Alumni In Focus

Althea Lim, Estée Lauder Global Skincare Product Development Administrator

“I’ve been interested in cosmetics and fragrances since I was in high school, although my mother claims differently,” says Althea Lim, FIDM Grad and Global Skincare Product Development Administrator for cosmetics giant Estée Lauder. Her mother says it started much earlier, and “insists that she used to find me playing with talcum powder as a baby!” Jokes aside, Althea did her research and found that FIDM is the only college on the West Coast that has a focus on the Beauty Industry. Shortly after Althea graduated from a traditional four-year university and decided to pursue her career in beauty, FIDM was her obvious choice, and she entered FIDM’s Professional Designation Program.

“My initial experience at FIDM was amazing,” remembers Althea. “Everything from the classes to the materials used, to the faculty and classrooms—it’s all designed to inspire creativity and educate on how to use that creativity in the work force.”

Attending FIDM’s Beauty Industry Program has led Althea to a great position in Product Development. “I love that I am constantly surrounded by amazing product. I've always been a product junkie--trying this and that at the cosmetics counter. Product Development is the perfect job for me because I get first dibs on all the latest developments that the market has to offer. I constantly have my hands in various jars and pots evaluating different creams, lotions, and miracle potions,” she laughs.

What’s next for this Singapore native? “In five years, I would love to have worked in not just skincare but color cosmetics or fragrances,” dreams Althea. “After which, I would love to develop a brand new line, where the creative possibilities are endless.” Spoken by a true beauty guru-in-the-making!

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication