Guest Editor: Alexis Farah - Founder of RandomActsofLipstick.com
Posted on June 27 2016
"After nine years in New York City -- and beauty editorial gigs at a magazine and website under my belt -- I packed up and moved to the West (best) Coast to launch my own brand, RandomActsOfLipstick.com. In my "free" time I love to explore the city by way of paddle board, hiking, biking, and sitting in hours of traffic (just kidding, I don't actually enjoy the latter but it's certainly a right of passage for Los Angeles!). I never leave home without the perfect red lipstick and SPF 30+," Alexis Farah
Find out more about the powerhouse behind RandomActsofLipstick.com after the jump!
What do you do?
The beauty of my job is that no two days look alike. As a freelance writer, I create lifestyle content (think beauty, nutrition, and relationships) for websites like Dermstore.com, Self.com,EverydayHealth.com, etc.
I also spend quite a bit of time helping brands with social media strategy (if you're not on Snapchat - stop what you're doing and sign up now!) and work with beauty companies on different video campaigns.
My passion project -- and hopefully my full-time job one day -- is my spanking new site, RandomActsOfLipstick.com. On the website I curate content that combines beauty + giving back and even have a shopping experience for users to help support a cause close to my heart, New Alternatives for Children (http://nackidscan.org/home/index.php), while also scoring an adorable classic-meets-glam tote with the RAOL logo.
Why did you start your blog?
Because I've been in the beauty industry for so long (and am still stimulated by it 10 years later...), I knew I wanted to start my own beauty-related company. The challenge was how to differentiate it from everything else that was out there. A friend suggested I narrow down the topics that moved me the most, which lead me to focus on beauty brands and influencers who also have a socially conscious mission (like you, Love Goodly!). I've spent much of my life supporting nonprofits in both New York and Los Angeles so fusing the two into one online destination made perfect sense.
[One of Alexis's LOVE GOODLY faves? S.W. Basics gentle, non-drying cleanser that contains no alcohol. Next to cleaning your face with water, this is as simple as it gets! Cleanser, $22.00]
What's the best part about your job?
Raising awareness about the beauty brands or influencers doing really cool things to make the world a better place. It's refreshing to uncover the ones that care about more than just the bottom line.
What's the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is trying to juggle all the freelance and consulting work with keeping Random Acts of Lipstick up to date while also brainstorming new ways to reach bigger audiences. But nothing motivates me to post more than wanting readers to know about these brands (which they may already know and love), who are leading the charge as activists.
What's the most under-rated thing about LA?
Daybreaker dance parties (http://www.daybreaker.com), which have recently landed in LA. They're basically 6 am yoga classes followed by sober dance parties that take place during the week. They've gotten some pretty decent DJs too! I've been several times with my friend Alexis Wolfer of TheBeautyBean.com and we agree that it's one of the best (and most energizing) ways to start the day.
[Be stylish and make a statement at those Daybreak Dance Parties in this limited edition Vaute Couture tank designed exclusively for LOVE GOODLY. The best part? 100% of the proceeds go to our partners at Farm Sanctuary! Special Edition Tank, $29.95]
Why do you love LOVE GOODLY?
Love Goodly takes the guesswork out of finding safe and healthy products. It's a relief to know that whatever I'm getting in my monthly box or ordering straight from the site has already been vetted for eco-quality by Katie and Justine. Plus, like me, the brand is committed to using their voice and influence to raise awareness for causes they feel strongly about like Farm Sanctuary and Cure Cervical Cancer .
Where did you go to college?
I went to Bucknell University. It's a small liberal arts college in Pennsylvania ... in the middle of the corn fields (ha!). But I loved every minute of my time there.
What is your favorite movie?
A League of Our Own. I've seen it a couple thousand times and it never gets old.
What's your favorite restaurant?
In LA, True Foods. In New York, Stanton Social (try the french onion soup dumplings ... you're welcome!).
What do you have for breakfast?
Nothing too exciting. Sometimes I have eggs, sometimes I have fruit and oatmeal. But if I'm feeling especially hangry I'll go straight for chocolate!
What's one beauty tip you can share?
Just one? The best way to distribute hairspray through your hair is to spray it in an upside down "U" in the air and then flip your hair through it. It's my top secret weapon for a perfectly even application.
Coffee or tea?
I love tea. I think I was probably British in a past life ...
[One of Alexis's favorite teas: Pukka Vanilla Chai Tea, $6.95]
One tip to women entrepreneurs?
Accept every invite you can for social gatherings, nonprofit events, and networking nights. You never know who you're going to meet. People I've met at some of the most random gatherings ended up being supremely helpful as I launched RandomActsofLipstick.com.
And always have business cards on hand for these occasions.