Essence Global Beauty Director, Julee Wilson moves to Cosmopolitan

Essence Global Beauty Director, Julee Wilson moves to Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan taps beauty director from Essence 

Cosmopolitan has appointed Julee Wilson beauty director, effective April 1. Wilson joins the magazine from Essence, where she was global beauty director. She reports to Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief Jessica Pels in her new role.

Last fall, Marjon Carlos invited Julee, Solange FranklinPaloma Elsesser, and me to be on a panel about diversity together at The Wing. It was an amazingly honest conversation about the realities of/barriers to true diversity in 2018. It’s a weird time to have that conversation—it seems everyone is hell-bent on being “inclusive,” but then expects a cookie for it. It’s treacherous territory, extremely complicated and fraught.

And Julee somehow managed to call out the entire library of old-school bullshit that comes along with beauty and fashion, without actually saying a mean word. Her voice is super powerful, but she’s bursting with love. To quote her directly, she’s a “glass-half-full kinda girl,” but she’s also “woke” personified.

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💫Reign & Shine💫 When I started at Essence exactly four years ago I had stepped into a role that was a dream come true⭐️Which is why it’s crazy that this magical ride has come to an end. BUT it’s only because of the badass work I was able to create with equally badass people that has allowed me to now attempt to soar beyond Black Girl Magic Headquarters🙏🏾 I’ve written cover stories, beauty/fashion directed stunning features, created successful franchises like #DopeStuffOnMyDesk as well as Black Women in Beauty, hosted The Color Files podcast, helmed the Beauty Carnival stage at Essence Festival, and formed sisterhoods that will last a lifetime. Speaking of sisters, thank you to my work-wife @charlipenn for being the BEST and kindest person ever. And a true ride-or-die💯And to my other sisters @chicbusymoms @cassie.nyc @yolizama @mariellebobo @msdbrown98 @thompsonproject @traceysees @inrashidasworld @nialawrence_nyc @corimurray @mscarmenj @leaveittojack @misstiffsays @contessaschex @genevasthomas @ashleylatruly @shadesofshan_ my time with you was life-changing and we will continue our kinship forever. To the beauty squad @theeshalwahevans & @msjenniferford keep going hard, ladies — the work you do is so important! Thank you @richelieudennis for believing in my magic. Truly. And so much LOVE to my girl @allybees for not only designing me one farewell cover but FIVE! I’m humbled by the love. Please know the feeling is beyond mutual. Finally thank you to EVERYONE who has supported and encouraged me during this journey — couldn’t have done it without y’all. Don’t forget how DOPE you are! On that note... #JuleeGlobalWilson ✌🏾

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Which makes sense, considering she’s the global beauty director at Essence and Essence.com. It’s a massive job, but I remember one morning at an event, asking if she’d be at another event that evening. She told me the brand in question didn’t work with Essence. I was shocked, but to her, it’s nothing new. In the era of the “grand awokening,” there’s so much going on that should in no way be tolerated in 2018. And unlike most fashion and beauty editors, Julee isn’t afraid to talk about it.

 


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