» Mollie Chen: Editorial Director, Birchbox

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Mollie Chen: Editorial Director, Birchbox

A Primp Pro's Beautifully Packaged List Of Stand-Outs From Super Stinky To Squeaky Clean

ELAINE SAYS: Is there anyone who didn't say, "Why didn't I think of that?" when the curated, beauty sample subscription site, BIRCHBOX first launched? You can site me among the many who did. The monthly round-up of beauty products, edited and test-driven by the Birchbox primp squad is a fun way to discover outstanding new brands and formulas in the vast, beauty category, while ensuring that the big bucks for full size favorites are spent wisely. And btw, you can also buy those at Birchbox...Full service! But wait, there's more. Since the launch, Birchbox has grown in other ways that really get my creative motor running...and that's where the lovely and talented, Mollie Chen comes in. As Birchbox Editorial Director, Mollie is responsible for all the editorial content at Birchbox including, among many things, the oversight of the Birchbox Magazine, Blog and Videos, which are what give Birchbox the voice that extends beyond the extremely clever, initial idea. The way that Mollie and her team connect with their customers has helped evolve them into fans and followers as well. This is the covetable complete experience that transforms a product or service into a lifestyle. Mollie is at the forefront of keeping that lifestyle experience fresh and it seems that as long as she is, Birchbox is in good hands. As it happens, so are we....Mollie agreed to share some of the primp finds and more, that she's personally adopted....those things that have actually made it past her professional scope and into her personal lifestyle footprint. Enjoy her finds...and thanks, Mollie, for sharing your secrets!

Mollie Reveals What's Coming up at Birchbox...

"It's no secret that I love food, and I'm thrilled that we'll be expanding our home shop this spring—be on the lookout for some cheery kitchen utensils and must-have decor items. Naturally we'll be adding more fun content to the Birchbox Magazine and Blog, including some fun guest bloggers! And right now I'm obsessed with our new Beauty Hacks series—for our first installment, we measured how many SWIPES it takes to get to the bottom of a lipstick tube!" Mollie Chen

Mollie Chen's Online Finds

Food 52 SHOPAmanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs have created a vibrant hub for home cooks all over the world. In addition to the inspiring (and approachable) recipes, I’m addicted to Amanda’s Kids’ Lunch feature—I should be lucky to eat so well.
Caldrea Dish and Hand Soap SHOPI recently turned 30 and as part of my whole being a grown up thing, I’ve been focusing more attention on my home. These chic dish and hand soaps come in the most gorgeous scents—I love Basil Blue Sage—and are pretty enough to leave on display.
Jouer Tint in Peony SHOPIf you haven’t tried cream blush, you’re missing out. It has a velvety finish that you can’t get with powder and makes skin look completely luminous. Peony is the perfect rosy pink for spring.
Bureau Of Trade SHOPTechnically a hyper-curated online marketplace for vintage and pre-owned goods, Bureau of Trade is also just a repository of brilliant writing. I could spend hours reading their accounts of, say, a well-worn Ghurka carryall or a Hudson Bay blanket.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre SHOPAfter years of lobbying, I finally succeeded in getting this cult French moisturizer onto Birchbox. It’s amazing for all types of skin and works beautifully as a makeup primer. Stock up—I know I have.
Of A Kind SHOP | READ OF A KIND'S A -LISTI’m constantly impressed (and tempted) by the gorgeous editions that Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur pull together from designers across the country. It’s also a great place to pick up non-cookie-cutter gifts—like this Pegasus Cuff by Winifred Grace.

Mollie Chen's Neighborhood Secrets [NYC + Brooklyn]

Dell’anima VISIT | 38 8th Avenue, NYC [West Village]I’ve probably spent more time at Dell’anima than any other restaurant in New York—which is saying a lot. My favorite thing to do is grab a bar seat near the window and order a classic Negroni on the rocks, their simple and satisfying bruschetta, and perhaps grilled octopus or a pasta.
Papel SHOP | 225 Court Street, BrooklynI’ve been on a handwritten note kick lately, and I pick up all my stationery at Papel. It’s a charming store in my neighborhood that has the best letterpress cards, not to mention washi tape, fanciful journals, and lots of other stuff I probably don’t need.
Stinky Brooklyn SHOP | 215 Smith Street, BrooklynIt’s more than a little nice to have a world-class cheese shop as a neighbor. I stop by on weekends for iced coffee and sandwiches (not to mention their salted brown butter rice crispy treats) and pick up soup or eggs on my way home from work. They carry the best artisanal foodstuffs, from Mast Brothers chocolate to Tomr’s Tonic.
Shen Beauty SHOP 315 Court Street, BrooklynI thought I was fairly well-versed in beauty products until I visited this Brooklyn wonderland. Jessica Richards and Jules Stringer are geniuses at finding the top niche, obscure, or up-and-coming lines, not to mention favorites like RMS Beauty and By Terry. This place is dangerous.