The Reality of Being a Beauty Editor in Social Distancing Times
Navigating beauty, purpose, and privilege as a Cosmopolitan beauty editor during uncertain times.
The Unfiltered Reality of a Beauty Editor in Isolation
Behind the glossy Instagram feeds and perfectly curated beauty routines, the daily life of a beauty editor can be far from glamorous—especially during periods of social distancing. While the outside world continues to grapple with unprecedented challenges, the role of those working within industries that seem ‘nonessential’ often takes on new emotional complexities. Here, we explore the real experiences of a Cosmopolitan beauty editor, revealing the gap between public perception and private reality, tracing the journey from morning rituals to the deeper questions of purpose and privilege.
A Contrast: The Idealized Quarantine vs. My Actual Morning
- Idealized Morning:
- Wake up at 7 a.m., fully rested, feeling optimistic.
- Kiss a charming partner good morning, sip hot water with lemon, and set positive intentions for the day.
- Avoid social media until noon, braid freshly washed hair, and enjoy a six-step skincare regime.
- Reality Check:
- Roll out of bed after snoozing the alarm repeatedly.
- Greet a grumpy pet, consume multiple cups of burnt coffee.
- Alternate between anxiety-inducing news and distracting TikToks.
- Hastily tie greasy hair into a bun, neglecting elaborate beauty routines.
- Feel uninspired, anxious, and oddly disconnected from the typical beauty rituals.
This dichotomy not only highlights the universal struggle to adapt routines in uncertain times but also calls attention to how social media perpetuates the myth of uninterrupted self-care and productivity.
The Core of a Beauty Editor’s Job: Passion Meets Disconnection
Normally, a beauty editor’s day revolves around discovering the latest trends, testing products, interviewing industry experts, and delivering curated advice to readers interested in skin, hair, and makeup. Yet, in the context of global crises and social distancing, these activities risk feeling frivolous and detached from reality. The usual excitement of a new serum or interviewing a celebrity makeup artist fades.
Key challenges faced:
- Feeling “fully turned off” by beauty routines once beloved.
- Difficulty recommending luxury products when basic health and safety are at stake for many.
- Struggling to generate meaningful content when personal and societal priorities shift so dramatically.
- Wrestling with the inner dialogue: Is my work still relevant?
Privilege and Perspective: Grappling with Meaning During Crisis
The sudden realization of privilege emerges strongly for those not working on the frontlines. From the comfort of home, the beauty editor reflects on her position:
- Has reliable income and safe working conditions.
- Does not face the daily risks encountered by healthcare workers.
- Recognizes her job as “cushy,” even as she admits to feeling emotionally adrift.
This admission is not meant to diminish gratitude, but rather to acknowledge the emotional struggle tied to a sense of purpose. The existential question looms: “How do I do my job when its very purpose feels tone-deaf right now?”
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The Evolution of Beauty: How the Industry Responds
Despite the personal malaise, the industry itself adapts, as do its participants—demonstrating that beauty can have roles to play beyond the superficial:
- Self-care Rituals: Many colleagues and friends find solace and control by indulging in home beauty routines, such as bath bombs and face masks, to manage anxiety and regain a sense of agency.
- Giving Back: Beauty editors coordinate product donations to healthcare workers, while brands like Playa facilitate meal donations through philanthropy-driven sales. Glossier sends self-care packages directly to frontline staff.
- Community Connection: Through social media and internal communication, beauty professionals share coping mechanisms, product recommendations, and stories of resilience—providing comfort beyond aesthetics.
Defending the Love of Beauty
The role of beauty in personal and professional life is often underestimated or dismissed. Stereotypes persist: the beauty editor as superficial, vain, or out of touch. Yet most editors, including this one, often need to defend their passion for beauty in the face of skepticism from friends and family.
| Beauty Editor Stereotype | Reality |
|---|---|
| Always wears full makeup, polished hair | Minimal makeup, messy bun, deeply invested in writing and research |
| Wants beauty career from birth | Often falls into industry unexpectedly due to love for storytelling |
| Lives for glamour and product launches | Faces insecurities, deadlines, and the need to justify career choices |
The takeaway is that loving beauty doesn’t negate depth, intelligence, or empathy—it can coexist with the drive to support, nurture, and inspire others.
Moments of Professional Guilt and Recalibration
When every day brings news of healthcare systems under strain, and people face real threats to their wellbeing, the act of reviewing eyeshadow palettes or brainstorming summer hair trends can feel unproductive, even inappropriate.
