soho grabbing looks pulled for upcoming shoots.”
How did you get to where you are today?
“I envisioned a life for myself, one where I was an editor at a reputable magazine, writing stories that resonated with my community and generation. I went full speed after the life I wanted. No internship or magazine title was too ‘little’ for me; a willingness to learn everything and a humble mindset helped me get as far as I am today. Regardless of the beat, I applied to multiple internships and ended up interning at music and fashion publications like Billboard and Nylonbefore landing a full-time position at ELLE,where I’ve been for the past seven years.”
What is your advice to young writers?
“Stay curious. Always be willing to learn. Humble yourself, but don’t dim your light too much. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly—while your talent speaks for itself, sometimes, you advocate for yourself because closed mouths don’t get fed. Fight for your writing voice and style because it’s what sets you apart from everyone else. Don’t watch anyone else’s journey but your own.”
How can brands and PR stand out to you?
“A product is nothing without a story or a purpose. The easiest way to stand out in my inbox is to pitch a product that solves a problem instead of one that’s not adding anything to the market but just another serum or cream. Are you exploring a new ingredient or a commonly used ingredient in a new way? This is the kind of innovation that catches the eye. Also, is the brand set up on affiliate sites? Nowadays, most publications favor brands on top affiliate sites as it’s mutually beneficial.”
Danielle James, former ELLE beauty director
What was your first job in the industry?
“I started in the industry as a plus-size model. I graduated from Duke University and was originally going to Kenya to do non-profit work with HIV-positive sex workers, but my grant fell through. I was in Miami Beach when a Wilhelmina model scout suggested I try plus-size modeling. A week later, I was on a flight to New York City, and a week after that, I shot my first editorial for Essence. I knew I wanted more than to just be in the pages of a magazine—I wanted to be the storyteller. I eventually landed an unpaid writing gig for the Huffington Post blog. At a party, I met Arianna Huffington through Piper Kerman—the author of Orange is the New Black—who introduced me to her. Piper and I didn’t even know each other well—I met her that night—but I shared my dreams with her, and she made the connection. Don’t be afraid to take risks and openly share your goals. Be selective, but understand that more people want to see you succeed than fail. If people don’t know what you’re striving for, they can’t help you get there.”
How did you get to where you are today?
“It’s taken hard work, consistency, and a lot of resilience. Being a Black, plus-size beauty editor in an industry where there’s limited representation has meant constantly advocating for my voice and perspective to be heard. I’ve faced challenges, from breaking through stereotypes to proving that diverse leadership adds immense value to the beauty space. I’ve had to learn to take up space unapologetically, push back when necessary, and create opportunities for others who face similar hurdles. That’s what has driven my career—knowing that my success can open doors for those coming behind me.”
What is your advice to young writers?
“Success in this industry is built on relationships, so find someone whose career aligns with your aspirations and build a mutually beneficial connection. I’ve been mentoring a young woman transitioning into beauty writing, and what stood out about her was her proactive approach. She made it easy for me to mentor her by being organized—setting up our meetings, following up on advice quickly, and sharing her progress. But what really set her apart was that she didn’t just take—she asked how she could support me. Barely anyone does that! It made me want to invest even more in her growth because I felt supported, too. In fact, I just wrote her a glowing recommendation for a role, and prioritized that, because of her approach. Too often, people approach networking as purely one-sided. Rather than asking, ‘Can I pick your brain?’—which can feel transactional—consider what you can offer in return. Whether it’s sharing a resource, skill, or new perspective, providing value can turn a simple conversation into a lasting connection, and even lead to your next opportunity. Don’t just think about what you can gain; think about how you can add value in return. Not only will you learn and grow, but you’ll also make a lasting impression that can lead to more opportunities down the road. ‘No’ doesn’t mean ‘never.’ Always ask for feedback on your no’s to help you refine your craft. You can do it!”
How can brands and PR stand out to you?
“To stand out, first, make sure you’re pitching the right editor—someone who actively covers beauty. Doing your research is key. While digital media is fast and allows us to react quickly, that doesn’t mean everything is spontaneous or unplanned. We often have editorial calendars in place, and thoughtful content still takes time. Just because we can move quickly doesn’t mean that should always be the case. I appreciate pitches that respect that balance—giving us enough lead time to fully experience your product and tell its story in a way that resonates with our audience. The best pieces come from strategic, not rushed, storytelling. ”
Audrey Noble, freelance beauty writer
What was your first job in the industry?
“My first job in the industry was being a beauty assistant at Vanity Fair.”
How did you get to where you are today?
