SunHee Grinnell
I met SunHee Grinnell years ago when she was the Beauty Director at Vanity Fair and she has since become a good friend. She is a fellow Aquarian which I discovered right away and felt immediately connected to her. She is smart, strong and absolutely gorgeous! I am excited for her next adventure, and enjoyed learning a little more about this dynamic woman.
How did you get started in your legendary beauty career?
By accident! I was “told” that I would be covering the beauty market by the former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair. :-) I was the senior photography editor at the time producing mainly covers and big portfolios during the most iconic years of photography at V.F. I am grateful to have worked with the most incredible photographers and directors of that era such as Helmut Newton, Herb Ritts, and Mario Testino.
Did you have to overcome any challenges in your career? How did you handle them?
Well, for about seven years, I had two jobs at V.F. as the first and only “beauty and photo editor!” I wore two very different hats, learning about the beauty market and realizing how huge that world is, while still producing big photo shoots. I think I worked 18 to 20-hour days and on top of that, I had a baby at home! People often asked me, “how did you handle it all?” And my answer has been always the same, that I don’t know! I didn’t think about it, I just did it. ‘Cause when you think about how to do something too much, just the thought of it gets too overwhelming to get anything done! So my doctrine? Dive in, swim, give it your best shot and have fun while doing it. :-)
Do you have any mentors in your life? What advice has been the most helpful?
I would have to say it’s always been my mother and my sister. Two of the wisest women I know and I am so lucky that I belong with them. To be humble and graceful always is the key to leading a peaceful life, and don’t forget to say grace and be grateful every day.
How do you define beauty?
Confidence.
What are the products/treatments that are must-haves in your routine?
Oh my gosh, I have soooo many…but I can’t live without gentle cleansing waters, SK-II Skin Essence and any form of pure Hyaluronic Acid, plus Biologique Recherche p50 when my skin is bumpy and acting up. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum, Clé de Peau Intensive Eye Contour Cream and 111 Skin Cryo Activating Gel. I am also a sheet and neck mask fanatic plus my Joanna Czech Facial Massager (and I’m not just saying this to be obsequious!). Oh, and I never leave the house without a face mist, which keeps me looking fresh and dewy all day!
What was the strangest beauty product/treatment that you have had?
There have been so many, that I remember sitting in the beauty closet with my former assistant and as we went through a sleuth of products we received daily, remarking, “how did these things get funded and made to be out on the market?!” We had some good laughs in wonderment. But I won’t name them as my philosophy on beauty always has been, “if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all!”
You have such fabulous style. What is your most coveted piece / pieces in your closet?
OMG, I have so many!!! Oh geez, hmmm…well, yes, I’m spoiled.
Ok, I have this Tom Ford leather covered chain bag that was a limited-edition, a rare find that is timeless. But I guess my most coveted pieces would have to be the iconic and momentous outfits designed by Alexander McQueen when he was alive! I have three distinct pieces that were displayed at his retrospective at The Met. Yup, couldn’t believe my eyes. And, I do covet my custom-engraved “Roman” clutch by Edie Parker. Obviously, my sweet Roman’s future wife will be inheriting this classic clutch (tee-hee).
Tell us a secret.
I can sleep for 12 hours straight, no problem. P.S. It does wonders for your skin!
What’s Next?
Oh, I'm dreaming about creating something... it will be a surprise :-) In the meantime, I promised myself to remain happy and enjoy the life that is in front of me to the fullest!
