With nine years’ experience in magazines and media, Elise Wilson has been now been appointed beauty editor at Woman’s Day. Here, BD gets to know more about the New Zealand national…
Can you please tell us a little bit about your background in the industry?
I started in magazines at the age of 19 and quickly worked my way up to editorial assistant, office manager, assistant commercial brand manager, and then Beauty editor for New Idea magazine at the age of 22. Since then I’ve worked as the beauty editor on a range of titles in New Zealand such as M2 Woman, NEXT and Simply You Magazines and well as Beauty Directory NZ.
What does your current role entail?
I am now in sole charge of the health and beauty content across Woman’s Day Australia, working closely with the lifestyle director and our new health and lifestyle writer.
Have you always wanted to work in beauty?
I have been obsessed with beauty as long as I can remember. At the same time I started in media at 19, I also started my training to be a hair and makeup artist – so I’m just really lucky the two go hand-in-hand.
What does an average day in the office look like for you?
I go to at least one coffee meeting a day with PR or advertising clients, and of late I’ve been to about one beauty launch every day! It’s been busy. Because I’m now working on a fast paced weekly title, I have to hit the ground running every morning with planning my week, internal meetings, forward planning and filing my copy for the week ahead to meet all my deadlines.
Best thing about the industry?
I love that the industry is just non-stop! There’s something new and exciting coming out every other day it seems, and the evolution of products and where the beauty industry is heading is really exciting.
What are you most looking forward to?
Personally I’m most excited about summer coming up! Fake tan, bronzer, and beachy hair – bring it on!
What is your signature fragrance?
My all time fave has to be Jean Paul Gaultier Intense.
What are your can’t live without beauty products?
I am obsessed with my Benefit Hoolah Bronzer, Bondi Sands Ultra Dark Tanning Foam, my MAC Liquid Lipsticks (ALL OF THE REDS!) and the Lancome Hypnôse Volume-À-Porter Mascara.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
I’d have to say that landing the role of beauty editor for New Idea magazine so young was a definite highlight. That, and interviewing some amazing celebrities for my pages like Dr Paul Nassif, Olivia Wild, Lara Worthington, to name a few.
Top networking tip?
Talk to everyone! It’s so easy to be intimidated by others, but having the confidence to spark up a conversation with anyone and everyone is key to networking. Someone said to me years ago to ‘always be the yes person’ and only great things will come of it – I still live by that today.
What’s the most memorable press send-out you’ve received?
I think would have to be when Benefit Cosmetics sent me a huge bouquet of shark and fish balloons and beauty products, delivered to my front door by a dressed up detective. It’s definitely one that sticks out in my memory.
What was the most memorable event you have ever attended?
One of the most memorable was being flown by helicopter to Waiheke Island to have an exclusive lunch at a gorgeous vineyard with a brand and its founders and then flown home again!
Who is your favourite person to follow on Instagram?
I have an unhealthy obsession with Jennifer Lopez and Khloe Kardashian.
Your mantra / philosophy is?
My mantra is definitely ‘Be the yes person!’
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I’d be a full time hair and makeup artist working for myself.