l'oreal editor-in-gloss application

I'm Christina Ko, a 20-year-old junior at Johns Hopkins University, and I believe I possess not only passion for beauty, excellent communication skills, and an eye for photography, but also the business acumen necessary to be L'Oréal's Editor-in-Gloss.

PASSION FOR BEAUTY

Though many girls are interested in beauty, it's always been something more for me. I still vividly remember almost all of the makeup products I've used in the nine years I've worn makeup. The first "real" makeup product I ever owned was Dior's now-discontinued DiorKiss Lip Gloss in 118 Cotton Candy, which was part of a trio my mom purchased in the summer of 2006 at a Duty Free shop. Stila Lip Stain in Cherry Crush, Smashbox's O-Gloss, and DiorKiss Lip Gloss in 771 Berry Smoothie were the first high-end makeup products I purchased while shopping alone with a friend in sixth grade.

CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Though my decisions are more independent now that I have a fairly extensive knowledge of makeup, before this point, they were heavily influenced by what I saw in the media. I stumbled across Mary-Louise Parker in InStyle in seventh grade, and I thought she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. I subsequently purchased not only one but five MAC Tinted Lip Conditioners in Fuchsia Fix because it was used on her the shoot.

However, consumer preference for new media, as opposed to traditional media, is growing; content created by bloggers seems more genuine because readers become familiar with their personality and preferences over time. I also believe a large part of the shift can be attributed to the fact that so many millennials grew up learning about beauty through social media influencers. If I were chosen as the Editor-in-Gloss, I'm confident I can develop an online personality that is engaging and trustworthy.

Also, I'm confident I can break down beauty -- which can seem overwhelming due to the sheer number of products that are constantly being churned out -- into simple terms everyone can understand and be motivated to utilize in their own lives. I started my blog partly because I wanted to show how accessible it can be. People often assume I spend a ton of time getting ready, but like everyone else, I have a busy schedule and a limited budget. However, regardless of how tired I am, I always spend some time to perk myself up and feel ready myself for the day. This can be something as simple as using a heated eyelash curler to amp up my lashes or doing a quick DIY mask with some cotton pads soaked in essence while drying my hair. With so much pressure on girls nowadays, it's often hard to feel confident in your skin, although you know that everyone is special in their own way. I think learning how best take care of yourself to become the best version of yourself helps immensely. I have lots of simple tips I can share with other girls, like how to curl hair in three minutes or maximizing thin, straight Asian lashes.

I also have extensive experience with social media and communication. As Business Manager for my a cappella group, I manage our Facebook and Youtube pages in addition to communicating with department faculty. As Vice President of Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) JHU, I manage social media fundraising campaigns and serve as the liaison between national headquarters and our club. Thus, I have the necessary skills to not only produce excellent content, but also to work in tandem effectively with the L'Oréal marketing and communications team.

AWARENESS OF GLOBAL TRENDS

I was born in raised in Korea until I was eight, and have worked hard to maintain not only language but also cultural fluency. I'm very well-informed on the rapidly changing beauty trends in Korea, which has emerged as a global trend leader. For example, I have been using peeling gels, liquid lipsticks, cushion foundations, and the strobing technique for several years now.

I've also studied abroad in Spain, and will be an exchange student at Sciences Po Paris next spring. To succeed in social media, a platform in which there are no national boundaries, I think an international perspective is of critical importance. By being knowledgeable of American, European, and Asian culture, I believe I will be able to create content that resonates with a broad range of people.

PROFICIENCY IN WRITING, MARKETING, AND PHOTOGRAPHY

I am double majoring in Writing Seminars and International Studies. With both disciplines being heavily focused on analysis and written and verbal communication, I am confident in my abilities to deliver my message in a cogent, concise, and engaging manner. I have also been a student journalist for six years, and served as Copy Editor for The Johns Hopkins News-Letter last academic year.

I've also taken classes on branding, marketing, entrepreneurship, and general business operations. I believe understanding the principles behind the content I will be creating gives me an edge over other applicants who may not. Also, in addition to L'Oréal Paris, L'Oréal Group owns many of my favorite brands, such as Lancôme, Giorgio Armani, YSL Beauté, Kiehl's, Urban Decay, Maybelline, NYX Cosmetics, and Redken. Since I'm already knowledgeable about these brands, I will be able to give an informed opinion on them.

I believe I posses the abilities, the passion, and unique insight to go above and beyond what is expected of me as L'Oréal's Editor-in-Gloss. If selected, I will make every effort to make the opportunity a mutually beneficial one.