Tastemaker Aerin Lauder Talks Effortless Beauty and Big Macs

As the granddaughter of Estée Lauder, Aerin Lauder doesn’t need to work as hard as she does, but that is obviously not the way she is wired. A few shared characteristics in this gene pool include strong work ethic, style and creativity. Aerin is the Style and Image Director of Estée Lauder as well as the Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous lifestyle brand, AERIN, which includes furnishings, accessories, an “at home” collection and the recently launched beauty line, AERIN Beauty. She is constantly balancing family, work, and a life in the spotlight. We are thrilled share with you our conversation with Aerin about her drive, mission and personal style.

Can you share a favorite memory of your grandmother?

I have so many memories. When I was growing up, I saw her as my grandmother. It wasn’t until I was older, a teenager, that I realized who she was and what she created. I remember going to stores with her and watching her interact with the Estée Lauder Beauty Advisors and customers. In her home, I would always watch her put on her makeup. I remember her mixing her moisturizer with her foundation, which is what later became the idea for Re-Nutriv foundation.

Where do you get your inspirations for your designs?

I am inspired by my everyday life: flowers, traveling, art, fashion, nature, fabrics and even my children’s toys. Anything that I find interesting helps to inspire me.

You launched the Aerin Beauty line last year. How is this line unique?

My beauty mission is to help women who have multi-faceted lives look natural, refreshed and on-trend, while keeping their beauty routine easy. I was inspired by my own busy life and the desire to make beauty effortless, stylish and mistake proof. Additionally, I want to make the time that this busy woman spends making herself more beautiful a special time for her. It’s from this mission and desire that the effortless beauty philosophy of AERIN beauty is founded.

As an aside, we are such fans of Estée Lauder’s leadership in breast cancer awareness.

I am very supportive of Breast Cancer Awareness. It is an important cause that was very important to my aunt Evelyn Lauder; her dream was to one day find a cure.

For a casual weekend getaway, with only one small bag in tow, what essentials would you pack?

For fashion:

For beauty, I love to travel with:

What is something that our readers would be surprised to find out about you?

I love McDonald’s Big Macs and French Fries.

How do you keep it “real” for you and your family?

I keep it real by surrounding myself with good and honest people.

What is your favorite luxury or indulgence?

A warm bath with Jo Malone rose bath oil.

What is the biggest misconception people may have about you?

That I get weekly or monthly facials because I am in beauty. I have had only five in my life.

What item of clothing do you have a weakness for?

Scarves.

 

Thank you, Aerin!

Readers in Nashville, Atlanta and Charlotte can shop for AERIN Beauty products at Woo Skincare + Cosmetics. There is even a special Woo-exclusive palette. Interested in this approach to effortless beauty? This one compact hits all the right notes:

For more information on AERIN, the brand and the person, see: www.aerin.com