You may know her as a Super Model. Or as an actress. Maybe you know her as a mom of three. But today you can add entrepreneur to the list, as Molly Sims launches her new skincare line. Inspired by her hectic schedule, including travel, this is the line that may just fix all your issues. Or at least, your skin issues, that is.
Molly Sims does it all, and she travels for it all – as a top model, an actress, and a mom of three (yep, her kids’ sports games and volunteer work can require a passport). Sims may have first landed onto your radar performing hilarious bits on Instagram, hosting TV style segments from Mexico, acting in Las Vegas, making cameos in Netflix movies, or posing on beaches and/or in a $30 million bikini for Sports Illustrated (we know you just Googled it). Regardless of where you discovered the multi-talented entrepreneur, the social media queen and beauty-loving podcaster truly does it all. and we admire that she does it all really well.
In Spring, Sims launched her latest venture, YSE Beauty (pronounced wise): the most beautifully packaged skincare line that is laser-focused on efficacy.
Between all of her successful endeavors, Sims told us all about her new products, her upcoming travels (including volunteering with daughter Scarlett), her favorite Hamptons spots, her top hotels of past and present, and more! Get ready to take notes.
Tell us all about YSE Beauty!
Wow, where do I start? YSE Beauty is a 6-piece collection of perfectly edited skincare products that target uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. It’s a line of hero-driven products that not only look incredibly chic on your vanity but, most importantly, work – without the irritation or downtime of so many other brightening treatments and products.
YSE Beauty’s origin story was based off of my own personal skincare struggles with uneven skin texture and hyperpigmentation during my 30s and 40s. It was a pivotal time in my life and taught me how profoundly skin issues can affect your confidence – which, in turn, affects your ability to get out and enjoy your life.
After years and years of trying to figure out the right solutions for my own skin, I knew I wanted to create a skincare line that would take the stress out of this process for other women. No more guessing, no more using harsh products that require you to hide out in your house or stay out of the sun – just beautiful, efficacious products that really work so you can stop thinking about your appearance and start doing what really matters: living life to the fullest. Because life is too short not to!
I wanted YSE Beauty to be approachable, efficacious, and well edited – but also luxurious and drop-dead gorgeous. I didn’t want to sacrifice anything – and I’m proud to say we achieved my vision!
What beauty products do you always travel with?
- IT Cosmetics CC+ Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40 — It doesn’t matter if I am headed to the snow or headed to the beach, I refuse to leave without a dewy glowy tinted moisturizer.
- Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels — A necessity for plane travel and an on-the-go pick-me-up while on vacation.
- YSE Beauty The Problem Solver — My #1 hero when it comes to hi]ng delete on sun damage and dark spots. This product is the skin brightener and evener – truly revolutionary. That’s why I called it the Problem Solver!
- Talika Paris Bio Enzymes Mask Hydrating — I love a super hydrating mask and this one gives a major dose of moisture. I even like to use the excess formula from the mask and rub it into my hands and nail cuticles where I have dry areas.
- Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm — I am pretty sure I keep at least one of these balms in every bag. It’s an instant lip hydrator that also gives an effortless touch of color and shine.
- SAIE Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Flush — This blush is a must have in my makeup travel bag. It’s a gorgeous flush of color (my favorite is the shade “spicy”) for cheeks that also doubles as a great lip color. You always want to bring a few multi- purpose products for when you’re traveling.
- K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask — I love to throw a hair mask in my hair while I am lounging by the pool or on the beach during vacation. That way by the time I wash it out for dinner, my hair is super silky soft.
What was the best or most luxurious spa treatment (or spa!) that you have tried while abroad?
Amanjena Spa in Morocco. The most incredible facial you’ll ever have in your life!
What is your favorite destination that you’ve ever been to?
That’s so tough because there are so many amazing places to visit in this world — one of the perks of being a model is that I got to travel so much! But, the immediate one that comes to mind is my trip to India during my modeling days. It was for a shoot for Marie Claire, and I got to stay at Raj Palace which is located within the “Pink City” of Jaipur. It was one of the best experiences of my life. The beauty, the people, the culture – it was unlike anything I have ever experienced.
