Congratulations to Constantina Demos who has been appointed as Women’s Fitness’ new beauty writer. Read on to learn a little bit more about her background in the industry, and what she’s most looking forward to.
Can you please tell us a little bit about your background in the industry?
I was lucky enough to get my foot in the door straight out of university, as an intern with Citrus Media. Under the guidance of some very savvy publishing minds, over five years, I worked my way up from intern, to writer, to deputy editor, and finally to editor of China Eastern Airlines' inflight title, Higher View. One of my first initiatives when taking over was to introduce a strong luxury lifestyle section to the magazine, which is when I started writing and curating beauty pages.
What does your current role entail?
As Beauty Writer at Women’s Fitness, I’ll be covering the latest trends and investigating whether they’re worth investing in, educating women on how to best utilise beauty and skincare products to satisfy their needs, and aim to keep a meticulously organised beauty cupboard.
Have you always wanted to work in journalism?
Yes, I believe so. There’s some embarrassing footage of me somewhere in a storage room of mock news programs I would put together as a child, which I would force my sisters to partake in. I was the producer/camerawoman/sports reporter. We covered all things from the Titanic sinking, to the cricket and even included a worldwide earthquake taking place as we were filming. When I grew up I realised that there’s more to journalism than being in front of a camera and entertaining. It’s about educating people and, hopefully, helping someone uncover a little truth, whether it be in politics, the economy, health or beauty.
Can you tell us a bit about your education/training or industry qualifications?
I graduated from University of Wollongong/University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies with a major in Journalism.
What does an average day in the office look like for you?
First things first, coffee. I get into the office just before 8am, make myself a long black and go through and reply to all the emails that have come in overnight. Most weeks I have at least two events, but if my day isn’t broken up by a snazzy beauty launch then it’s mostly brainstorming, researching and interviewing for articles. And of course, one part of my job I find most exciting is getting home and trying a new product.
Best thing about the beauty industry?
The diversity that we’re currently seeing. There’s no one product fits all. Women with skin of all ages, types, colours, and conditions can find a skin regime or make up kit that suits them.
What are you most looking forward to working at Women’s Fitness?
Working with amazing and uniquely intelligent people, both in the office and out. Women’s Fitness has been a part of the Citrus Media office for a couple of years now, so I’ve been lucky enough to get to know the team before working with them. I’m also looking forward to interviewing leaders and influencers making positive change in the health and beauty industry.
What are your can’t live without beauty products?
This is a tricky one. I have to break it up into skincare and make up. I’ve always had a very basic beauty routine and it’s served me well over the years. I think the two things that I haven’t changed for about five years is my cleanser and sunscreen. I use Neutrogena Pore Refining Daily Cleanser and a SPF 50+ sunscreen every single day. When it comes to make-up Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is a staple.
Which trend is exciting you about the beauty industry right now?
Probably the awareness that beauty and health are intrinsically linked. Women are getting into the habit of understanding and learning what ingredients are, and actually flipping the bottle over to see what the product is actually made of.
Who in the industry do you most admire?
It would have to be Ita Buttrose. To be such a dominant force in the industry for decades, especially in the past when it was dominated by males, I think is most admirable.
Who is your favourite person to follow on Instagram?
This changes depending on phases I’m going through. At the moment I’m in the process of furnishing my apartment so it’s interior profiles I’m constantly stalking. Before that it was planning a wedding, so it was a lot of florists and event stylists.
Your mantra / philosophy is?
I have to quote the great Oprah Winfrey here: The big secret to life is there is no secret. Whatever your goal. You can get there if you’re willing to work for it.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I’d like to think I’d be working in the same industry in a different capacity, maybe as a graphic designer or photographer. But if I had to ditch the industry all together, I’d probably be a florist.
See full details of the Women's Fitness editorial team here.
You can reach Constantina at constantina@citrusmedia.com.au
