First Look Fridays: Publicist Suki Mulberg Altamirano of Lexington PR

You know those people who just light up the room and make you smile? That's Suki Mulberg Altamirano. I've known her for years, and she's just that rare person who can't help but make you want to be friends with her instantly. It doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous and has a real affinity for writing and beauty PR. Read on to discover what inspired her to start her own PR company, the eyeliner she can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Seattle, a place I’ve always been proud to be from. I consider New York City my second hometown. I moved there to attend college at NYU and spent ten years living and working in the city (which I’ve been told makes you an official New Yorker). In New York I managed PR for KENZO Parfums, LVMH and Elizabeth Arden. A career opportunity to handle PR for Williams-Sonoma later brought me to the beautiful city of San Francisco, where I spent several years. San Francisco was an important spot for me -- I got married there and it’s also where I first decided to venture out on my own, initially as an independent PR Consultant. I was fortunate to be able to grow my consulting work over the years and eventually founded Lexington PR, an agency that specializes in public relations services for beauty, food and lifestyle clients.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to work in PR?
I’ve always loved testing beauty products and in high school I remember being introduced to Kevyn Aucoin’s book, Making Faces. It captured not only my attention but my imagination, and looking back I think it had a large impact on my interest in beauty. At NYU I majored in Communications and was lucky to have the opportunity to do various internships, including time at Marie Claire, ABC and L’Oreal Paris. These internships were a great way to explore the field of public relations. L’Oreal Paris was my first introduction to the beauty industry, which I realized was a great match!

What is your favorite part about working in beauty and lifestyle PR? Any highlights throughout your career?
I think one of the most interesting parts about PR is having the opportunity to work with so many dynamic individuals and brands. I like the fast paced nature of the industry and its creative energy. Working in PR gives you a glimpse behind the scenes and it’s exciting to be a part of the storytelling process of a product. Before I worked in the beauty industry, I had no idea how much science went into skincare or how the creation of luxury fragrances can be like a work of art. In particular, I’ve also enjoyed the opportunity to create lasting relationships with a core network of colleagues and peers. While journalists may switch publications and publicists may work with different brands, in the end you find yourself frequently working with many of the same contacts that you’ve been in touch with for years. I’ve always found it inspiring to be able to grow my career along with a solid network of peers that I admire and respect.

What are your favorite beauty products?

Lancome ARTLINER Precision Point EyeLiner. I’ve been using this liquid eyeliner since I was a teenager and it is hands down the best! The pen shape makes it super easy to apply a straight, thin line and it never smears.

Josie Maran Argan Blend Concealer. I’ve tried every under eye concealer out there and this one is my favorite. It makes dark circles disappear.

Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm SPF 20. This is a great tinted moisturizer with a built in SPF. It provides the perfect sheer tint of color.

Kenzo FlowerbyKenzo. I might be biased having worked for KENZO Parfums, but I find that I always return to this fragrance. The beautiful poppy bottle has a permanent spot on my dresser.

Davines hair products. I’m perpetually trying to create more volume for my hair and was recently introduced to Davines volumizing products. They’re great!

AYRES Body Butter. I’ve been sampling these body butters from a new natural aromatherapy brand that’s inspired by traditional tango bars in Buenos Aires. The aromas are delicious and I love how they hydrate. The Midnight Tango one has quickly become a favorite part of my evening ritual.

Working in PR must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
I’ve always loved traveling and try to visit new places whenever I can. Through one of life’s adventures, I’m also a new resident of Louisville, a city that has surprised and amazed me with its creative atmosphere and assortment of innovative restaurants. When I’m not working or traveling, you can find me exploring the Louisville food scene, visiting local distilleries on the Bourbon Trail and if the season is right, at a horse race or two.