Sharon Tanenbaum

Career Trajectory: From Arts Advocacy to Mainstream Media

Sharon Tanenbaum's career reflects a unique fusion of artistic curation and consumer-focused journalism. After graduating from New York University's journalism program, she began her editorial journey at Real Simple, where she co-authored the practical lifestyle guide 869 New Uses for Old Things (2010). This early work established her knack for transforming everyday concepts into accessible solutions—a theme that persists in her current beauty and wellness reporting.

Her transition to Us Weekly and later ELLE sharpened her ability to decode celebrity beauty trends for mainstream audiences. At Brit+Co, Tanenbaum pioneered coverage of pop culture-meets-beauty collaborations, exemplified by her analysis of the Urban Decay x Game of Thrones collection. This phase solidified her reputation for evaluating products through dual lenses: artistic merit and consumer practicality.

"Photographers have excellent organizational skills—a trait that translates perfectly to dissecting complex beauty trends into actionable advice for readers."

Defining Works: Three Pillars of Impactful Reporting

• 6 Skincare Products to Calm Post-Workout Facial Redness (Brit+Co)

This 2019 investigation addressed a niche yet widespread concern: exercise-induced skin irritation. Tanenbaum partnered with dermatologists to test 23 products across price points, prioritizing ingredients like centella asiatica and oat extract. Her methodology included a 4-week trial with diverse skin types, resulting in evidence-based recommendations for drugstore finds like CeraVe alongside clinical-grade solutions. The article's lasting impact is evident in its continued traffic—a 2023 update added microbiome-friendly options, reflecting evolving skincare science.

• Urban Decay X 'Game of Thrones' Is Here: Shop the Collection (Brit+Co)

When Urban Decay launched its Game of Thrones line in 2019, Tanenbaum's review became the definitive consumer guide. She analyzed 18 products through both fandom and functional lenses—applying the "Dracarys" red eyeshadow to create looks ranging from subtle to cosplay-ready. Her inclusion of application tutorials and durability tests (including a humidity chamber experiment) set a new standard for entertainment-collaboration coverage. The article drove a 37% sales spike for the palette during its first week, according to subsequent NPD data.

• 869 New Uses for Old Things (Real Simple)

This compendium of household hacks remains a benchmark for practical lifestyle journalism. Tanenbaum's team tested 1,200+ submissions over 8 months, validating each tip through scientific consultation. Notable innovations included using dryer sheets to repel garden pests (verified by entomologists) and repurposing wine corks as knife guards (tested for 90-day durability). The book's enduring popularity—still ranking in the top 5% of lifestyle reference materials on Amazon—stems from its rigorous vetting process and clear visual guides.

Pitching Strategy: Aligning With Tanenbaum's Editorial Vision

1. Spotlight Affordable Alternatives to Luxury Products

Tanenbaum consistently prioritizes budget-conscious beauty solutions, as seen in her 2023 roundup of under-$15 moisturizers that outperform luxury counterparts. Successful pitches should include comparative ingredient analysis and clinical trial data—for example, a $12 retinol serum with third-party certification showing equivalent efficacy to a $150 market leader. Avoid submissions that focus solely on premium pricing without demonstrable consumer benefits.

2. Develop Science-Backed Wellness Narratives

Her coverage of post-workout skincare (Brit+Co, 2019) exemplifies the demand for research-driven content. Pitches should cite peer-reviewed studies—preferably those published within the last 18 months—and include interviews with board-certified dermatologists or cosmetic chemists. A recent successful pitch involved a probiotic mist that reduced gym-induced breakouts by 62% in a 200-participant trial.

3. Leverage Pop Culture Timeliness

The Urban Decay/Game of Thrones analysis demonstrates her skill in bridging entertainment and commerce. Current opportunities might include Barbiecore beauty trends or Wednesday-inspired gothic skincare lines. Provide advance access to limited-edition collections and character-inspired makeup tutorials tested across diverse skin tones.

4. Emphasize Sustainability in Product Design

While not explicitly an environmental reporter, Tanenbaum frequently highlights eco-conscious packaging innovations. A 2022 feature on refillable eyeshadow compacts drove a 22% increase in brand searches. Successful pitches quantify environmental impact—e.g., "This shampoo bar reduces plastic waste by 8 bottles annually per user."

5. Avoid Medical Claims Without Certification

Notably absent from her work are unverified health assertions. A rejected pitch involved CBD-infused mascara claiming to "reduce glaucoma risk"—a claim unsupported by ophthalmologist reviews. Focus instead on FDA-approved ingredients or results from IRB-approved consumer trials.

Awards and Recognition

Real Simple Innovation Award (2011): Honored for 869 New Uses for Old Things, this recognition highlighted Tanenbaum's ability to combine practical journalism with rigorous testing protocols. The judging panel noted her "unparalleled commitment to verifying even the most whimsical household hacks through scientific collaboration."

Beauty Tech Award Shortlist (2020): Her analysis of AI-powered skin diagnostic tools placed among top contenders in this emerging category. The series partnered with MIT researchers to evaluate 14 apps' accuracy against clinical assessments, setting new transparency standards for tech-beauty coverage.