Over a decade ago, I was a features and beauty editor for an international luxury title, and I regularly received the most exquisite beauty products. I rarely posted them on my personal social accounts because I knew they were given for the publication I worked for, where my task was to dissect, filter, and decide which ones would see the light of print.
I grew up and worked in the golden age of glossies, and while we were treated to the best meals, given exclusive access to trends, and flown first-class to experience launches in the world’s style capitals, we knew better than to think that it was because we were special. We knew it was our job to see, experience, and understand, so we could translate that into stories that would transport our audience to those very same worlds and experiences. We were among those whose training in lifestyle journalism took to heart the tenets of conflict of interest, the clear separation of editorial and advertising, and the integrity of unbiased reporting—principles that might seem outdated to some today. While we were treated to the best meals, given exclusive access to trends, and flown first-class to experience launches in the world’s style capitals, we knew better than to think that it was because we were special.
In The Beauty Edit’s mission to help elevate the beauty industry, we find ourselves having to return to these roots just to even begin pushing forward and moving upward. Many times I ask myself, am I already an industry dinosaur, still adhering to the ways of old? But I’ve come to realize that it’s not merely an issue of protocol. In a series of unexpected conversations, three industry professionals—one from media, another from PR, and a third from a brand—offered me insights on this very issue. Their thoughts on the industry’s rapid transformation felt like pieces of a puzzle falling into place, almost as if they were giving me the validation I needed to hear. Journalists need to maintain a clear sense of responsibility to their audience, no matter how the landscape shifts.
It’s true that the role of the editor has evolved. They’re no longer the gatekeepers of trends, nor do they hold the same power to dictate what will be embraced or consumed by the public. If anything, the dynamic has reversed. Now, editors find themselves reporting on what the public has collectively decided is cool, worth patronizing, and worthy of attention. But much of their role remains the same: to provide clarity amid the noise, curate content with a discerning eye, offer perspectives that help their audience navigate an evolving landscape, and uphold journalistic integrity amid the demands of business. Journalists need to maintain a clear sense of responsibility to their audience, no matter how the landscape shifts.
The challenge with growth is remaining true to your roots—and your mission. What I’ve learned over the years is that while some boundaries may become blurred, knowing that we are ultimately here to be relied upon for credibility and insight will always guide us in the right direction. In the end, too, our audience will recognize and appreciate that difference.
Our team has grown bigger this year, and with that comes the challenge of preserving the sense of community, the intimate circles we’ve built, rather than getting lost in the trappings of expansion. I’m grateful to have team members who believe in our brand values, making it easier to stay focused on what truly matters as we continue to grow together.
At The Beauty Edit, we never saw our followers as fans because of what many of you have truly become: friends. Thank you for keeping us rooted.
