S4, Ep5 – In conversation with Olivia Falcon
14 March 2024
This season has been incredibly inspiring for Life & Smile, bringing together some of the greatest and most influential names across many contrasting industries – fashion, business, lifestyle and of course media. During our latest episode we are joined by a much-anticipated guest whose work spans health, beauty, travel, and luxury.
Olivia Falcon is the highly renowned Founder of The Editor’s List – the UK’s top aesthetic concierge and has consulted for a number of international beauty brands and cosmetic clients. As a Contributing Beauty Editor for both The Times and Country & Town House, Olivia is the former Health & Beauty Director of Tatler, with a celebrated journalistic career spanning over 20 years.
Join the Life & Smile conversation now as Dr Reena welcomes Olivia to the Harley Street recording studio to discuss how she successfully built and navigated her award-winning career. We discover first-hand how Olivia makes everything work so effortlessly on a daily basis, her journey to becoming co-founder of Spectacle Skin Care and of course, those products and little black book recommendations she can’t live without.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Dr Reena opens this episode by welcoming Olivia and highlighting how, as former Beauty Director for Tatler, Olivia’s impressive background includes working with some of the most prominent names and brands, with cosmetic procedures and anti-ageing medicine as her specialist subjects. They rewind the conversation briefly to the beginning, where Olivia talks us through her early years starting out and how she progressed her career.
Olivia describes beginning her journalism career in 1999 when she attended a general interview at Conde Nast. Fortuitously, the then Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, was looking for a PA, and Olivia was offered the role on the spot. She worked with Alex for around two and a half years before being promoted to the features desk at British Vogue. After Vogue, Olivia applied for a job at Tatler, where she eventually became Beauty Director.
One thing Olivia notes from her time at Vogue was how much time she spent around the beauty cupboards, which sparked her passion for the world of beauty. She describes herself as a “beauty junkie.” The beauty landscape is constantly evolving, and her specialist interest lies in aesthetic and cosmetic innovations. In 2003, she started the Tatler Cosmetic Surgery Guide, giving her a front-row seat to watch the industry evolve.
When it comes to building a career and finding direction, Olivia advises looking around for inspiration. She strives to give back as a mentor, reflecting on how well mentored she was in her younger years. She now makes time for others by running intern programs and maintaining links to colleges for those aspiring to enter the beauty industry.
Creating her business, The Editors List, in 2017 stands as Olivia’s proudest moment. After 13-14 years at Conde Nast, stepping out independently was daunting, but pushing beyond her comfort zone has proved incredibly rewarding. Helping people connect with the very best in the industry and matching clients with top doctors is a source of great satisfaction. Yet, Olivia still has many life goals ahead.
Balancing two children and two businesses—The Editors List and her writing—requires careful time management. She also hopes to focus more on charity work, giving back, and potentially further studying social work to help others.
To maintain energy and focus, Olivia finds turning off her phone and dedicating time to spiritual practices on weekends helpful. Every night before bed, she reflects on the little things she’s grateful for, emphasising that gratitude helps keep her positive.
Every day is different, which is why Olivia loves what she does. She works with a diverse range of clients, from A-listers to business professionals, and travels globally to attend major aesthetic conferences.
Three items Olivia can’t live without are brow gel, lip serum, and her Performance Cream moisturiser, which she says “polishes skin up like marble.” When in London, Battersea Power Station is a favourite spot, and when off duty, she can be found spending time in nature.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Prepare for competition: Journalism is an extremely competitive industry—like many others today—so expect a challenge.
Give 100% effort: Arrive early, stay late, and fully commit to your role. Many people coast through giving only half their effort.
Be hands-on: Roll up your sleeves and put in the necessary hours to truly make a difference.
Be proactive when starting out: Don’t hesitate to approach people you don’t know who might be able to help your career.
Make time to give back: Even though everyone is busy, try to mentor others and support those following in your footsteps.
Build confidence: If you don’t feel confident, sometimes you have to ‘fake it till you make it’ and push yourself outside your comfort zone.
Focus on gratitude: While it’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind, don’t forget to appreciate the small things you’re grateful for every day.
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Previous episodes
S3, Ep4 – In conversation with Peony Lim
In this episode of Life & Smile Dr Reena particularly wanted to focus on the idea of a ‘lifestyle approach’ and it has been so inspiring to hear the often-contrasting day to day routines of how leaders across multiple industries make it work on a day-to-day basis.
S7, Ep2 – In conversation with Emma Guns
In this episode, Dr Reena is joined by the wonderful Emma Guns. Emma hardly needs an introduction—she’s a renowned journalist, podcaster, and content creator specialising in beauty, health, and lifestyle.
