If you’ve not heard (where have you been?) we’ve recently collaborated with The Sunday Times Style’s resident #BeautyBOSS, Sarah Jossel, on a limited edition edit showcasing the much-loved products that have featured in her influential column. We caught up with Sarah to get the low down on some of her beauty secrets and predictions…
Q
You’re the renowned #BeautyBOSS, what’s the story behind the name? A
It started off as the name of the page - everyone loves a bit of alliteration - but then it turned into something so much bigger. #BeautyBOSS now lives on and off the page. As well as in print, she can now be found on social, digital and TV too. Q
What’s the best bit about your job as beauty director at The Sunday Times Style? A
I think there are three elements. Firstly, every single day is completely different, and I get to meet and interview some of the most exciting and interesting people in the world. Secondly, I get to try, test and review products everyday – and night. The third one would be the feedback. It’s incredible to know that we really can make a difference to somebody’s confidence and to how someone feels. Q
What do you look for in a product for it to become officially #BeautyBOSS approved? A
It goes through a very rigorous testing. Firstly, I would say everything has to be tried more than once because your skin could be reacting in a certain way, whether it is the time of the month or because of your diet, so products must go through more than one round of testing. Also, ingredients are everything. Marketing is not going to get a Beauty Boss product through the net, it is all about the ingredients and the first-person experience, so we tend not to look at press releases when we try products, we like to do it all by ourselves and build up what we really think about a product without reading the marketing behind it. 
Q
Your box is full to the brim with cult classics, which are your top three and why? A
NARS Laguna Bronzer is my absolute go-to for a real-life sun tan rather than a shimmery fake looking bronze; Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner is such a cult product, it’s an absolute go-to for anyone with a dry, flaky scalp; and Trish McEvoy Eye Brightener, which is my secret weapon for brightening dark circles. Everyone who is sleep deprived should have this pencil in their life Q
What is one beauty product that you couldn’t survive the day without? A
The Marc Jacobs Mascara. It is the best kind of mascara because it doesn’t dry so by the end of the day you can layer more coats and it’s perfect for evening, so you never have to take it off and reapply throughout the day. Q
Paula’s Choice features in your #BeautyBOSS edit, what would be your advice for someone getting into skincare acids? A
Firstly, don’t be afraid of the word acid. It’s got a terrible connotation because it just sounds very frightening, but actually acids can be incredibly beneficial for people’s skin. I think the number one is to learn what you’re doing with them. Make sure you absolutely understand why you’re using the acid before you use it. Never use it because your best friend is using it, you’ve got to use it because it’s related to your skin concern. Number two is not to use too many acids in the beginning, start very very slowly. Q
Please settle the debate: foundation or concealer first?
A
Of course, foundation! 100% you’ve got to do foundation first because if you put your concealer on first and then your foundation, you’re just moving the concealer. Put your foundation on and then you can dot where you need concealer. Top tip? Keep it light. Q
What’s your favourite multitasking product for a quick on-the-go makeup look?
A
The Bobbi Brown Art Sticks. I use those as lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow. You can watch Sarah applying the Art Stick on Style Play! Q
What's more important to you, makeup or skincare? A
I think it is impossible to say, I think they go hand in hand. If you invest in your skincare, and by invest I don’t mean money, I mean time and effort, then your makeup should flow naturally on from that. They work together so you need to put equal amount of effort into both, but I would say start with skincare. Get your skin in a place where you are happy with it so that makeup is not a mask, and instead, is there to enhance. Q
What do you think the next big beauty product/trend will be? A
I think one of the things I am most interested in is products that are very lightweight but they last. Normally, longevity means it’s going to be quite thick and cakey, but I’m really fascinated by these. I also hope the whole Instagram filter dies out and there’s no more hiding behind a filter. That’s my wish, that we move out of that so beauty becomes a bit more real. 
