I had the chance to speak with the Beauty Director of Teen Vogue, Eva Chen. She's had a journey through "the industry" and is a very influential person not only to teens, but also to people who follow her on Twitter. As the writer of the Teen Vogue beauty blog, Eva has dipped seamlessly into online media, while maintaining her love for print. Check out what she has to say about her career path and advice on getting in...
How did you get into the industry and how many years have you been involved?
I never expected to work in the magazine industry and I think that’s one of the reasons why I love it so much now—it’s been an amazing and unexpected journey. I was pre-med in college and always thought I’d go to medical school. On a lark, the summer between my junior and senior year I interned at Harper’s Bazaar to give my brain a bit of a break. It really opened my eyes, though, to the larger world out there. I absolutely had a life-changing experience while I was there! After that, there was no turning back for me—it was magazines or bust! After I graduated college, I got a job at Lucky magazine (in fashion) and then went onto ELLE magazine (in beauty). My parents still tell me that it’s not too late for medical school. :)
What’s your favorite part of working at Teen Vogue? I love talking to and working with teens. Teens are amazing—they have the sophistication and appreciation for fashion that 20-somethings have, but they’re fearless. If you suggest that they try neon pink lips or crazy blue eyeshadow, they’ll go for it! There are no boundaries, fashion or beauty-wise. I also love the celebs we cover at Teen Vogue. I’m much more interested in Taylor Lautner (or Swift!), then, say Brangelina.
Who’s your celebrity crush? As a card-carrying member of Team Edward, I’d have to say... Robert Pattinson! I was at the Soho House in Los Angeles a few weeks ago and saw him and literally tumbled down a flight of stairs from excitement. Oh dear.
What are your must-have beauty products? I’m a skincare-aholic! I wear SPF every day, even if it’s cloudy. Lately, I’ve been using Olay Regenerist SPF 50, which feels great but also has high coverage. I started using serum twice a day as well—think of it as a base coat for your skincare. I’ve seen a noticeable change in the texture of my skin, it’s just happier lately! I like Shiseido White Lucent, Nude Skincare, or Lancome Genefique (to name just a few). I exfoliate twice a week with Dermalogica Microfoliant. And I use face masks at least three times a week! Who needs a pricey facial when you can DIY (and the money saved can go towards shoes)!
What advice would you give to people who are trying to get into the industry today? Intern, intern, intern. And don’t ever let yourself get too big for your britches. Staying down to earth and having a sense of your true self is key—the fashion industry can sweep you away with its glamour, but remember that it’s a business.
Confess! What’s your biggest beauty sin? I have a ridiculous sweet tooth, which is pretty terrible for skin. And even though I regularly dispense the advice “Don’t pick at your skin,” I can’t lie that I’ve gotten hands-on with my spots!
What’s your guiltiest pleasure? Besides online shopping 24-7, I’d have to say the copious amounts of terribly cheesy television I watch. I DVR Pretty Little Liars, WipeOut, Minute to Win It, Make it or Break It, the list goes on! I think of it as junk food for my brain!
