Meet Cosmopolitan’s Beauty Editors: The Glam Experts Behind the Scenes
Go behind the scenes with Cosmo’s beauty editors. Discover their top tips, personal favorites, beauty philosophies, and career secrets.
Cosmopolitan’s beauty editors are the unsung heroes behind your favorite features, reviews, and must-have product lists. With their eyes always on innovation, authenticity, and self-expression, these trailblazers define trends and translate the world of beauty into accessible, fun content. Ever wondered who’s selecting the mascara you’re reading about, or which editor swears by a $12 face serum? Welcome to a backstage pass into Cosmo’s beauty squad. Get to know their personal routines, career moments, and the beauty obsessions that fuel their daily inspiration.
Who Are the Editors?
Cosmopolitan’s beauty editing team is a dynamic group of writers, testers, and creators with varied backgrounds in the beauty industry. They’re the ones shooting TikTok videos in office hallways, swatching eyeshadows late at night, and testing every new hair gadget that lands on their desks. Each editor brings a unique style and philosophy to the table, but they’re united by a love for fearless beauty experimentation and honest advice.
- Beth Gillette: Beauty Editor known for her playful eye looks, extensive skincare routine, and firm belief in test-driving every product multiple times.
- Julee Wilson: Beauty Director who sets the big-picture vision for Cosmo’s beauty coverage, tirelessly discovering under-the-radar trends and spotlighting diverse voices.
- Additional editors: Include contributing writers, digital producers, and seasoned senior editors, each with their own beauty journey.
What Does a Beauty Editor Actually Do?
Contrary to the glitzy reputation, the job is both creative and rigorous. A typical day might include:
- Conducting in-depth product testing across makeup, skincare, and hair care categories.
- Interviewing beauty founders, dermatologists, and celebrity makeup artists for trend reports and deep-dives.
- Planning, writing, and editing stories ranging from “Best Sunscreens” to feature interviews.
- Coordinating competitive product roundups based on performance, innovation, and reviewer input.
- Curating visual shoots and collaborating with photographers, stylists, and models for big editorial spreads.
- Tracking viral beauty moments and integrating reader feedback from social media or Cosmo’s own surveys.
Beauty Philosophy: What Do Cosmo Editors Stand For?
Each editor has a distinct beauty philosophy, but the Cosmo ethos is clear: “Beauty is about self-expression, confidence, and fun.” Editors encourage their audience to experiment and never apologize for their choices—be it bold lipstick, nonconforming brows, or skipping foundation altogether.
- Inclusivity: Cosmo features diverse skin tones, hair types, and gender identities, believing beauty is for everyone.
- Innovation: Editors are the first to dive into groundbreaking skincare formulas, unexpected color palettes, and futuristic tools.
- Honesty: Reviews are unfiltered; if a product flakes or a trend falls flat, readers will know.
Editor’s Favorite Products and Holy-Grail Routines
Here’s a glimpse into the personal must-haves and daily beauty rituals that keep Cosmo editors looking (and feeling) their best. Whether prepping for a red-carpet story or a marathon of Zoom calls, these are the products and routines they swear by.
- Skincare Staples:
- Gentle gel cleansers that don’t strip skin
- Vitamin C serum for a radiant, even glow
- Moisturizing SPF that works under makeup
- Nighttime retinol or peptide treatments to keep skin bouncy
- Makeup Essentials:
- A dewy, buildable foundation that blurs imperfections without masking real skin
- Fluttery lengthening mascara (waterproof a must for gym or emotional days)
- Colorful eyeliner for statement-making eyes or an instant pick-me-up
- Neutral-toned lipsticks and hydrating balms for deskside touch-ups
- Haircare Favorites:
- Sulfate-free hydrating shampoos that don’t fade color
- Anti-frizz serums and heat protectant sprays
- Dry texture sprays for instant volume and grit
- Curl creams and gels for editors embracing their natural texture
What others are reading
Table: Must-Have Editor-Approved Products
| Product Type | Editor Pick | Why It’s Loved |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Buildable Dewy Foundation | Light on skin, blurs imperfections, never cakey |
| Mascara | Waterproof Lengthening Mascara | Won’t flake or smudge, perfect for long days |
| Moisturizer with SPF | Ultralight Daily SPF 50 | Layerable under makeup, broad-spectrum protection |
| Lip Balm | Tinted Hydrating Balm | Sheer wash of color and all-day hydration |
| Hair Styling | Weightless Texture Spray | Instant volume and tousle without crunch |
How Editors Find and Test New Products
Behind every Cosmo recommendation is a rigorous testing and vetting process. The editors regularly receive hundreds of products, but only a select few make it on the digital and print pages. Their process includes:
- Independently requesting products from established and emerging brands alike
- Testing within real-world conditions: morning commutes, steamy gym workouts, late-night events
- Comparing products across all price points—from drugstore to prestige
- Soliciting feedback from friends, family, or even in-office colleagues to spot broader compatibility and performance
- Researching the science behind ingredients and reviewing dermatologist feedback before final recommendations
Iconic Editorial Moments
Cosmo beauty editors are known for more than trend forecasts. Some favorite behind-the-scenes highlights include:
- The Awards Season Sprint: Covering red carpet glam at major events and bringing readers firsthand detail about unexpected looks or breakout products.