“In 2013, I interned for Allure the summer before my senior year of college. I learned a lot (special shout-out to Jenna Rosenstein and Alix Tunell), but one of the most invaluable lessons I learned was to do informational interviews. I would look up mastheads of my favorite publications, cold email those editors, and see who would want to meet for coffee or speak with me on the phone. I would say about 70 percent of the people I reached out to replied and wanted to make a connection. Then, I would keep in touch afterward, emailing them whenever I read something they wrote that I loved or if the magazine did something cool. The people I kept in touch with kept me in mind for internships and job openings. For example, I moved to New York City without a job and met Kathleen Hou, who was at The Cut, for coffee. When The Cut was looking for production interns during fashion week, she put me in touch with the hiring manager, and I got to do that for about a month. Shortly after, I met with Sheryl George, who was the beauty editor at InStyle at the time, and when InStyle was looking for a new beauty intern, she sent my resume through, and I worked there as an intern for about six months, helping out with their beauty awards. Alyssa Reeder was the beauty assistant at Vanity Fair who I had done an informational interview with a few months before moving to New York. I had kept in touch with her for a bit, and one day, when I had reached out to check in and see if she had heard of any openings at Conde Nast, she happened to have put in her two weeks’ notice. She then sent my resume through and after multiple rounds of interviews, I got my first assistant job.”
What is your advice to young writers?
“Intern wherever you can. Magazine internships are so rare these days, but even if it’s not in the specific field you want to be in, interning at any media place shows that you have experience in a newsroom and know the basics of reporting and writing. Your connections are everything, so network where you can. Whether you go ‘old school’ with informational interviews or slide in those DMs, you never know who you will end up connecting with who can help you later down the road. And read. Whether it’s books, articles in other verticals, Substacks, or whatever, reading a lot helps you become a better writer and storyteller. Just because we’re entering the era of AI doesn’t mean you can get away with bad writing and we can all tell when someone has relied too much on AI to write their stories.”
How can brands and PR stand out to you?
“Placement really depends on what we’re working on at a given time. There are plenty of times when I’ve filed a story before being pitched a new launch or going to an event where it could’ve been a good fit. And once I file my story, it’s out of my hands to add, or update. Patience is key and a clear concise subject line helps us keep organized for when we are working on something where it would be a good fit. Most PR is good about this, but there are still a few that treat freelancers as a second thought. A lot of freelancers are the ones writing the stories you want placement in, so don’t forget them when pitching new launches!”
Eden Stuart, editor at Byrdie
What was your first job in the industry?
“I’ve had a bit of an unusual career trajectory so far—my first internship and full-time job out of undergrad were with a regional print publication in my native Virginia. It was a great experience: I have a degree in English and learned so much about journalism on the job. I worked with many patient, intelligent people who helped me lay a wonderful foundation for the rest of my career. Our editor-in-chief actually had a background in education, so she was gifted at communicating with fresh college grads and helping them transition into full-fledged working grown-ups. I was there for about four years before the opportunity presented itself for me to move to New York.”
How did you get to where you are today?
“I love to tell this story because it speaks to a combination of tenacity and serendipity that drives a lot of professional life. I was working at a trade publication and went to an industry event one night, where I happened to be seated at a table with Byrdie’s then-editor-in-chief. We followed each other on Instagram, and several months later, I reached out when I saw they were hiring for an open role. I actually didn’t get that particular job, but I kept in touch with the recruiter and was in her inbox immediately when another opportunity presented itself! ”
What is your advice to young writers?
“Be brave and take opportunities. In my 20s, I was so focused on a five-year plan, a 10-year plan, and even a 20-year plan. But at some point in my early 30s, I did some reflecting and realized that I’ve gone down some paths I didn’t even know existed when I was in my teens and early ‘20s. Be open-minded and explore possibilities that excite you, even if they don’t perfectly align with your idea of yourself.”
How can brands and PR stand out to you?
“Don’t underestimate the power of keywords when crafting a press release or e-mail! I get a lot of emails—responding to every single one would be a full-time job in and of itself. But I never delete anything because I never know when I’ll need it. If your keywords are in order, you’ll pop up when the time is right.”
Genesis Rivas, beauty editor at Oprah Daily
What was your first job in the industry?
“My first job in the industry was as an assistant beauty editor at Makeup.com/Skincare.com for L’Oréal.”
How did you get to where you are today?
“It’s hard to sum up in a few sentences how I got to where I am now because it took a village and so many experiences and rejections. I didn’t go to school for journalism, but I was privileged enough to do a ton of unpaid internships, which eventually got me published in a few outlets. I also always made it a point to get to know the people I worked with and build genuine connections, leading to mentorships and friendships I could lean on for guidance and advice. It also required being willing to go the extra mile, whether working late nights, saying yes to additional projects, or even chopping off my hair because beauty transformation videos performed well for the company. (True story.)”
