Spotlight: Annie Sullivan

Today, I’d like to introduce you to my Beautycounter mentor, Annie Sullivan.  Annie is an executive director for Beautycounter, a blogger for Loomis & Long, and a mom of four!  I truly marvel at how she balances it all with endless energy, style, and grace.  So, who better to interview when it comes to clean beauty, taking the job, and the art of multi-tasking?  Be sure to follow Annie on Instagram at @anniebeautychic as well as her blog @loomisandlong.  And, now, without further adieu, let’s get to know Annie…

  1.  How were you introduced to Beautycounter?

I got looped into Beautycounter in the early days of the company.  One of my good friends from college knew someone who knew Gregg Renfrew, our Beautycounter Founder/CEO. In the beginning, that’s how we got started.  Friends of friends were joining what was then a start up company that has now become a movement.  I took one phone call, heard the pitch, and I was in!  For the record, I didn’t try one product and we didn’t even have a web site.  But, when you see #2, you’ll understand why.

  1. Why are you so passionate about safe beauty?

I am so passionate about safe beauty because so many of us (me included, in the beginning) “didn’t know what I didn’t know.”  I was the total green juice drinking, organic eating, yoga/running mom, but I had no idea that what I was putting ON my body was just as important as what I was putting IN my body.  Plus, living on Long Island, there is such a high incidence of cancer, I was already convinced there was a connection between your environment and your health.  Making safer choices for personal care products and cosmetics just seemed to make sense.  I also knew I was the right person to share this information with others, as in my friend group, I was definitely the go-to for the scoop on healthy living.

  1. What’s the difference between Beautycounter and all the other natural brands out there?

The big difference with Beautycounter and other natural/clean brands, is that not only are our products safer, but they are also just as high performing as any traditional brand out there.  As our CEO always says, “we believe products should work beautifully without compromising health.”  The packaging and branding is also luxurious and gorgeous, which appeals to fashion/product/brand snob in me.  We will continue to innovate and create cutting-edge products, which is exciting!

  1. What’s the most rewarding thing about working for Beautycounter?

The most rewarding thing about working for Beautycounter is our advocacy work in Washington D.C.  It is a rare opportunity to have the chance to build a successful business while also making a positive change in the world. This is something that has always been important to me, and I have definitely lacked in other jobs.

  1.  Name your three favorite products you can’t live without…

Tough question!  Definitely our #1 Brightening Face Oil (brace yourself for the mom brag: it just won an Allure Best of Beauty award!), Dahlia lip gloss and my new fave the Split End Serum.  If I apply, and blow dry even for a few minutes, my hair looks like I spent the afternoon at Dry Bar!

  1. So many women are apprehensive about using oil on their face.  Please explain the benefits of using facial oils.

Face Oils are a game changer! These magic oils quickly deliver essential vitamins and antioxidants to nourish and strengthen your skin. Plus, they create a protective barrier for your skin, helping to keep out pollution, dirt, and other toxins that can lead to irritation, breakouts, and premature aging. And yes, there are even benefits for people who have oily or acne-prone skin: a recent study found that treating oily skin with a product containing argan oil reduced oily spots by 42% over just four weeks.  Make sure to avoid synthetic face oils, which tend to sit on top of the skin, whereas plant-based products (like ours) get soaked in for maximum benefits. A face oil is a great addition to any skin care routine—regardless of your skin type—and once you try it, you’ll be hooked on how smooth, moisturized, and healthy your skin feels.  

  1. Beautycounter just launched a hair care line plus a new moisturizer, Countermatch, this summer.  Any other new products on the horizon?

Yes.  Lots of amazingness on the way for the holiday season.  I am sworn to secrecy, but trust me it is good!

  1. Tell us the inspiration behind your blog Loomis & Long.

My blog partner Sarah Loomis Crawford and I initially met through Beautycounter.  As we got to know each other, we realized we had a lot in common.  We both live by the ocean, have twin girls and very naughty dogs – we love to read, and are more than slightly fashion obsessed.  The list went on and on.  We had both had blogs before, and I was kind of missing it, so we decided to give it a shot together.  The blog is a potpourri of our mutual interests.  And, as much as we are alike, we have our differences, too, which keeps things interesting and fun.  You will not find Sarah at the latest boutique fitness spot (at least not willingly), nor will you find me reveling in home décor!

​9. Describe your personal style.

Ooooh, good question.  I have been into style and fashion forever and ever.  I would say classic chic with an unexpected edge. I used to be super preppy, but as I get older, it’s fun to mix it up a bit.  

​10. How do you balance it all: Beautycounter, Loomis & Long, and being a mom?  Any advice for other working moms?  

It is NOT easy, and definitely not pretty every day. We joke in our house that we really, really should have our own reality show (We’ve already named it “What goes on in the Sullivan house.”)  I definitely think keeping a sense of humor, embracing the insanity and drinking wine helps tremendously.  I guard my time ferociously, and try to be super focused, whether it’s on a work project, blogging, or spending time with the kids.  I do my best to be present in that moment and not get distracted, which certainly can be easier said than done!

*Don’t forget to enter the giveaway contest I’m running through the end of September!  Purchase any single item from my Beautycounter site and you will be eligible to win a Countermatch moisturizer!  You can read my full review here.