About
Lauren
I'm originally from Milford, Connecticut, but Dubai has been home since 2009, when I moved here with my husband.
I've loved everything beauty ever since I was a young girl. If you'd told me back then that I'd end up working in beauty journalism, interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry, speaking on stages around the world and eventually launching my own skincare brand, I'm not sure I would have believed you.
My path here hasn't exactly been conventional. I have a Bachelor of Science in Biomechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a Master of Science in Nursing from DePaul University, and a certificate in Broadcast Journalism from the New York Film Academy. Somewhere along the way, I discovered that what I really loved was storytelling, connecting with people and asking questions.
Beauty Journalism
That curiosity led me into beauty journalism and my role as Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan Middle East, where I've spent the past six years getting a front-row seat to the global beauty industry. From interviewing industry leaders to discovering products and innovations before they hit the shelves, it's a world I've been lucky enough to experience from the inside.
In June 2026, I took everything I'd learned and launched my own skincare brand, 3 of Cups.
Looking back, the most meaningful parts of my career haven't come from following a carefully mapped-out plan. They've come from changing direction, saying yes to unexpected opportunities and pursuing the ideas I couldn't stop thinking about.
Lauren in the Media
Lauren O'Connell is a Dubai-based beauty editor, entrepreneur, speaker and presenter. Since 2020, she has served as a Beauty Editor for Cosmopolitan Middle East, covering global beauty trends, skincare innovation and the people shaping the industry.
She is the founder of 3 of Cups, a skincare brand launched in June 2026, and co-creator and co-host of Shades of Pink, a podcast exploring the diverse experiences of breast cancer.
An experienced international event host and moderator, Lauren has appeared on stages at Cosmoprof, Beautyworld Middle East, FUTR World and the Retail Summit. She is also a breast cancer survivor and advocate.
Media Appearances
Beyond the Byline
Away from the cameras, deadlines and beauty launches, I'm a wife, mom of two teens, doodle mom, and long-time Dubai resident who still calls Connecticut home.
My family has been alongside me through every chapter of my career, from the early days of building a media profile with my just my phone in hand to launching my own beauty brand and navigating breast cancer. They're my biggest supporters, my reality check, and the people who keep life quite interesting.