Beauty journalism
An example of Lauren's beauty journalism
Lauren Holden is a freelance journalist specialising in beauty and contributing to Barry M Cosmetics, beautyfragrances.co.uk, and eyeslipsface.co.uk, among others. Here she tells us how she made it into the world of beauty journalism, and shares her top tips for beauty writing success.
Since July 2005, I’ve worked on a local newspaper; spending 9am to 5pm writing news and entertainment stories, as well as a weekly music column.
6pm onwards is often spent freelancing - and I’ve contributed to NME magazine, Chat, GigWise and BBC regional websites.
But it was thanks to an email from my old media tutor, Mercy Ette in 2008 that led to my current obsession with all things beauty-related.
Barry M Cosmetics, a well-known make-up brand, were looking for writers - and emails were duly sent out to universities across the country. This is where Mercy came in. She promptly forwarded the email on to me - and the rest, as they say, is history.
Be willing to be paid in make up
Articles were to be unpaid - but writers were promised a stash of free make-up in return for a couple of blogs a month. I couldn’t refuse - and after an initial email to Barry M, I was offered a spot writing for the website.
Over a dozen articles down and less than a year later, I was invited to an exclusive Barry M VIP event In London’s Soho to celebrate the brand’s very first TV advert.
A host of YouTube beauty ‘gurus’ and beauty bloggers were invited along - and attendees walked away with a goodie bag brimming with make-up.
By now I was hooked and my cosmetics collection seemed never-ending.
Take up blogging
I soon realised beauty blogging was the natural next step - and promptly set up www.laurensloves.blogspot.com
If you want to make a move into beauty journalism, you can also do far worse then setting up your own blog. At the very least, you’ll tap into an extremely friendly community of writers who give honest opinions on beauty products. You may even get sent some products to review for free, too - and you can’t really grumble at that!
My blog, which features beauty, music and fashion, has generated over 22,500 page views since July 2009 and I’ve met some lovely fellow bloggers and been lucky enough to receive some fantastic (and free!) products.
Take up every opportunity going
Beauty writing wasn’t something I’d ever really considered. I’ve always been a big music fan at heart and harboured dreams of getting a full-time job at NME.
But if I could offer writers one piece of advice, it’s to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself, as you never really know what’s around the corner.
I’m also for work experience, having secured my job at the newspaper after a week’s stint aged 16 - and a whole lot of ‘hounding’ since then.
Read and review
Not sure you want to spend 20 quid on the latest lippie? Read OxfordJasmine or Yinka’s beauty blogs and you’ll know the pros and cons of any must-have make-up item in an instant.
Similarly, if you’ve tried a product you want to shout about, let people know by posting a review on your blog.
Keep writing and keep pitching your ideas - and remember there’s absolutely nothing wrong with rejection. I’d recommend Cheryl Sloan Wray’s Writing for Magazines to perfect your pitch and The Writer’s Handbook for keeping your contacts up to date.
Be ready to branch out
Recommendations from beauty PRs and press I’ve met along the way soon led to more beauty writing - and I’ve since written perfume and cosmetics reviews for www.beautyfragrances.co.uk, celeb-inspired make-up looks for www.beauty21.co.uk and blogs for www.eyeslipsface.co.uk
The newspaper I work for have cottoned on to my beauty writing and offered me a weekly column, ‘Get Your Face On’, to be launched later in 2010.
Never forget to network - you never know just who may be able to help you on your path to your perfect job. Build a good contacts list and keep in touch - someone somewhere may have an opportunity that’s just right for you.
For more on Lauren, please www.laurensloves.blogspot.com
