Woman Of Color: Cosmopolitan Hires Former Essence Global Beauty Director Julee Wilson

NEW YORK — Julee Wilson is joining the Hearst umbrella! Cosmopolitan hired former Essence Global Beauty Director Julee Wilson as its new Beauty Director.

Prior to Essence, Wilson held various editorial positions at HuffPost and Real Simple. Wilson replaces Carly Cardellino, who departed in January.

Cosmopolitan has announced some changes it made to its beauty team before the worldwide spread of the coronavirus, forcing the magazine’s staff to work from home.

In her new role, Wilson will be responsible for spearheading coverage across print, digital, social and creating new ways of reaching readers.

At the same time, Lauren Balsamo and Chloe Metzger have been promoted to Deputy Beauty Directors. Balsamo, previously Senior Beauty Editor, will manage the day-to-day of print beauty content, while Metzger will oversee Digital Beauty Content. She was also previously a Senior Beauty Editor At Cosmopolitan.

“Cosmo readers are big-time beauty buffs — one in every three beauty purchases in this country is made by a Cosmo reader,” Jessica Pels, Editor-In-Chief of Cosmopolitan, said. “So it’s important for us to be on the industry-leading cutting-edge for our beauty coverage, events, cross-platform projects, and experimental initiatives. Julee brings a ton of experience in innovation and creativity, plus a bright shiny energy, to the Cosmo team, and she’ll lead our beauty efforts to greater heights than ever.

It’s good to see a woman of color at the top masthead of a prominently and respected international fashion magazine. Maybe this will bring change to the way the publication brings awareness to beauty and feature more women of color, especially beauty for darker skin tones.

Photos Credit: Instagram Reproduction