Common thoughts include:
- “Do these recommendations matter right now?”
- “Am I ignoring suffering for the sake of superficial content?”
- “Is it okay to find comfort in beauty when so many cannot?”
Such questions prompt an ongoing recalibration of priorities—finding new ways for beauty editors and brands to contribute meaningfully, while providing moments of levity for readers who need respite from overwhelming news.
From Limbo to Intention: Seeking Comfort and Meaning
The inability to engage with beauty as usual drives the editor into a liminal space—caught between the desire to do her job and the ongoing self-doubt about its value. There are no easy answers or quick fixes, only the gradual recognition that the path forward may require a new definition of “essential.” For some, beauty is now about self-kindness, comfort, and care, not transformation or perfection.
- Embracing moments of self-care on one’s own terms.
- Supporting those who find healing or control through beauty rituals.
- Championing brands and colleagues who channel resources toward greater good.
Ultimately, the lesson is both personal and collective: purpose can be found in adaptation, in listening, and in supporting others—even when that means questioning one’s own role in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it normal to feel disconnected from your work as a beauty editor during social distancing?
A: Yes. Many beauty editors and other professionals in nonessential industries report feelings of disconnection, anxiety, and guilt when routine tasks seem trivial compared to global challenges.
Q: How are beauty brands contributing during the pandemic?
A: Beauty brands have donated products and meals to healthcare workers, organized community fundraisers, and sent self-care packages to those on the front lines.
Q: Can beauty routines help with emotional wellbeing?
A: For many, maintaining beauty rituals provides a sense of normalcy, control, and comfort, helping to manage anxiety and stress in uncertain times.
Q: Is there a way for beauty editors to make their work more meaningful now?
A: Editors can focus on topics that resonate with readers’ emotional needs, such as self-care, mindful rituals, and stories of community support, while leveraging their platform to spotlight charitable initiatives.
Q: Should I feel guilty for enjoying beauty or self-care at home?
A: No. Self-care is important for mental health, and enjoying beauty routines does not negate empathy for others. Balancing comfort and compassion is key.
Tips for Beauty Editors Working in Isolation
- Prioritize Empathy: Recognize the privilege of safe, remote work and address reader needs with sensitivity.
- Highlight Community: Share stories of brands, professionals, and readers supporting each other.
- Focus on Wellness: Shift content towards mental health, gentle routines, and practices that nurture wellbeing.
- Stay Flexible: Embrace continual change—it’s okay to feel uncertain or uninspired as you adapt your creative output to new realities.
- Encourage Giving Back: Use your platform to connect audiences with charitable opportunities and resources.
A Day in the Life: How Quarantine Has Shifted the Beauty Editor’s Routine
- News Sweep: Now includes personal check-ins and mental health updates as much as beauty trends.
- Lunch Breaks: Less structured, often spent managing anxiety or decompressing with pets and digital distractions.
- Product Reviews: Focus on items that support wellness (e.g., face masks, bath products) or promote charitable action.
- Team Collaboration: Increased communication about emotional health and adaptation struggles.
- Feature Writing: More research into self-care strategies and community initiatives than celebrity interviews.
Conclusion: Redefining the Role of Beauty and Its Editors
As the boundaries between essential and nonessential work blur, beauty editors find themselves navigating new definitions of relevance, value, and compassion. By listening to their readers’ needs, supporting charitable action, and embracing moments of self-care, their work continues to evolve. The journey from uncertainty to intention is ongoing, but in questioning their own purpose, beauty editors highlight what matters: empathy, adaptability, and the persistent search for meaning—even in the midst of a messy bun and chipped nails.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/lifestyle/a39593865/24-hours-in-the-life-of-cosmopolitan-deputy-beauty-editor/
- https://www.fordhamenglish.com/news1/2020/1/21/confessions-of-a-beauty-editor-ruby-buddemeyer-fclc-18-of-cosmo
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a32175767/social-distancing-beauty-editor-job-essay/
- https://www.glossy.co/platform-effect/day-in-the-life-cosmopoitan-com-editor-amy-odell/
- https://studycorgi.com/cosmopolitan-vs-maxim-magazines/
- https://www.threepennyreview.com/particles-of-the-genuine/
- https://fashionista.com/2020/08/julee-wilson-beauty-director-cosmopolitan-career-interview
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