- The Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with social media creators to create viral challenges, like “7 Days, 7 Mascaras.”
- Reader-Driven Awards: Leading nation-wide product surveys where readers help crown the year’s best concealer, curl cream, or shaving gel.
- The Outrageous Dares: Testing buzzy trends (like neon brows or DIY hair stencils) for authenticity—and sometimes, to hilarious effect.
A Day in the Life of a Cosmo Beauty Editor
If you picture endless spa days, think again! The typical day blends hustle and glamour in equal parts. Here’s a snapshot:
- Early emails with brand reps and PR teams to schedule product send-outs or follow up on launches
- All-hands editorial meetings to brainstorm story angles (and lively debates about trend forecasts)
- Hands-on testing in the beauty closet—sometimes overlapping swatches up to the elbow, or testing the latest sheet masks at their desk
- Interviewing dermatologists or makeup artists for expert perspectives
- Creating TikToks, Reels, or quick desk selfies to spotlight new products or office antics
- Wrapping up with feature drafts, edits, and mood boards for upcoming print issues
What Inspires Cosmo’s Editors?
Creative inspiration is everywhere—from bold city street style to viral apps. Editors seek out fresh ideas by:
- Scrolling beauty hashtags and TikTok for grassroots trends and unfiltered reviews
- Attending product launch events, masterclasses, and industry panels
- Trying beauty rituals from diverse cultures and sharing those discoveries with readers
- Taking cues from celebrity experimentation, including runway notes and music videos
- Pursuing reader questions and feedback, which often sparks entirely new feature stories
Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts and Confessions
- Most editors keep a “snack stash” hidden among their skincare samples
- Team-wide group chats are filled with candid before/after photos and wild product fails
- Some editors have tested over 100 mascaras in a single year
- They believe in radical transparency—if something causes a rash or breakout, you’ll know!
- Editor desks double as “mini Sephoras” with swatch-stained coffee cups and half-opened lip kits
FAQs: Cosmopolitan Beauty Editors
Q: Do the editors really try every product they recommend?
A: Yes, editors test products themselves or solicit feedback from trusted colleagues and friends. They don’t rely solely on press releases or brand claims.
Q: How do Cosmo editors choose which trends or products to feature?
A: Trends and product picks are selected based on editor testing, expert interviews, reader feedback, and buzz in the wider beauty industry.
Q: What does a beauty editor’s day actually look like?
A: The day mixes creative planning, hands-on product testing, writing, meetings with beauty experts, and lots of digital content creation.
Q: Can I suggest a product or story idea to the beauty team?
A: Absolutely! Editors welcome pitches through Cosmo’s contact channels and love featuring up-and-coming brands or reader-driven stories.
Meet the Editors
- Beth Gillette – Beauty Editor
- Loves: Neon eyeshadow and blurring foundations
- Expertise: Makeup reviews, acne-prone skin care, trend analysis
- Instagram: @bethgillettebeauty
- Julee Wilson – Beauty Director
- Loves: Hair diversity and championing new voices
- Expertise: Industry insight, inclusive trendspotting, lasting beauty movements
- Twitter: @missjulee
- Contrib. Writers, Photographers, and Social Pros – The extended beauty family that brings every story to life.
Join the Conversation
Have a favorite product the editors should try? Drop your recs and questions—Cosmo’s beauty editors are always looking for the next obsession, and you might just see your favorites featured in an upcoming issue!
References
- https://hannahcaddo.com/the-best-foundations-of-2025-ranked-and-reviewed-by-cosmopolitan-editors-best-sellers-start-at-21/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a65321822/readers-choice-beauty-awards-2025/
- https://beautyaficionado.com/cosmo-beauty-editor-guide-best-facial/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g65924446/editor-favorite-beauty-products-september/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