What place is on your bucket list?
Can I name two?! First, I have always wanted to go to Fiji and stay on Laucala Island or even in one of those beautiful huts overlooking the water. I have also been dying to go to Hotel Il Pellicano located on a cliff top in Porto Ercole in Italy. If you see pictures, you’ll understand the innate need to just be there sipping an Aperol Spritz. It looks unbelievably gorgeous – like a painting!
Where will you be traveling this summer, and what are you most looking forward to?
I will be traveling to Tanzania this summer with an amazing charity, Jphiego, with my daughter, Scarlett! It will be a special trip for so many reasons. Number one, and most importantly, Jhpiego is doing amazing, critical work – I encourage everyone to visit their website and explore the incredible impact they’re making on communities.
Second: I’m thrilled to expose my daughter to a new area of the world and for her to learn about the importance of being a good citizen by giving back to those around her. And third: I’m looking forward to having some bonding time with my little mini-me!.
Speaking of summer, what are your favorite restaurants in the Hamptons and what do you order there?
- Duryea’s Montauk for their famous and insanely delicious lobster salad.
- Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor for their tutto insalata, branzino (obsessed!), sauteed spinach and Neapolitan fries.
- Golden Pear Café for my black iced tea.
- Harvest in Montauk for their oysters —with horseradish and a little bit of vinaigrette. They have great pizza for the kids, and they also have an amazing salmon.
- Lulus Kitchen & Bar in Sag Harbor for their French fries and oysters.
- Buddhaberry in Sag Harbor is an oldie but a goodie but perfect for those with a sweet tooth – they have everything.
What hotels are your favorites (national, international, niche, etc) and why?
- Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel in Venice, Italy – you are right on the canal, and it is simply fabulous. It is fashion, art, film, and entertainment all wrapped into one. The vibes are impeccable. There is nothing like it.
- Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc — simply because it’s iconic!
- The Ritz Carlton in Paris – I love Bar Hemingway and Bar Vendome. Nothing better than a late night at Bar Vendome.
- Villa D’Este, Lake Como — One of the most picturesque places in the world that has the most insane pool you will ever lay your eyes on.
- J.K. Place Capri — One of the most luxe hotels I have ever stayed at that has stunning views and also happens to be walking distance to all the shops.
- Hotel Barriere Fouquet’s New York — It brings Parisian chicness to New York.
What are your favorite memories traveling as a model or actor?
I got to take one of the last Concorde flights that went to Paris and New York. I once worked in Paris in the morning and then went to my next gig in New York by the afternoon. It was crazy to think about! I truly loved how modeling allowed me to be based in Europe for so many years of my young adult life.
It taught me so much: Paris is where I learned to dress, London introduced me to how to be punk and cool, and Italy is where I learned to be sexy. I loved every second of my time in Europe during my modeling days.
What is the most spontaneous travel adventure you’ve been on?
This past New Year’s Eve we went to Costa Rica as a family, and it was a full-on adventure! We stayed at the Four Seasons — which was breathtaking — and did a boat tour, zip lining, and toured a wildlife sanctuary. It wasn’t spontaneous, per se, but it was exhilarating and memorable to say the least. Not to mention, fun for the entire family. The kids still tell me how it was their favorite trip.
What are your non-negotiables in your carry-on?
Mark and Graham’s 6-piece packing cubes—the natural color is my favorite. My eye mask from Slip. It’s cream and monogrammed and helps to put me right to sleep on a plane. And, I couldn’t live without my iPhone iWalk Portable Charger.
Are you a baggage checker or carry-on only?
I am a total baggage checker. I am a notorious over-packer — yes, my husband wants to kill me every trip. I couldn’t do a carry-on to save my life.
What’s your best travel tip?
Pro tip: Try on all your travel outfits before you go. Take pictures of each outfit that way you aren’t guessing what to wear each day with what accessories or shoes. It may seem like a hassle at first but on vacation you’ll be happy you did it. Another pro-tip… always leave room in your suitcase to buy things… *wink*