What is your advice to young writers?
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. In the beginning, I remember feeling uncomfortable or like a nuisance when I would ask for informational meetings or reach out to people to discuss their experiences to understand the different pathways to get to where I wanted to be. However, in doing that, I’ve found that people do love to help and it’s a great way to make connections. And if someone can’t take the time, they’ll tell you. The point is to ask because closed mouths don’t get fed. Also, be kind. This is such a tight-knit industry. We’re all constantly working together or seeing each other, so it makes it a better experience for everyone when people are genuine and kind.”
How can brands and PR stand out to you?
“Keep your email subject heads short and direct! Tell me right away if it’s an invite, a launch, an interview opportunity, et cetera. You can keep the creativity for the actual email. It makes such a big difference because I live in my inbox, and no matter how much I try to remain organized, it gets flooded very quickly, so I end up just searching for what I need, and this makes it so much easier to find what I’m looking for.”
Beth Gillette, beauty editor at Cosmopolitan
What was your first job in the industry?
“My first job in the industry was actually as an editorial intern for Pilates Style Magazine when I was a freshman in college. I didn’t write any beauty, per se, but I did get a lot of great experience pulling press sheets and images from brands and working with PR firms to test samples and whatnot. It also was instrumental in teaching me the importance of deadlines, which became so imperative in my work throughout my career, especially working on print!”
How did you get to where you are today?
“How much time do you have? Being extremely authentic and showing up as myself in everything I do—my writing, my pitches, how I connect with PRs and other people in the industry, the brands I love and choose to feature—has created somewhat of a personal brand that has helped me get to where I am. I got my first job in the industry as an editorial assistant at The Everygirl by being super scrappy as an intern and writing whatever the brand needed (ahem, sex positions and plus-size fashion), but made it known that my ultimate goal was to do beauty full-time. I originally interviewed for a different job at Hearst in 2021, but made such a strong connection with the HR team that they immediately knew I would be a fit for Cosmo, leading to the role I have now. And everything I’ve done here has continued to just feel very me, even with the Cosmo brand spin.”
What is your advice to young writers?
“Read magazines! Whenever I talk to a junior writer or incoming assistant who obviously has done their homework and is caught up on the trends in media—both print and digital—across all different popular publications, I know that they have a future in this industry. It’s so important to be clued in on what everyone else is doing. I wish I read more books, but I read the competition cover to cover—always.”
How can brands and PR stand out to you?
“If you want to stand out to me, make sure that your brand matches the vibe and demo of my reader. Think about what fits and works with the brand I work for, and if it doesn’t seem natural, pitch someone else. I will skip anything that immediately doesn’t fit–like brands for women over 40, or brands for pregnancy, or anything that skews for teenagers, for example. Also, clear and concise subjects are helpful to me, as I am an email scanner and don’t have time to read every single thing.”
Tatjana Freund, freelance writer
What was your first job in the industry?
“I was fortunate enough to be able to take on unpaid internships in college. My first job was as the beauty intern at Hearst. There was a year when the beauty departments across all Hearst magazines were ‘hubbed’ together on one floor. Everyone hated it, but it meant that I got to meet beauty editors from so many different publications, from Harper’s Bazaar to Cosmo. I did my best to keep in touch with everyone after the internship ended. During my senior year of college, one of my old bosses from Marie Claire reached out. Her boss and assistant were leaving the magazine, and she asked if I could work 20 hours a week until I graduated and then work full-time. Everything happened very quickly after that.”
How did you get to where you are today?
“A combination of luck, good work, and a good reputation did a lot for me. I got laid off from my first real job–which is sadly becoming common–but that same day my future boss at ELLE.com reached out to me, after she heard what happened. I’ve taken some untraditional steps throughout my career, but for me it always comes down to this: Clean work, being nice, and sticking to deadlines. Especially as a freelance writer, editors often don’t have the bandwidth to tackle stories that need a lot of work to be publishable. If you want to work consistently, showing that you’re reliable is essential. Don’t underestimate the power of networking, mentors, and connections. I wouldn’t have a career without them.”
What is your advice to young writers?
“Taking internships–especially ones that don’t pay well or at all–isn’t a track that everyone can take. Anyone trying to get their first job in the industry should pay attention to individual writers and editors, especially on social media. That’s often where available jobs first get mentioned. It’s also important to remember that behind whatever you see online–whether that’s press trips or fun dinners–there’s often a lot of un-sexy, poorly paid work that has to get done first. Try to write as much as possible, and get your byline out there–even if it’s for a publication that isn’t fully aligned with your future goals. I find it hard to recommend people for writing jobs when I haven’t seen their work, so this is key.”
