Jennifer Cooper, E! Entertainment Calling Jane Larkworthy a beauty guru doesn't even begin to cover it. As W magazine's beauty director, she's ahead of the curve on all things makeup, hair, skincare and, well, anything that's Sephora-worthy. And it's not just her killer beauty column that's got her on our radar— it' her witty charm, en pointe advice and spot-on trend predictions that keep fans hooked.
Unfamiliar with Jane's Addiction (Larkworthy's W mag real estate, not the band)? No worries—get to know the beauty buff by going behind the scenes at a typical day in her world!
How did you get started in your career?
Temping! I worked at a temp agency one summer in college, then the agency sent me to Glamour's beauty department during my holiday break senior year. After I graduated, I kept nagging them until they gave me a job.
What is a typical day like for you?
It always begins by walking Remy, my dog, which provides a quiet time to go over the upcoming day in my head. There's often a beauty event in the morning, or I have breakfast with a publicist before I get to the office. On busy weeks, each day is dotted with press events. This is one of those weeks. I think the companies like to get all their fall launches in before Memorial Day. It's crazy; makes me cherish the days when the calendar is empty and I can sit in my office and write, uninterrupted for a few hours.
Tell us about your office décor. What was your inspiration?
Early 21st century minimalism meets late 20th century office chair, dotted with below-shelf lighting. My favorite parts are my shelf of candles and fragrances and my photographs.
What's the best part of your job?
Having a platform to spread the beauty gospel in a realistic, relatable and often self-deprecating way, and having people respond. Readers frequently tell me they tear my page out because they trust everything I write. I love having that responsibility. It's one I don't take lightly.
List five things that are on your desk right now: a bottle of Health-Ade Kombucha, DS & Durga's Portable Fireplace candle, a red stretch band for my tennis elbow, Donald Robertson's doggie calendar and a box with products I'm currently writing about.
Where are a few of your favorite places to shop for work clothes?
Zara, Cos, Barney's and sample sales.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Never suck up. It's unbecoming.
Who are some of your career heroes?
Diane Sawyer and Ellen DeGeneres.
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken at work?
Joining the start-up team at Jane magazine.
What new beauty product/trend are you dying to try out for the summer?
It's not really a product, but I'm kind of dying to chop all my hair off for the impending heat…
What are your predictions for fall beauty trends?
Plum lips, colored mascara in dark shades, and fringe-y bangs.
Which miracle makeup product could you not live without?
Biologique Recherche P50V Lotion
Finish the sentences below:
Today for lunch I had… Brussels sprouts, fried broccoli and half a MLT (mushroom lettuce tomato) sandwich, which I split with my lunch mate at Little Park.
The first website I log onto every day is… NYTimes.com, then Instagram, then wmag.com
The beauty product you can always find in my purse is… Burt's Bees lip balm.
My usual Starbucks order is… double espresso, which I then pour into my mason jar full of ice and citrus kombucha. Don't judge until you try it.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would… be hosting a TV talk show.
My favorite type of manicure is… a bare one!
Instagram or Twitter… Instagram. Follow my dog's, too! (@myhigherstandard) I dress her in fashion looks and she sits there and takes it like a good girl.