Linda Wells Biography and Wikipedia
Linda Wells is a well-known American journalist, editor, and beauty entrepreneur. She became famous as the founding editor-in-chief of Allure magazine and creator of the Flesh makeup brand. After finishing high school in 1976 and graduating from Trinity College in 1980, she started at Vogue, where she wrote beauty and health articles. In 1985, she joined The New York Times and later became beauty and food editor at The New York Times Magazine. In 1991, she launched Allure and led it for 24 years, earning praise for her honest writing and a spot on Forbes’ list of top fashion editors.
Age and Birthday
Linda Wells was born on December 13, 1949, and she turns 76 in 2025.
Wells’s Height
Linda Wells is about 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall.
Education and Early Life
Born in St. Louis on December 13, 1949, Linda attended Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School, graduating in 1976. She later earned her degree from Trinity College in 1980.
Linda Wells Nationality & Ethnicity
Linda Wells is American. While she hasn’t shared her ethnic background, she is recognized as a White American woman and helped push for diversity in beauty through her work at Allure and Flesh.
Significant Contributions, Notable Work & Influence
Significant Contributions
Linda launched Allure in 1991 and led it for 24 years, bringing honesty, science, and inclusion into beauty media.
She worked as Chief Creative Officer at Revlon (2017–2018), guiding product and brand messaging.
In 2018, she launched Flesh, a bold and inclusive makeup brand with 40 foundation shades.
Notable Work
She co-wrote Confessions of a Beauty Editor (2006), offering beauty tips from her Allure team.
She introduced the Best of Beauty Awards, a trusted guide for products.
Her Allure columns gained praise for their honesty and earned top marks from Women’s Wear Daily.
Influence
Linda shaped beauty norms by promoting diversity and self-expression early on.
Forbes named her one of the most powerful magazine editors in 2009.
Her leadership inspired many beauty writers, editors, and founders.
Linda Wells Career
Linda began her media career at Vogue, writing about beauty and fitness. In 1985, she joined The New York Times Magazine, where she worked as beauty and food editor and built a strong voice in lifestyle writing. She founded Allure in 1991 and led it until 2015, known for truthful editorials and industry-changing work. She created the Best of Beauty Awards and Allure Beauty Box. In 2017, she joined Revlon as Chief Creative Officer, reshaping brand identity and launching campaigns like “Live Boldly.” In 2018, she started Flesh, releasing 96 inclusive products in one year. She later launched The Linda Wells Report, a beauty insert in major fashion magazines, and worked with beauty brands as a creative consultant.
Husband, Kids & Family
Linda Wells married Charles King Thompson on November 14, 1993. She keeps her personal life private, but their marriage is seen as strong and supportive. There is no confirmed public information about whether she has children.
Linda Wells Salary and Net Worth
Linda earns an estimated yearly salary of about $69,378 from her journalism and beauty roles. Her income likely changed with her work at Allure and Revlon. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is $3 million, built from her long editorial career, executive work, and launching the Flesh brand.
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