How can brands and PR stand out to you?
“I always tell PR friends that it’s never ‘no,’ it just might not be ‘right now.’ There are so many times when I don’t even know what I’m working on that week, let alone in a month or two. Pitch anyway! Even if your brand or product doesn’t get placed immediately, it probably will at some point. Make sure your emails use keywords I can easily find again with a quick inbox search whenever a relevant story comes up. PR folks and editors have a symbiotic relationship. We need each other to be able to do our jobs. Being nice and friendly often goes way further with me than any pitch. And lastly, I could be obsessed with your brand, but if it doesn’t have an affiliate angle, my bosses might not go for it. It’s an investment that will pay off!”
Amanda Mitchell, freelance beauty writer
What was your first job in the industry?
“My first job in the industry was being the Digital Editorial Fellow at Marie Claire.”
How did you get to where you are today?
“Honestly, by saying yes at the right time. I went to school for playwriting, and moved from New York from Michigan thinking I would write plays, change the world, win a Pulitzer, all that–not saying I still won’t do that, either. If that didn’t work out, I wanted to be like Michael Ausiello from Entertainment Weekly and write about television. I just knew in every way, I was going to be a writer in New York City come hell or high water. One day, a friend passed along a Twitter post from a Marie Claire editor asking for applicants for a Digital Fellow position, and I had been writing recaps of The Bachelor for a tiny audience on Tumblr of all places—so I submitted that. She came back and asked me if I had anything more news-y and of course I did (I absolutely did not). But three hours later, I had three tight news stories I slid her way. It was a whirlwind, but I went for something I knew I could do, even if I didn’t have the connections or the background, but that’s the power of being a great writer, you know? I got the job, and the beauty editor at MC at the time left for another outlet, and when my editor asked me if I had ever done any beauty writing, I responded “No, but I can.” Years of reading xoVain daily finally paid off—and that, to this day, is the best yes I have ever given.”
What is your advice to young writers?
“Learn how to write in your own voice. In this day and age—especially in the AI era—people are begging to hear from voices that actually sound like human beings talk. Be open and curious at all times, yucking someone’s yum never pays off well. And, it bears repeating, say yes, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.”
How can brands and PR stand out to you?
“Hospitality is a dying medium, and never should be limited to just restaurants and hotel experiences. I consult with publicists all the time on the concept of hospitality, because they are literally the hosts and maitre’ds of their respective industries. Even over email, it’s important to remember that the person on the other side of the screen is a human going through human things. I always appreciate it when I can tell someone’s taken a moment to read my work, look at my social media, or do whatever—in pursuit of connection on the other end. As my former boss Will Guidara says, ‘Service is black and white, hospitality is color.’ Service means you got the job done in a timely manner; hospitality is taking a moment to think about how you made that person feel. If you’re misspelling my name (or even calling me a wrong one), that’s not very hospitable! The little things like that actually make or break things.”
Bella Cacciatore, news editor at Byrdie
What was your first job in the industry?
“I interned here and there through college, but my first real job in the industry was the Beauty Assistant at Glamour. I was hired for a temporary position to help mainly on print—which folded a few months after I started—but stayed for four years and worked my way up to Beauty Writer.”
How did you get to where you are today?
“My foot in the door at Glamour was totally all luck—someone in my major at FIT had the assistant job before me and was looking for someone to take over as she took a permanent position. Obviously, I stuck around longer than the expected six months, most of which I credit to my ability to adapt. I said yes to everything, and was eager to help wherever I could as the team changed and shrunk over the years. It was great training wheels, as I did every type of content—SEO, interviews, reviews—but I really honed my eye for spotting and naming trends, which helped me get my current job at Byrdie. I’ve been our News Editor for two years, and currently I’m heading up our News coverage, which spans celeb moments, trends, new product launches, and celeb interviews.”
What is your advice to young writers?
“Keep an open mind! The industry is changing so much that your dream role might look way different than you think—you may have your heart set on print but thrive in a social role, for example. Also, networking and making connections is as important as everyone says, but at the end of the day being a hard worker and being passionate about what you do always shines through the most.”
How can brands and PR stand out to you?“I love when PR understands my role at Byrdie and exactly what I’m looking for—new launches, celeb-approved products, viral moments. I don’t do roundups of any kind, so any pitches like that get ignored. A grabby subject line and a concise but detailed email will always get my attention!”
