Interview With Ning Chao & Beautylish Gift Bag

Here is the interview that I mentioned I was doing in my last post with Ning Chao, the new Beauty Director of Beautylish:


General Career Questions

1.) How did you first get started in the beauty industry and what steps did you take to get there?

 
I've loved reading magazines since I was a kid. I remember my first subscriptions were to Vogue and Seventeen.  However, I wasn't sure if I wanted to be a fashion or a beauty editor until I started actually working in the magazine industry.  But I ended up choosing beauty because there are still trends (as in fashion), but news as well--whether it's the latest skin care ingredient or makeup technology. Also, I like the psychological aspect of the industry. The boost you get from a great hair day or a new lipstick. You may not have Blake Lively's body, but you can get her hair style!
I started off doing magazine internships when I was in college. I HIGHLY recommend internships.  They're the best way to learn about an industry. After college, I contacted the HR department at Condé Nast and they started sending me on interviews for editorial assistant positions. So my first job was as an editorial assistant at Glamour magazine.

2.) What is some valuable advice to those considering a career in the beauty industry?

 Whether it's makeup or fashion, study and read up on as much of the subject as you can. Learn all of the brands and keep up on what's new. Blog or get involved with the online communities. If you're interested in working at a magazine, contact the editor of the department you're interested in working for. Companies are always looking for upbeat, hard-working interns!


3.) Out of all the positions you've held, which one was your favorite and why?
I loved working at Marie Claire because I had the opportunity to work on a bunch of first person stories, which are really fun. Basicallly, each of my beauty obsessions became a story! And whether it was getting a Bollywood makeover in Mumbai or testing skin care treatments in NYC, each experience was a lot of fun.

The Future of Beautylish

4.) What drew you to Beautylish? How do you think online media differs from print media and where do you think it is heading?

  I'm very excited about digital media and the openness of the online beauty community. Beautylish is unique in its positioning and has such passionate users (such as yourself).  I look forward to interacting more with Beautylish's beauties and getting feedback of what you want to see on the site.

5.) What sort of future do you see for the Beautylish community and website?

 
As the Beautylish community grows, I look forward to more interaction between users and beauty brands. As an editor, I loved being able to give direct product feedback to the cosmetic companies. Just imagine how amazing future products will be when we all give our constructive criticism!

6.) Do you think beauty bloggers are essential to Beautylish? Why?

  Beauty media is no longer about an editor sitting in her office and picking what's going to be in style. Beauty lovers are all expressing their opinions and sharing their tips and the industry has become much more of an open community, which is exciting. Beautylish wouldn't be the same without the bloggers!

Makeup & Beauty


7.) What sort of tips would you give to those just starting out with makeup?

 
Experiment! When I was in high school, I used to practice putting on makeup (eye shadow, liquid liner, red lipstick) before I got in the shower. Even if I wasn't wearing makeup every day during the day, at least I still got to play and experiment every day.

8.) What does your personal beauty routine consist of? What are some of your favorite products?

 
Pureology Colour Stylist Silk Bodifier
Kanebo Sensai 38degree C Separating & Lengthening Mascara
MAC Blushcreme in Brit Wit
Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 in Fair to Light
Shiseido Dual-Balancing Foundation in O40 (I either use the Aveeno tinted moisturizer on its own or layer this Shiseido foundation over Shiseido sunscreen)
Chapstick
(the original, in the black package)
Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish in Grunge (an awesome greyish nude that started the whole griege trend)

9.) Name 5 products that no girl should live without

 
Sunscreen: I recommend Shiseido's for Face. It really stays on, which is important.
Baby Shampoo: It's great for removing stubborn eye makeup and waterproof mascara.
Lash Curler: Everyone recommends Shu Uemura, but I use a Tweezerman one. It's less expensive and I think it works just as well.
Dry Shampoo: I LOVE Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. It gives you that sexy, bedhead texture in an instant.
Signature Scent: Mine's Bond No. 9's Saks Fifth Avenue


10.) What are the upcoming beauty trends this Spring?

 
1. Bright Lip.
Bright lipstick or gloss is an easy to update any makeup routine for spring. The best part is that it's not just about red lips, so you can experiment with pinks, oranges, and purples too.
2. Slicked back hair. A big trend on the runway, sleek textures dress up ponytails and Black Swan ballerina buns this season. A polishing cream or gel transforms an everyday ponytail into a sophisticated style.
3. Pastel smoky eyes. Whether it's soft greys or pale pinks and lilacs, pastel smoky eyes are less intimidating than darker shades and very feminine and flattering.



I hope you enjoyed the interview; be sure to sign up for Beautylish to learn more about Ning's and other beauty lovers' favorite products, brands, and to share tips and tricks with others. To stay up to date on the latest beauty trends, posts, etc, follow Beautylish on Twitter.


Now onto the rest of this post: about a week ago I got an invite to Beautylish's first ever 2011 Spring Trend Preview  event that was being held in San Francisco to celebrate Ning's appointment to Beauty Director and to learn about the new trends for Spring. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it because of school but the lovely team at Beautylish was so gracious to send me one of the gifts bags that they had given out. I actually forgot that they were sending me one so I was a bit surprised to find this waiting in my mailbox: 




They included so many great items, I was overwhelmed! My boyfriend thought I was going crazy :P




Le Metier De Beaute eyeliner - haven't really worn it yet but I tested it out briefly and it is really nice




A Beautylish flash drive - this is totally something I needed too; definitely taking this to school with me :)




Intraceuticals serum samples & Tatcha beauty papers - haven't heard of either of these before so I'm excited to try them out



Shiseido mascara and lipstick samples + a gift certificate for a facial!



Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment - I was so excited to see this because I needed a new eye cream. The funny thing is, I'm not really fond of blueberries, but this stuff actually smells pretty good


Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - this stuff looks pretty interesting, never tried a hot cloth cleanser before, will definitely let you guys know what I think. Hmm...seems like I have a full day facial regimen to treat myself to :)


And last but not least, the infamous pink Beautylish tee that everyone wears; so comfy!


Thanks so much to everyone at Beautylish for the great gift bag! I can't wait to attend your next event (hopefully school won't get in the way!)


Sorry for such a long post; in closing, enjoy some of the party pics from the Spring Preview event


View from the terrace

Girls getting makeovers



Some of the sponsors


Some of the gorgeous girls in attendance


photos taken from the Beautylish Blog

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