Thankful... "Confessions of A Tanorexic" Takes Off, Here's What's Happening

This past week when my story of being a former tanorexic hit newstands in the New York Post I was shocked that it was on the front page of Pulse.  Yet, never have I ever imagined it would continue to grow and affect so many people.  Today, Yahoo published a very honest story highlighting my former tanorexic days and the role Cosmopolitan played.  Now, a new chapter unfolds... I feel I owe it to you, my readers, to express not only gratitude for being as dedicated as you have been these past couple of years, but also for showing a tremendous amount of support as the press has picked up on my "Confessions of A Tanorexic" blog post.

Since, I've been in touch with my old boss, Kate White, the Editor-In-Chief of Cosmopolitan.  I wrote her a thank you note expressing how thankful I am to have launched my career at Cosmopolitan, because if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be where I am today, but of course, I also thanked her for changing my life as her staff looked out for my best interests.  She responded and is thankful that the messaging is on point in my post and on Yahoo.

The most inspiring thing that's come from this so far are emails I've been receiving; some from melanoma survivors who are thanking me for raising awareness.  I cannot believe my story has made this much of an impact on other people's lives and feel honored and blessed to have a platform to be able to share it on and continue educating about safe sun.  The best part, this is only the beginning...

xo,

Jeannine

Vogue 'CoverGirl' Taylor Swift Wears Revlon, The Truth Behind Magazine Cover Credits

Last week while at the Revlon event I recently blogged about, I had my makeup done by Gucci Westman, the same makeup artists who did Taylor Swift's makeup for her February Vogue cover shoot.  (I know, I was honored!)  Of course, finding this out I had to ask her details about the shoot and products that were used and as I was getting the 411 I realized, I felt conflicted reporting them as it was more than the makeup that bothered me.  However, as a blogger here I go... It's a dirty industry and here's the scoop.  Westman filled me in on how she took Taylor Swift's look from the innocent girl we know her as and transformed her into a more mature woman for Vogue.  Her trick: contouring.  Normally we see Swift with a pale complexion and a pop of color on the apples of her cheeks, which screams girly.  Using Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow in Not Just Nudes, she contoured Swift's cheeks making her Vogue appropriate.

Now, if you look inside Vogue and go to page 64 where you see "Cover Look Taylor Made" you'll notice that all CoverGirl makeup was credited for creating her look.  No mention of Revlon at all.  Of course, with Swift having a contract with CoverGirl, this has to be.  However, when I used to work at Cosmopolitan, the cover credits never matched up, contract or not.  Here's what we'd do...

We'd get a proof of the cover shot from the art department and look and see which magazine advertiser could use a boost in credits that month.  Then, from that advertising cosmetic's latest collection, we'd match up the look the best we could.  Of course, the art department would work with us to enhance a lip or touch up a shadow if needed.

Of course, Swift's whole package makes her a perfect Spokeswoman for CoverGirl, but on shoots and tours, you'd be super naive to think that that's all she wears.  This is just one case in point and an explanation of cover credits.  As a journalist and blogger who's free of being owned by advertisers, it's nice to be able to report the truth.  Cover credits are never the truth.

VIP Pass to "The Industry:" Seventeen

I first met Heather Muir of Seventeen when she was working for Cosmopolitan.  As a publicist, I took her out for mani's and pedi's at the Townhouse Spa and couldn't wait to chat with her because she just took my old job at Cosmo and I couldn't wait to tell her how much fun she was about to have.  Now, she's flourished in the industry and is climbing her way to the top! Check out what she has to say: What’s your favorite part of working at Seventeen? I adore working with teen girls. They’re refreshing and willing to take big beauty risks. They make beauty fun—exactly what it should be! Who’s your celebrity crush? Guy: James Franco and Channing Tatum are neck and neck. Girl: It’s a three-way tie...Megan Fox, Mila Kunis, and Kim Kardashian (I have a thing for brunettes!). What are your must-have beauty products? There are too many to name. Every time I go into the beauty closet, I walk out with another favorite. I use Proactiv to keep my skin clear. Right now, I’m obsessed with Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint... For mascara, I’m a Maybelline Define-A-Lash girl. I use By Terry Rose Balm on my lips. I take bubble baths with Kai Body Wash. I don’t use much product in my hair, but when I wear it curly, Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion gives me the best waves. The list goes on and on. I’m a product junkie. I’ve been collecting since my internship. There’s no way I’ll ever be able to use all the products I have under my bathroom sink in my lifetime. What advice would you give to people trying to get into the industry today? Get an amazing internship on your resume so you can make great contacts. It was my golden ticket! (And work really, really hard!) Confess! Your biggest beauty sin: Falling asleep with makeup on. YIKES, I know. Even with face wipes on my nightstand, sometimes I’m just too tired! What’s your guiltiest pleasure? Weekly: mani/pedi/blowout. I save lash extensions and spray tans (Anna at Rita Hazan is the best!) for special occasions :)

Cosmo's Latest Beauty Book is Sizzling

If you like reading BeautySweetSpot, then you'll enjoy Cosmo's new book, "Sexiest Beauty Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Gorgeous."  I got an advanced copy for review and must say, it's pretty spicy. Written by some of Cosmo's former beauty editors (like myself!), mainly Andrea Lavinthal, who I've always looked up to, the book dishes on beauty basics from what makeup colors best suit your skin tone to how to perfect a DIY mani.

Here's one of my favorite tips:

"A surefire way to get his attention: Apply lipstick in front of him....

If a woman looks like she likes the feeling of her lips against the lipstick, it signals on a subconscious level that she's eager to be kissed."

Pucker up ladies!

You can get your copy on April 6th for $16.95.