Jennifer Cooper, E! EntertainmentEveryone's familiar with Vanity Fair—it's one of the most influential magazines of our time, and most recently the publication that lauded Caitlyn Jenner for her first magazine cover. So now, allow us to introduce one of the driving forces behind the mag's enduring success: SunHee Grinnell.
As VF's beauty director, she's built her section—both online and in print—from the ground up. And in the process, the already establish beauty aficionado has become one of the foremost authorities in her field, and continues to create some of the most compelling editorial beauty content out there.
Lucky us, we caught up with Grinnell on everything from the biggest up-and-coming beauty trends (hint, hint: ombré isn't just for your hair anymore!) to the essentials that should always be in your makeup bag. Now read on to get the scoop from this trendsetter herself!
What was your first job?
My first job was while I was in high school, at age 16, I worked at a French boutique clothing store because I was majoring in fashion at the High School of Art & Design in New York City.
How did you get started in your career?
I ended up majoring in photography at Parsons School of Design. I interned for many photographers during school that led me to Condé Nast Publications. I was the senior photo editor prior to covering beauty at Vanity Fair.
What is a typical day like for you?
It varies, but it usually involves either going to beauty launch events, desk-side meetings, business breakfast or lunches, and writing, assigning and editing in between, along with dealing with many packages with my trusted assistant on a daily level.
Tell us about your office décor. When did you last give your office a makeover?
Well, I tend to accumulate quite a bit, but it's a carefully curated environment, and people tell me that it always smells good.
What's the best part about your job?
Everything! Because I meet the most intriguing people who are doing amazing things in the beauty and health arena—I find most of the people that I meet to be intriguing, passionate, intelligent, fun and just super nice! And we have one very important thing in common: We are beauty and fragrance junkies—gotta love that!
What beauty trends are you dying to try out right now?
Well, the hair term "ombré" will soon be popping up in lipsticks! Two-toned lipsticks are making its way from Seoul, South Korea—it's fun stuff!
What's the best beauty tip you've ever heard?
Well, a hairstylist once told me that if you suffer from only a few grays, cover it strand by strand with a Sharpie! Hilarious and it works.
What items are always in your makeup bag?
The essentials are: Magnifying mirror compact, lip and cheek stick, lip balm, brow pencil and gel, eyeliner, contouring stick, small tube of sun-block and face mist—never leave the house without a face mist!
What's the biggest mistake people make when doing their hair/makeup?
Neglecting their eyebrows and not applying makeup in natural light, where their face and neck are in completely different color tones.
Which celebs always impress you with their red carpet beauty?
Cate Blanchett, always elegant, a natural and a confident beauty that she is—she commands attention with her perfect posture and skin!
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken?
Taking on the beauty category and building it from the ground up for Vanity Fair.
Who are some of your career heroes?
Beauty entrepreneurs who are constantly striving to make a difference in this category.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Do the research and know what you are talking about.
Finish the sentences below:
Today for lunch I had… Chicken Harissa sandwich.
The first website I log onto every day is… NYT.
My usual Starbucks order is… tall double shot Almond latte.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would… become a comedic actress.
My favorite place to visit is… Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy.
List five things that are on your desk right now… Oh gosh, I have way too many things on my desk to name, you'll see!
The book I'm reading right now is… Sick in the Head: Conversations About Life and Comedy by John Apatow.