BenefitSister act!
Benefit Cosmetics global Beauty Authorities Maggie and Annie Ford Denielson know a thing or two about looking gorgeous.
Sure, the siblings have inherited tall, dark, and lovely genes (thanks to mom Jean Ford, cofounder of the beauty brand), but they've also built up quite an arsenal of hair, skin and makeup knowledge since joining the family business.
So we sat down with the duo at their ultra-girlie San Francisco office to find out what the beauty world is like behind the scenes.
Here's what they dished:
How did you get started in your career?
Annie: It's actually kind of funny, neither Maggie nor I ever thought we would be involved in the Benefit business. Our mom and aunt never mentioned us joining; we think it was reverse psychology or something! But one day Maggie called me and said: "I think I want to work for Benefit." I was a senior in college and was quickly realizing I was going to have to pay rent! I said, "Well, let's both do it!"—thinking it would be temporary. We quickly realized that working for a family business is not work at all. It just feels like what we are supposed to do. It's been five years now and I can't imagine every doing anything else!
What's a typical day like for you?
Maggie: I deal with planning an assortment of our HSN shows and other events. So usually it's a combination of meetings, conference calls and lots of excel spreadsheets.
Annie: There's no such thing as a "typical day" for me—that's the beauty of my job! One day I can be in the office working on products and the next I am on my way to China to do an in-store event. It's such a whirlwind!
Describe your office décor.
Annie: It is what we call a pink palace! There is literally pink everywhere and lots of crystal chandeliers. Plus, a killer view: We have floor-to-ceiling windows that look over all of San Francisco.
Describe your office style.
Annie: Dressed down. Usually my hair is in a messy bun or a pony, and I wear jeans, flats and a top. My makeup is minimal in the morning, but by the afternoon I usually tried on like 50 products!
Where do you shop for work clothes?
Maggie: I love Tibi, Club Monaco, Madewell, Intermix and Equipment for great work shirts that still have lots of style.
Annie: I shop mostly online. My favorite sites are Net-a-Porter, Gilt Group and Shopbop.
The best part of my job is...
Maggie: Travel!
Annie: Seeing how many women our mom and aunt have touched. It is really an incredible sense of pride and joy.
I never leave home without. . .
Maggie: Sunglasses, Benefit's Boi-ing concealer, iPhone and my moleskin notebook.
Annie: Benefit's Fake Up concealer, cell phone and hand cream.
What fuels you during the day?
Maggie: One large iced coffee and Spotify.
What are your fave gadgets?
Annie: I'm obsessed with iPay when I travel. I also like Jawbone Jambox speakers.
Beauty must-haves?
Maggie: Klorane dry shampoo, Clarisonic Mia Cleansing System, Benefit's Gimme Brow gel, Benefit's Boi-ing concealer, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, La Mer hand cream and bobby pins.
Annie: I live for my Sultra curling wand, Benefit's Fake Up concealer and Stay Flawless foundation—especially for my long days!