As Digital Beauty & Fashion Editor at Real Simple, Hong specializes in demystifying skincare science and sustainable innovation. Her work at Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan established her as a leading voice in beauty technology reporting.
Hana Hong’s journey into journalism began with campus magazines and student leadership roles, where she honed her editorial voice. As Editor-in-Chief of her college publication and President of JAMS (Journalism Advertising Media Students), she developed a multidisciplinary approach to media. Her professional breakthrough came through competitive internships at InStyle and Reader’s Digest, facilitated by the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) program. These experiences led to staff positions at Hearst Magazines, where she contributed to Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and Seventeen before joining Meredith Corporation’s Real Simple as Digital Beauty & Fashion Editor.
This reader-requested deep dive into age-related skin concerns demonstrates Hong’s ability to translate dermatological research into actionable advice. The article cross-references clinical studies on ceramides and hyaluronic acid with affordable drugstore options, reflecting her signature balance of scientific rigor and accessibility. By addressing a common but underreported concern, it became one of Real Simple’s most shared skincare pieces in 2024.
Hong’s comprehensive evaluation of beauty tech established her as an authority on instrumental skincare. The piece compares 27 devices across price points using clinical trial data and 90-day user testing. Her inclusion of dermatologist interviews about LED light therapy’s FDA clearance showcases her commitment to evidence-based reporting. This article remains a traffic leader for Marie Claire’s beauty section.
This internationally sourced investigation highlights Hong’s knack for identifying industry-shifting trends. She profiles startups using AI for waterless formulations and blockchain-tracked biodegradable packaging. The piece’s lifecycle analysis diagrams set a new standard for environmental reporting in beauty journalism.
Hong consistently prioritizes products with third-party clinical trials or novel delivery systems. Her Marie Claire gadget roundup [2] devoted 40% of coverage to devices with FDA-cleared claims. Pitches should include comparative efficacy data and accessibility angles – she often highlights cost-per-use calculations.
The sustainable beauty feature [3] established specific evaluation criteria: carbon footprint per unit, % post-consumer recycled materials, and ethical sourcing certifications. She avoids vague “clean beauty” claims without Supply Chain Transparency Initiative documentation.
Hong’s Real Simple work [1] frequently examines how traditional remedies intersect with modern science. Successful pitches reference anthropological research, like her analysis of Korean rice water rituals adapted into pH-balanced toners.
“Hong’s ASME internship laid the groundwork for a career that redefines beauty journalism.” – Walter Harrington, Professor Emeritus of Journalism
As a 2024 Folio: Top Women in Media honoree, Hong was recognized for increasing Real Simple’s beauty section engagement by 218% through interactive content. Her Cosmopolitan investigation into K-beauty pressures won a 2022 MIN Digital Media Award for Cultural Commentary.
