Aside from having our dream job working as a brand manager for Opening Ceremony and now the Starworks Group, Michelle Salem is on our girl crush list for a variety of reasons. Going straight into fashion after she graduated, the dark-haired beauty now spends her days working for multiple big-name brands at an agency, so fashion is clearly her thing. But as an all-around babe (just look at that skin), she also happens to know a thing or two about beauty and skincare.

Her ritual didn’t come about by accident, either. She’s been playing around with makeup since the age of 14 and has ever since been trialling different products and multiple looks along the way. Judging by her makeup picks, we’re pretty sure she’s got all bases covered now and has subsequently given us a long list of things to buy, don’t say we didn’t warn you - read ahead with caution.

Name:

Michelle Salem



Live in:

New York City



Tell us a little bit about your career journey? What was your first job?

I went to Pace University for Business and worked retail, interned, and worked the door at parties during that time, which helped me make a lot of connections. Once I graduated, I sat down with the VP of Branding at Opening Ceremony and said this is what I can offer, and what I'd like to do. He took me under his wing and I became the Marketing Coordinator for the brand. Eventually, my roles and responsibilities grew and I became the Brand Manager. Now, I'm Brand Manager at Starworks Group, so doing what I was doing for OC, but on a larger scale with multiple brands.



What inspires you?

My friends inspire me every day, I'm lucky to have my circle!

What products first got you into beauty?

I was never a heavy foundation kind of girl, but I've loved doing a little cat eye and brushing up my brows since I was about 14. As my style evolved, my makeup routine did too. I definitely love to play with colour more than ever, with bright liquid liners, pastel shadows, you name it. In terms of skincare, I never really swore by anything until I tried Sunday Riley's Good Genes - it changed my life! Once I saw that a product could make a noticeable difference for my skin's texture and appearance, I got much more into researching and trying new products.



What's your current beauty regime?

In the mornings before work I do a 5-minute beauty routine because I like to sleep as much as possible. I'll splash my face with ice cold water and moisturize, then use a tinted moisturiser with SPF. I'm currently using the Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer, it's basically no coverage at all, but the SPF is higher than most tinted moisturizers, which is super important. Then, just Benefit They're Real Mascara and a little NARS blush if I'm not super rushed (otherwise that's the first step to go). 


What are your holy grail products and why...?

Sunday Riley Good Genes for that amazing lactic acid formula and They're Real Mascara because it's the best mascara I've tried.



Current beauty muses?

I love following Pat McGrath and Hung Vanngo for makeup inspo.



We love your Instagram and your sense of style, how would you describe your fashion sense in 3 words?

This is a tough one but for now, I'll say pink, plaid, denim.



How does fashion fit into your life? Is it something that's important to you?

Fashion is a part of my day-to-day because I work with many different brands, but I remember loving it as far back as I can remember. So yes, very important!!


How would you describe your own personal style? What are you living at the moment?

I like to think of it as "Corporate Barbie" lol. But really, I think it's a mix between Fran Drescher in The Nanny and Charlotte York.



What trend are you loving right now (beauty or fashion)?

Neons for both!



Who do you like to follow on Instagram?

Too many to name, but I love any account that posts 90's magazine shoots.


What’s the one main thing you don’t think your followers know about you?

I don't know if it's the MAIN thing... but something that isn't super obvious based on my Instagram alone is that I *love* food. I cook about four times a week and am constantly searching for new good restaurants to try. Sometimes I consider creating a separate account just for food pics, and I have a whole saved folder dedicated to food I need to try.