Elizabeth Koppelman is a self-professed “beauty girl at heart.” When she was younger, Elizabeth would go shopping with her modest allowance and instead of coveting the latest clothes, she would buy all manner of glosses, lotions, and potions. After a turn working in fashion and beauty editorial, she fell under the spell of the endless possibilities and cutting-edge innovations that are hallmarks of the beauty business. Now, as Assistant Vice President, Public Relations at Essie, she believes in the power of total organization, high heels, and a perfectly named polish for every occasion. —Jennifer Henderson
Name: Elizabeth Koppelman
Occupation: Assistant Vice President, Public Relations, for Essie, “a standout [in the industry] because they’re so on-trend that they actually set the trends, yet offer the perfect classics at the same time.”
Key to success: “Organization. I can only function when I’m organized. It is key to paying attention to detail and, as we say, ‘The devil is in the details.’”
Her work ethic: “Get it done. Nothing gives me more pleasure than crossing things off of my to-do list.”
Must-haves: “My old beauty standbys: Clé de Peau Concealer, Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara, Garnier BB Cream, Nars Bronzer in Laguna, and Hourglass Light Reflecting Powder in Dim Light. BeautyRx Exfoliating Green Tea Complex SPF 20. Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil. My iPhone 6. Ray Ban Aviators. And these pouches by Persifor; I have a pouch for everything in my purse.”
Go-to nail colors: “My favorite nude is ‘Topless and Barefoot’; I wore this on my toes for my wedding and it looked great with my cobalt peep-toe shoes. It’s the perfect opaque neutral for all seasons. I’m a hot-pink lover, so ‘Secret Story’ is one I opt for often and I have nostalgia for ‘Geranium,’ as it was my grandmother’s favorite. And right now I’m wearing ‘Color Binge,’ one of the new fall shades.”
Best advice: “Listen before speaking. Take a deep breath and organize your thoughts before responding. Somehow something better always comes out of your mouth if you just take that extra second.”
Her style: “Classic and simple and, of course, well manicured. Black is my go-to, along with J.Crew’s Pixie pants. My husband thinks I never wear heels, but I wear them every day at work. I’m only 5’1”, so I have to.”
Feeling inspired: “I try to draw inspiration from wherever I go and whomever I’m with. My major influences are Coco Chanel (I wrote a report on her in high school and it was the best grade I’ve ever received in a history class, which proves how much better I am working on things I’m passionate about) and my mother, who still works six days a week and is a dynamo in high heels.”
Her definition of beauty: “There are a million ways to define the word beauty. To me, it’s about feeling the best you can in your own skin. I do love makeup, fancy shoes, and pretty clothes, but it’s really about family and love.”