Renowned beauty editor Stephanie Darling has made her first foray into book publishing. Her much anticipated memoir, Secrets of a Beauty Queen, is an honest and witty account of life in the Australian beauty industry, juggling a family and more. Darling, who is currently beauty director of Sunday Life and Daily Life chatted to BEAUTYDIRECTORY about becoming a published author and what's in store for the future.
A beauty who is smart, witty and now a published book author – what was the catalyst that inspired you to jump from print and digital journalism to writing a book?
You are too kind. I always thought I had a book in me and when Madison closed it was the catalyst that got me started. I still love working on print and digital with Fairfax and can't quite believe that I am now a published author.
Your book will no doubt reveal some rich insights into your beauty world but what has been your most memorable experience as a beauty editor?
That is a hard question to answer as there are so many facets from test driving procedures to amazing launches both here and overseas and trialling state of the art products. But if I had to choose it would be interviewing the incredible Jane Fonda in Paris.
Can you tell us about a person or a brand who has had the most influence on you?
I love spending time with my fellow beauty editors. There is always an interesting exchange of ideas plus they are so much fun.
Is there anyone left in the world of beauty that you would most like to meet?
There are always new and exciting people to meet when it comes to beauty and I realish the opportunity to meet new people who love their brands. I recently interviewed nail guru Jin Soon who was an inspiration.
What keeps you interested in beauty journalism?
The landscape is always shifting and changing and I never tire of the myriad packages that arrive daily for me to review. Best job on the world.
Is there a sequel or anything else we can look forward to?
I am toying with the idea of trying my hand at fiction. Stay tuned.
