Life Update: Beauty PR Interning

Hi everyone!

Sorry I haven't been posting much recently.
 I say that, but it has actually been over a month since my last post and I am really missing blogging!

 Summer is always a busy time of year. Weekends are filled with wedding celebrations, BBQ parties are thrown at any chance given, and seeing friends for drinks in the evening can go on for that bit longer as it stays lighter and warmer.

I have been really busy recently so thought I would do a little post about what I've been up to, so if you're here for all things beauty then this will be something a little different.

Saying that, the reason I have been so busy is because I have recently started interning at a Beauty PR company in West London, which is where I want my career to begin. As I went travelling for over a year, I am starting my career a little late in life at the ripe old age of 25, but travelling was something I really wanted to do, so I am really pleased I did it, and that chapter is over. (Not to say exotic holidays are off the cards at all!)

As I have no past experience in beauty PR, all I had to bring to the table was this blog, and my experience working in beauty retail. Although I didn't think I was advancing my career when working in retail, it gave me the passion and drive to continue in beauty, and also gave me knowledge about what brands are out there on the market. So remember, that however small the job, you will always be learning!

So I'm an intern! I feel a bit too old to intern, but not because I'm too proud or anything like that, I just think when you hear 'Intern' you think of a sprightly little 18 year old fresh out of Uni, and eager to learn, although I suppose I still look 18 and I am really, really eager. Maybe too eager?
Anyway!
 I am more than grateful for the experience and happy to learn as much as I can in my new role!

So what is Beauty PR?

I didn't really know myself to be honest, but lots of people had told me I would enjoy it so I thought I'd give it a shot, and thankfully they were right!

Beauty PR is making sure that brands get the coverage and exposure they need to be successful. That can mean sending products to journalists, meeting with bloggers to discuss launches and generally maintaining a good relationship with clients.

As an intern, I obviously don't do all that cool stuff just yet, but my daily routine goes a bit like this:

• In the morning, I check all magazines a papers to check for any coverage. I really enjoy this part of the day as flicking through magazines is something I would do anyway, and it gives me the excuse to linger on the beauty pages a little longer.

• Putting in data for each clients to ensure all coverage is logged. This is more of a labour intensive job, however it is really important as all coverage needs to be logged so we can see how often our products are featuring in magazines/online. It is actually the aspect of the job I found hardest adapting too, as I hadn't worked on a lot of the programmes - namely Excel- since school, so I have had to learn to be a bit quicker on that to meet deadlines.

• During the day, it can depend on what is going on. Sometimes I'll be given a research project which can be fun. If there is a big launch coming up for a particular brand, then that will be dealt with. Alternatively, there could be a big launch happening so a mailer needs to be organised to make sure all the relevant people receive what they need. This can include making labels and writing comp slips which, again, is a bit labour intensive, however it adds a personal touch which is vital for a image.

• Lastly, the post needs to be done in the evening and wrapped up so the presentation is perfect. I find it so exciting sending things for top beauty editors of Vogue and Elle to try out!

And that's pretty much it for now! I'm sure as time goes on I'll be given more responsibility, but I am really happy with where I am at the moment, as the team is small enough to give me importance and not just disappear in a huge team and become a tea girl.

We also look after some cool clients where I get to try a few bits and bobs so you can expect reviews of some of those items in the near future!

Some highlights for me have already been making up boxes of goodies for Zoella, Lily Melrose, and my other favourite bloggers to try. Also having Caroline Hirons walk into our office the other day was a huge moment for myself!

I'm sure there will be lots more exciting things for me to learn and discover, so keep your eyes peeled for product posts and more later on!

Other than this, not a huge amount has been going on. I got the honour of being bridesmaid to my best friend at the beginning of summer, and my boyfriends sister got married last weekend which was just magical! I've been catching up with friends since we got back from travelling, and just generally enjoying normal life away from hostels and suitcases.

Usually I indulge in festivals, trips away and other little jaunts in the summer, but due to my year off, I am really focusing on getting my life on track, so this has been just as fun for me personally.

I am really really lucky to be living in London as my Aunty and Uncle have a place just opposite Battersea Park, so I am loving being immersed in the London life, especially with the spectacular sunsets I have been getting from my balcony!

And that's all really! Like I said, expect more reviews, nail art and the usual stuff soon!

Thanks for reading!

Steph

x

P.S I did this post, as when I wanted to know more about Beauty PR, I remember finding a post about interning, and I found it so helpful, so if you stumble across this and you find it useful then please let me know!