Subject: Erin Flaherty
Provenance: Woodstock, NY
Age: 42
Our resident beauty editor and content director on cosmetic procedures, travel, and beef jerky!?
What is your morning routine?
I really hesitate to say, because if you’re not an early bird in our society, you’re considered lazy. But being a night owl runs in my family and I have always been that way. I don’t have kids, so I have the luxury of treating myself gently in the morning. I wake up when my husband rises, about 7 am, then fall into a nice nap, snuggling with my dog, until 8:30 or 9-ish if I’m lucky. Then I do a bit of stretching and have a big glass of sparkling water with lemon juice while I (slowly) wait to get invigorated. Like everyone, I often have early am commitments, but this is my ideal!
How does a work day look for you?
I decided to give up two decades of living in the Manhattan rat race a couple of years ago, and while I miss aspects of that, I’ve never been happier carving work out of projects I’m interested in. During Covid, I also got my real estate license (I’ve always invested in properties and have a passion for the work), so I’d say I do about 70% beauty consulting and writing and 30% selling houses. I’m actually a top producer at my brokerage, so I guess it comes naturally!
During the week, I’m generally writing and/or Zooming with clients. In the evenings I’m often testing products for whatever brands I’m working with. And on the weekends, I’m popping over to my broker’s office to file some paperwork and showing houses. It’s a mixed bag, that’s for sure! The one thing I have to do is remind myself to take days off, because otherwise I’ll just work seven days a week, unlimited.
What motivates you?
Creativity!
What is your greatest indulgence?
Two words: Beef. Jerky. (Please don’t judge.) And Sapporo.
And what is something good you do for yourself?
I make what I call Witch’s Brew on Sundays and infuse it in water and tea all week long. Here’s the recipe: Boil down fresh ginger, turmeric, black pepper (which increases the bioavailability of the turmeric), a few strings of saffron (an incredible antioxidant), cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and garlic, for immunity. Then strain and keep in a jar in the fridge. Helps keep colds at bay!
Weather permitting, I take my dog, Billie, on a nice walk through the woods, every morning. I love that it’s good for both of us.
Can you describe your approach to beauty and wellness?
I have tried literally thousands of beauty products, but I stick to a less-is-more approach. I only wash my hair once a week. During quarantine, I stopped getting manicures and my nails have never been healthier. I’ve been using Dermalogica Microfoliant as a daily gentle exfoliator for decades. I use organic rosewater as a refresher and cleanser; (inspired by the many French women I admire that tell me they rarely let tap water touch their faces!).
As for treatments, I did some lasers in my 30s and got Botox once from the legendary Dr. Frederic Brandt (which tells you that was a long time ago). I don’t have any judgements about it but I live in the countryside now—I’m not going to just trust anyone with a needle. So topical neuromodulators are my personal preference for now.
Wellness-wise, I feel like I’ve matured a lot. In my 20s and 30s I spent a lot of time working out and being extreme. Now, I’m into gentler workouts like simple fast-walking and yoga, and every day I have a super nutrient-packed vegetable protein smoothie for lunch, but I’m pretty mellow about whatever dinner my husband and I want to cook up. We try to keep it healthy with protein and greens, but I love things like Frito pie and crispy Taco Tuesdays with those old-school Ortega shells. Pro tip: Impossible ground “beef” is just as tasty as meat with taco seasoning in it!
How do you incorporate Ourself into your beauty regimen?
I know the Lip Filler is one of our super sexy hero products, but is it weird that I think a killer sunscreen is sexy too? I think our mineral SPF is the best I’ve ever used. In the am I use a bit of rosehip seed oil and top with Ourself Daily Renewal Cream.
How would you describe your personal style?
Upstate boho with a punk rock edge, with a soupçon of East Coast prep here and there. Eclectic, I guess!
Is there a book, film, song, or other work of art that you most relate to?
I grew up going to art school so there are too many to choose from, but to be specific, I studied ballet pretty seriously from age 4-18, so whenever I hear classical music my body suddenly just wants to move!
What is your most recognizable you
Maybe this is a weird answer, but I think I became a journalist because I’m very curious about other people and feel most at ease just listening to humans and their stories. I volunteer once a week at a crisis hotline, and I strive to be compassionate.
Where is the last place you traveled?
In January 2020, I went all over Southeast Asia with my husband, our dearest friends, and their small children. It was fascinating and heavenly in so many ways, and how blessed did I feel to have gone somewhere so exotic when lockdown suddenly and so unexpectedly hit? I have all kinds of holiday travel plans to Mexico now, and the idea of getting on a plane sounds so… wow-slash-terrifying. We’ll see!
What is on your bucket list?
Travel-wise, I have been around the world and it’s with deepest gratitude that I can say I’ve hit most of my “bucket list” destinations. That said, there is a business idea I’d love to do someday, when the time is right.
Who are the guests at your dream dinner party?
At the risk of sounding #basic, Frida Kahlo, Zora Neale Hurston, Cleopatra, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. I’m a big fan of strong, smart, opinionated women that don’t stay in their lanes!
Speaking of which, favorite meal?
Medium rare steak and an absolutely stuffed baked potato. Or sushi from Blue Ribbon in NYC.
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
Not gonna lie, some good wine is my jam. But on non-drinking days, a mix of Sleepytime Tea, Netflix, and a lavender and Epsom salt bath does the trick.
What makes you feel beautiful?
Making healthy choices, which seems to foster positivity.
What makes you feel ugly?
Making unhealthy choices, which seems to breed negativity.
And what are you most proud of?
Being self-actualized enough to make many of my dreams come true.
Best ageless advice you ever got?
A caftan is simple, forgiving, and elegant for all ages.
How do you freeze time?
I’m super lucky to live in an amazingly beautiful place. All I have to do is stare at the sky, mountains, and trees, and suddenly time feels so irrelevant.
