BeautyView: Christina Han, Associate Beauty Editor, W Magazine

In building a consumer brand, in particular a beauty brand, press is absolutely key. Indeed, I think our time is about the power of press. Not the power of money. Not the power of fame, but the power of writers, journalists, bloggers, editors. Given this context, it has been a true pleasure getting to know Christina Han, associate beauty editor for W Magazine. From a first deskside meeting, we have had the opportunity to meet a couple more times. I am in awe of her: she is smart, gorgeous, stylish, powerful, and somehow manages to stay super thin despite her Chipotle addiction…

AP: What city were you born in? CH: Baltimore, MD.

AP: What city do you live in? CH: New York, NY.

AP: What is your middle name? CH: Eun-Kyung, which is my Korean name. Directly translated it means, silver mirror. Perhaps foreshadowing my career in the beauty industry…or extreme vanity.

AP: What is your astrological sign? CH: Capricorn.

AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? CH: The effect beauty has on people. Whether it’s advice on a new product or a salon recommendation, beauty makes people happy.

AP: Least favorite thing? CH: From spilt nail polish and glitter shadows to exploding bottles of shampoo, my dry clean-only clothes have seen it all.

AP: What is your most prized possession? CH: All of the vintage (and even some newer) bags I have slyly borrowed from my mom’s closet, but have yet to return.

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? CH: I eat Chipotle on a weekly basis.

AP: Do you wear a watch? CH: Yes, always. AP: If yes, what model? CH: Cartier Roadster.

AP: Diamonds or pearls? CH: Diamonds.

AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? CH: Ryan Reynolds.

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? CH: SoulCycle and a good bottle of wine. However, not at the same time.

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? CH: 1 Cashmere socks to slip into on the plane. 2 SK-II Treatment Masks to rehydrate skin post-flight. 3 Never accessing the free WiFi on the plane to check email.

AP: What is your favorite book? CH: Life of Pi by Yann Martel

AP: What is your cocktail of choice? CH: Ketel and soda with a lemon wedge, only. Absolutely no limes allowed.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? CH: Joanna Vargas, my facialist. She keeps my complexion glowing with her treatments and products. I live for her Daily Serum and never skip a day.

AP: What fragrance do you wear? CH: I have two favorites, Versace Versense and a more recent discovery, Tom Ford’s Jasmine Rouge.

AP: Botox or not? CH: Whichever makes you happy.

AP: Hair color: natural or not? CH: Natural.

AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. CH: It’s broken!

AP: Quote to live by. CH: “Be sharp.” – my mom

AP: Who is your mentor? CH: The amazing Sarah Brown.

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. CH: Never turn down an assignment. Show up early and leave late. Learn how to replace toner in a copy machine.