Growing up in the quiet environs of Idaho, Elle‘s beauty and fitness director Emily Dougherty wasn’t exactly dreaming of candy-colored lipsticks and lash-enhancing mascaras. She had far holier pursuits in mind (spoiler alert: there’s a habit involved). It wasn’t till she was an assistant at Fairchild Publications, occasionally helping the beauty department organize its press releases, that she discovered the beauty arena. Then came the career climb from AOL Style Channel and Mademoiselle to Harper’s Bazaar, Nylon and Elle. On August 16, comes another notch on the professional post: Saks’s inaugural Look Good Feel Better Beauty Editors Day. Dougherty will be teaming up with Dolce & Gabbana’s National Makeup artist Christian McCulloch, who’s not only a whiz at runway and editorial transformations, but a decade-long friend of hers to boot. Here, the editor shares her beauty secrets and a little Dolce & Gabbana unveiling.
On what to expect on Thursday…
We’ll have samples of The Foundation, Dolce & Gabbana new luminous liquid foundation. It’s a global sneak peek — this will be the first time people can actually try it! We’re also going to have these awesome lookbooks of the best Dolce & Gabbana runway beauty moments. You can pick any look you want and Christian will turn you into that Dolce & Gabbana bombshell.
On her morning beauty regimen…
It’s pretty low budget. Many beauty editors don’t wear a ton of makeup during the day because we’re constantly testing things. If you wake up and spend an hour on makeup in the morning, you’re not going to want to undo that the second you get to your desk. But I do love to wash my hair every day and I’ll rotate sunscreens.
On her evening routine…
Prescription Retinol — it’s something that can make a lasting difference. For people who have found it too flaky, you don’t have to use it on those areas. I put it on my forehead, chin and cheekbones, but not my nose. I tell people to start one day a week, then go up to twice a week, then every other day. Dr. Brandt told me that, if that’s even too much, you can just put it on for a minute and wash it off. It’s a pretty miraculous product.
On the best beauty tip she’s ever received…
Smile more often! When you look at people’s faces and they’re smiling, they really are more beautiful. To people who want Botox because they hate their smiles lines, I say, no. Smile lines are good — bring them on!
On travel tips…
Lavender wipes from Herban Essentials — they kill germs and keep bugs away, the scent is super-nice and the lavender is very relaxing. Pack small containers of heavy cream and Aquaphor. And wait till your plane takes off before you take your sleeping pill!
On initial career goals…
Growing up in Idaho, I thought I was going to be a nun. My parents pointed out that the Doughertys have never had a saint in the family. So I thought, OK, if I’m going to be a saint, I’d better be a nun first. As I got older, I realized I’m probably not going to cut it. I like to think I’m still helping people every day but in a different way.
On the secret to flawless skin…
All the boring stuff you hear from your doctor is true — don’t smoke and don’t go out in the sun. Also, be consistent with your products. Don’t give a product four days and give up on it. It’s going to take 28 days to really make a true physiological change to your skin. The only reason to give up on a product right away is if it’s causing irritation or inflammation.
On makeup disasters…
Remember when, about 10 years ago, beauty companies made all these nail polishes in lip gloss applicators? That was a disastrous time for beauty editors because you’d go into the closet, grab something thinking it was lip gloss and it was nail polish. There’s nothing worse than the moment you realize you put nail polish on your lips. Then there’s always the disaster where you get glitter in your eye right before a big fashion show. How do you explain to your boss that your eye is swollen shut because you’re experimenting with glitter?
On beauty education (even when you’re knocked out)…
I had back surgery a couple of years ago and my surgeon told me that, when I was put under, I immediately launched into a dissertation on how Creme de la Mer is made. He said I had the whole operating room standing there with their mouths open because no one had ever given them a presentation on the making of a skincare cream. Usually people talk about the affairs they’re having or get racy. I thought, if that’s what my subconscious is thinking about, well, that’s kind of boring. But at least I know I’m doing what I should be doing!
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On August 16th, beauty editors take over New York’s First Floor for Beauty Editor’s Day, benefiting Look Good Feel Better! Call 866-395-5665 to book your appointment for a personal consultation + makeover.
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