You come from a family of cosmetic royalty, why did you want to continue the legacy and build your own brand?
I was always asked what was in my makeup bag and felt there was a void in the marketplace for a feminine, effortless beauty brand. This was really what pushed me to create AERIN Beauty. Shopping beauty can be overwhelming so I wanted to create a collection that is based on essentials and only what women really need.
AERIN is not just about beauty! Between the handbags, home decor and lighting fixtures, the options are endless. Where do you gain inspiration from for your products?
I love the outdoors and often find inspiration there for a collection whether it’s home, fashion accessories or beauty. All of the AERIN fragrances are based on floral notes. Lilac Path, for example, came to me as I walked by a Lilac bush that my grandmother planted at our home on Long Island.
For loyal fans of Estee Lauder (of which there are many), how do AERIN’s beauty products differ from the Estee Lauder brand?
I created AERIN Beauty based on essentials and what women really need in their makeup bags. I was always asked what I use or what I carry with me when I travel and I thought there was an opportunity in the market. My grandmother built a luxury brand in a time where women were not in business. I learned a lot from her about creating products for women to make them feel beautiful. She always trusted her intuition and I try to do the same.
What’s your favorite AERIN product and why?
I love so many of our products, but right now the Rose Colognes are my favorites. Each scent celebrates roses with extremely rare ingredients like Bulgarian Rose. The light scents are perfect for warm summer nights and I love the Rollerballs when I travel.
What are your must-have products for an everyday effortless look?
You don’t need dozens of products or a complicated routine to achieve and effortless undone look. Since I have limited time, my daytime look is simple and effortless. I like a touch of bronzer, like the AERIN Pretty Bronze Illuminating Powder, which is my secret weapon to looking pulled together without any real effort. For lips, I like a subtle hint of color and texture like the new Garden Rose Tinted Lip Conditioner. I keep it in my bag to give my lips a natural glossy finish when needed. A messy bun or a side-part is effortless, unfussy and classic.
With all of the knowledge you’ve amassed over the years in the beauty industry, what’s the best makeup tip you’ve been given?
My grandmother always said “You only have one face. Take care of it”.
Tropical Beauty is the theme this month for GLOSSYBOX, so we must know what your favorite travel destination is.
I love traveling to the Mediterranean. Everywhere has a sense of timeless beauty and effortless style and I always fall in love with the blues and greens of the sea. Its such a magical place and inspired my Mediterranean Honeysuckle fragrance collection which we introduced last year.
The questions in this article were written by one of our beauty experts, Shayna Marcos (@shaynamarcos)!