Professional Beauty is excited to welcome Hannah Gay back from maternity leave. In this interview, she dished on what makes a product stand out to a beauty editor, her career in journalism to date and the most pressing issues for the beauty industry today.
How did you get your start in the beauty industry?
“It was an accident, really. My career goal was to write fashion content for consumer magazines, but I was drawn to the science of skincare and consistently inspired by the incredible women who made up the beauty industry. In eight years, I haven’t looked back!”
What have your favourite moments at Professional Beauty been so far?
“A great day in the office for me typically involves a chat – whether that be with a salon owner, brand manager or any one of my brilliant colleagues. Ultimately though, nothing beats the smell of a hot-off-the-press print issue of PB on my desk, where two months of hard work come together.”
As a beauty editor, what makes a new release stand out?
“Packaging is big for me. If it won’t look good in my apartment, it won’t stand out in the crowd. Next, if a product or treatment can offer a unique result, I’m all ears. If something is worth talking about, I want to be the one to start the conversation!”
The best treatment you have ever received?
It’s devastatingly hard to choose a favourite, but for now, it’s a hard tie between a facial at Kaelon and a pedicure at Diandra Politano’s new Balmain East digs!”
Worst beauty mistake?
“Not applying SPF more regularly as a teen! I shiver at memories of long tanning sessions on the sand, sans 50+!”
Any favourite brands or products on your vanity?
“This is a tough one to ask a Beauty Editor, but I’m a long-time lover of Dermalogica and a recent convert to Aspect.”
If you weren’t in beauty, what would we find you doing?
“Likey delving into the retail industry to further explore my interest in fashion (my other love), while writing in some capacity regardless – it’s in my bones.”
What trends do you predict for the beauty industry in 2022?
“Sustainability is, and will continue to be sought after by beauty consumers, so suspect brands will be eager to tap into those practices. I also see consumers pivoting away from social-media inspired trends and back toward the advice of trusted industry leaders.”
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