StyleSpot 1. Eleanor Pendleton // GRITTYpretty

Welcome to 'StyleSpot', a front row seat to our very own moodboards. Curated and collected by two in a million, it gives you an insight into our fashion and beauty inspirations, covering everything from interviews to styling and shoots with designers and other innovative bloggers.

To kickstart our new project, we could not think of a more inspirational personality than Eleanor Pendleton, the Beauty Editor and Founder of GRITTYpretty. Launched in 2010 by Pendleton, who has an impressive background as the former beauty editor of InStyle and FAMOUS, GRITTYpretty provides an opportunity to the everyday woman to access and absorb all things beauty from the best in the business.

As such a HUGE influence to our own work, words cannot describe how excited we were to conduct this interview!

Enjoy -

1. Who do you consider to be your greatest inspirations?

I find constant inspiration in my family – the people they are and the person they’ve raised me to be are a true testament of their character. My boyfriend, who is one of the most positive yet humble people I know, inspires me greatly. And, of course, my closest friends. I believe what you do, who you’re with, and how you feel about the world around you, is completely up to you.

2. What characteristics have helped you become such a successful Beauty Editor? 

Determination, perseverance and an exceptionally strong work ethic. I knew from a very young age I wanted to be a writer. I didn’t know I was going to become a beauty writer. It wasn’t about the glamour that comes with the industry that appealed to me but rather the creative process of writing an article and the service and information it provides to readers, in particularly women. It’s a competitive industry that entails a lot of long work hours so having the determination to get through the first few years as a junior is a must. Over the past 8 years, I’ve been knocked back or lucked out on jobs but in retrospect, every wonderful thing that has happened in my career has happened when it should and when I was ready. Young girls who are overly confident and perhaps embody the “want it all” stereotype of Gen Y often get noticed and sometimes disregarded by seasoned editors. As a student, you can’t expect to walk in on day one of work experience at a national magazine and expect to be assisting in the styling of a cover photo shoot. On my first day, I was literally ecstatic at the thought of fetching coffees for the magazine’s editors and I think it’s that humble quality that has taken me so far in such a short amount of time. I’m very proud of what I have achieved as a beauty editor. I know I’m doing what I was meant to do.

3. The beauty industry has changed since the rise of social media. Where do you see the future of the industry? 

Continuing to evolve alongside digital. Once considered an add-on, digital is and will continue to become it’s own media entity. Publishing, and in particular magazine, will need to grow alongside technology whether it be through iPad additions, apps, complete online editorial teams and so on. Digital and social media is not to be ignored – it has to be embraced or businesses will be left behind.

4. What are the top three beauty products every woman should have and why?

SPF 30+ or higher

Sunscreen should be applied rain, hail or shine. Even in the cold of winter, UVA rays still penetrate through cloud cover and even glass windows. If you’re sitting next to window reading this right now, it’s likely UVA rays are causing free radical damage and therefore pre-mature ageing in your skin.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

It’s my skin care must-have. I change my cleanser, serum and moisturiser regularly because I’m always testing new products but this essence is my constant. It leaves my skin glowing, even and hydrated – and it also makes my other products work better and harder too.

Tinted moisturiser

I prefer lightweight tinted moisturisers and BB creams over full-coverage foundations. When I pop one on with added SPF, I instantly feel more confident. When my skin looks good, even and free of imperfections, then I feel good to.

5. What beauty trends should we be looking out for in Spring/Summer 2014?

Bold lips are perennially chic during the warmer months. Personally, I enjoy embracing stains and tints with minimal other makeup during spring/summer. The great thing about stains is they also double as a lip and cheek colour.

And, because there’s been a return to the ‘90s of late, I expect skin to remain almost raw and very undone. The trend is for skin to be dewy and almost as if you aren’t wearing any makeup at all – just a touch of concealer, curled lashes and a single coat of mascara. It’s very nonchalant and cool – very ‘90s. It’s as if it’s a rebellion against so-called trends. It’s what editors are calling ‘norm core’.

Thankyou Eleanor!

For more beauty advice and inspiration, follow GRITTYpretty on IG: @eleanorpendleton.

x two in a million