Q&A With Alyssa Morin

I’m so delighted to be doing this Q&A with Alyssa Morin. Alyssa Morin is a beauty and lifestyle editor & has her debut book coming out in 2027 titled Age Before Beauty. 

Q: Alyssa, welcome to Book Notions! I’m very excited to have you here! Would you please give a brief description of Age Before Beauty? 

A: Age Before Beauty explores our complicated relationship with aging, and how many “anti-aging” products and procedures are making us age faster. Worse, it’s screwing with our self-esteem. So, the goal of this book is to help people reframe their mindset about aging and shift the focus from how they look to how they feel. The title, Age Before Beauty, is sort of a play on words because I do hope more people will embrace aging before beauty. 

Q: Why do you feel in your heart that Age Before Beauty was an important book to write? How long did it take you to write the book? 

A: Stumbling across countless social media videos of twenty-somethings getting facelifts, fillers, Botox, and other cosmetic procedures is both concerning and depressing. Not only are these individuals young and don’t need these procedures, but they aren’t giving themselves a chance to grow into their features or appreciate that those differences are what make them special. Then there’s the recent Gen Alpha “Sephora kids” boom, with teens and tweens using topicals made for people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, and discussing their anxieties and fears about wrinkles—that also makes me sad. And, so, I want to be that older sister who’s like, you don’t need to do any of these things because aging is normal and fun (you gain confidence, character, and comfort with yourself).

As for how long it’s taken me to write the book? I’m just starting the process. With nonfiction, it’s best to put a book proposal together first because a lot can change before submitting it to editors. So, right now I’m about a third of the way down. EEEEK.

Q: Alyssa, what life lessons do you hope readers learn after reading Age Before Beauty? 

A: I hope people are gentler and kinder to themselves. It’s a lesson I’m reminding myself of as well. We can be our own worst critics and amplify the most minute changes in our face and body. Yet, it’s normal and necessary for us to evolve. Getting older is normal, and there’s so much power that comes from age. 

Q: Would you please talk about what you do as a beauty and lifestyle editor? It does sound like such an exciting career! 

A: I do a mix of writing, reporting, and editing. Oftentimes, I’ll film videos that correspond with my stories. I also do a lot of product testing, and take it seriously, so much so that I’ll do a 30-minute run with foundation on in 100-degree weather to see if it’s transfer- and sweat-proof. Nothing thrills me more than uncovering what’s worth your money and what’s a straight-up scam.

Q: What wisdom do you have for anyone wanting to become a beauty and lifestyle editor? 

A: Being a beauty and lifestyle editor is incredibly hands-on. As I mentioned, there’s a lot of product testing involved (which sometimes means wreaking havoc on your face and body). You’ll also want to build relationships with experts and publicists, which sometimes means attending events, Zoom meetings, scheduling desk sides, etc. (and that’s sometimes-extra work outside of work). Being a beauty and lifestyle editor is fun, and it can be glamorous, but it also takes grit and gumption. So, my wisdom to those wanting to become beauty-slash-lifestyle editors is to do it because you want to educate and empower readers. Not because you get freebies and cool PR boxes, but because you want to help others find solutions and solace in their daily routines. 

Q: Would you ever write a memoir about being a beauty and lifestyle editor? 

A: I don’t want to sound self-deprecating, but I don’t think I’m interesting enough to write a memoir. But I have been tinkering with an idea for a novel and would love to step into fiction. So, this is me putting it out in the universe!