BWA Chats to Beauty Editor & Creator of Gritty Pretty, Eleanor Pendleton

Eleanor Pendleton thinks she’s super awesome at illuminated cheekbones & liquid eyeliner and we couldn’t agree more!  Her ahhh-mazing work has placed her in the BWA spotlight as we welcome her as our regular guest beauty blogger.  Here we chat to the Beauty Editor for Famous Magazine and creator of Gritty Pretty about her humble beginnings and obsession with coral lipstick.

How long have you been in the beauty industry and how did you get your start?
Whilst studying at Macleay College, Sydney for my Diploma in Journalism, I interned and did work experience at various magazines. After graduating, I was offered the role as Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan Bride, Cosmopolitan Hair  & Beauty and Cosmopolitan Pregnancy magazines where I had been interning for six months. After a year and a half in that role, the position of Beauty Editor at FAMOUS magazine became available. I was recommended for the role, applied and scored my dream gig where I’ve been for the past 21 wonderful months. I can honestly say that being fortunate enough to already have my dream job at such a young age is like living in a dream. I’m constantly waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up! That being said, it’s important to stress I worked incredibly hard, made contacts and worked for months for free to get to where I am now in my career. Good things don’t come to those who wait; they come to those who go out and get them!

How was the idea for your blog Gritty Pretty.com born?
Working in magazines, I’m constantly scouring the internet for new, beautiful and captivating blogs. One day, I came to the realisation that I was coming into work, sifting through emails, drinking my morning coffee and checking only fashion blogs. Considering I’m a Beauty Editor, I thought ‘What the hell!?’. There aren’t many beauty-based blogs on the online market and from what is out there are either lathered in bubblegum pink or overflowing with advertising banners. I wanted something raw, edgy and visually appealing whilst having an authoritive voice readers can trust – just like fashion blogs like fashiontoast.com and 4thandbleeker.com. So I took it upon myself to start a project, later named Gritty Pretty. My web designer from Tolstoy Design and I planned for months on what we wanted to achieve and finally on May 16^th 2010, I nervously and excitedly flicked the switch and unveiled my baby, Gritty Pretty to the online world.

Who is the Gritty Pretty girl?
The Gritty Pretty girl can be any age. She gives a damn about her hair, make-up and signature scent – but she never takes herself too seriously. She has a natural style and exudes confidence. She pre-plans her outfits and complementing make-up. She adores textured hair, bold lipstick and liquid eyeliner. When it comes to the next music festival, her nail polish choice is imperative. The GP girl is pretty yet gritty.


What is your absolute favourite make-up look?
Definitely bold coral lips. It suits any skin tone and can really make your outfit pop. Any of my friends will tell you the bold lip is my signature look. I’m obsessed – I actually don’t want to know just how many coral lipsticks I own. It’s sick!

What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?
Face sunscreen! Forget bronzer or mascara – at the end of the day sunscreen prevents premature ageing, wrinkles, sun damage and sun cancer.

What will you be bringing to Breakfast with Audrey readers as a Guest Beauty Blogger?
A raw and real take on the beauty world. Always entertaining, Gritty Pretty is your own Beauty Editor in a blog and I’m going to bring that to Breakfast With Audrey’s readers with expert tips, trends and beauty product reviews minus the thin veil of seriousness. 

Sign-up as a Breakfast with Audrey member to follow Eleanor’s guest blog entries here.