Sophie Qureshi

The next desk WIMH has descended upon is that of Company Magazine’s Beauty Director, Sophie Qureshi. A floral affair filled with pint-sized essentials, you can take a peek here if you missed it. Using all restraint possible, we managed to ask this beauty maven some exclusive questions before we ran to the florist in the hope of sprucing up our own desks! Read on and discover just how Sophie started her career and some of her top tips for applying makeup…

My big break… I entered Emap’s New Writers Talent Scholarship through the Guardian. The prize was a 9 month contract working four days a week on one of their titles and one day a week doing a journalism post-grad course. After that, I managed to persuade them to keep me on!

My beauty icon… Olivia Palermo – would kill to look as groomed as she does.

My formative beauty moment… Stealing some of my mum’s Guerlain Météorites (one ball in each colour) and hiding them in my own little pot.

Eavesdropped from an MUA… Applying foundation only where you really need it, rather than all over your face – it stops you getting that mask-like look.

Balm, lipstick or gloss… Tinted balm – all the colour without the goop.

My default face… By Terry Sheer Expert Foundation or Lancôme Ageless Minérale, Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara, Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil, Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, Bobbi Brown Blush, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm.

Always in my bathroom… Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, Skinceuticals PhloretinCF, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.

My beauty shame… Messing with tiny imperfections and making them a million times worse – I should really know better.

My fantasy trolley dash… Selfridges – it’s got it all!