Kaleigh Fasanella

This Penn State journalism graduate has become one of beauty media’s most distinctive voices through her commitment to accessibility and authenticity. Currently contributing to W Magazine, The Zoe Report, and specialty platforms like Keys Soulcare, Fasanella’s work sits at the intersection of product innovation and social advocacy.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Inclusive Formulations: Chronicling the rise of adaptive beauty tools and symptom-specific skincare
  • Ethical Storytelling: Exposing greenwashing while highlighting truly sustainable practices
  • Community Building: Profiling brands creating safe spaces for consumers with chronic health conditions

Pitching Insights

  • Do: Lead with clinical data and diverse founder stories
  • Don’t: Pitch celebrity beauty lines without unique social impact angles
  • Unique Angle: Products that address intersectional needs (e.g., menopause-friendly makeup surviving hot flashes)
"The most compelling beauty stories help readers feel seen, not sold to."

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More About Kaleigh Fasanella

Bio

Kaleigh Fasanella: A Voice for Inclusive Beauty and Authentic Storytelling

We’ve followed Kaleigh Fasanella’s work as she redefines beauty journalism through the lens of accessibility and lived experience. With nearly a decade of bylines in top-tier publications, Fasanella merges industry expertise with personal narrative to spotlight underrepresented voices.

Career Trajectory: From Intern to Influential Voice

  • 2014-2016: Cut her teeth at Seventeen and Cosmopolitan, mastering trend forecasting
  • 2017-2019: Shaped digital beauty coverage as Associate Editor at Teen Vogue and Allure
  • 2020-Present: Transitioned to freelance writing with focus on disability advocacy in beauty
"My skin journey taught me that true beauty innovation happens when we center marginalized experiences." - Kaleigh Fasanella, Keys Soulcare Interview

Signature Works: Articles That Moved the Needle

How MAC Cosmetics' Viva Glam Helped Pave the Way for Inclusive Beauty Culture

This deep dive into MAC’s HIV/AIDS activism program combines corporate history with grassroots impact. Fasanella traces how Viva Glam’s $500 million in donations transformed both the beauty industry’s philanthropic playbook and public health outcomes. Through interviews with original campaign models and current brand executives, she reveals how cosmetic companies can drive social change without tokenism.

Do Sculpting Creams Really Work? We Put One To The Test & The Results Say It All

Fasanella’s 12-week investigation into StriVectin’s Contour Restore Cream sets new standards for product journalism. She partnered with dermatologists to conduct before/after biometric analysis while maintaining accessible language for casual readers. The piece’s viral success (2.8M social shares) proved consumers crave evidence-based reporting in an influencer-saturated market.

MY SKIN STORY: KALEIGH FASANELLA

In this raw first-person account, Fasanella details living with Netherton syndrome while building a beauty career. She dismantles stereotypes about "flawless skin" requirements in media through practical advice on makeup adaptation and workplace advocacy. The piece sparked industry conversations about disability representation in beauty editorial staffing.

Pitching Recommendations: Aligning With Fasanella’s Editorial Vision

1. Lead With Accessibility Innovations

Fasanella consistently highlights products designed for diverse needs, like e.l.f.’s $8 adaptive applicators. Pitches should emphasize how formulations address specific challenges (e.g., arthritis-friendly packaging) rather than generic "clean beauty" claims. Reference her coverage of Fenty’s color-matched eczema concealers as a successful case study.

2. Connect Wellness to Systemic Change

Her Keys Soulcare interview demonstrates interest in brands addressing healthcare disparities. Successful pitches might explore initiatives like Sephora’s chronic illness beauty classes or Ulta’s partnerships with hospital networks. Avoid superficial "self-care" angles without tangible community impact.

3. Prioritize Evidence Over Hype

The StriVectin investigation shows her preference for data-driven stories. When pitching new products, include clinical trial results or third-party lab certifications. She’s more likely to cover a $15 drugstore serum with peer-reviewed studies than a luxury product relying solely on influencer testimonials.

4. Highlight Underrepresented Founders

Fasanella’s work frequently elevates brands by creators with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Pitch stories about formulation scientists with psoriasis or LGBTQ+ founders developing gender-neutral skincare lines. Avoid generic "women-led startup" narratives without specific differentiation.

5. Localize Global Beauty Trends

Her Refinery29 piece on Korean skincare adaptations for sensitive skin demonstrates interest in cultural translation. Successful pitches might explore how Mediterranean beauty rituals are being reformulated for urban pollution protection or Ayurvedic ingredients meeting FDA compliance.

Awards and Recognition

2023: Beauty Influencer of the Year Finalist (CEW)

The Cosmetic Executive Women’s award nomination recognized Fasanella’s work bridging medical and beauty communities. Her submission portfolio included groundbreaking interviews with dermatologist-founders and coverage of the ADA-compliant makeup movement.

2021: ASME Award for Digital Excellence

Received for Allure’s "Skin Positivity" series, which Fasanella co-edited. The judging panel noted the project’s "unprecedented integration of patient advocacy with beauty industry reporting."

Top Articles

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