Instead of covering it all up, aim for a natural glow. Enhance your best features and subtly disguise your problem areas. To do this, all you need are a few essentials.

Invest in a summer perfume, a new lip gloss and fun convo-starting sparking earring. You can put away (for now) your heavy eye shadows, crimson nail polishes and your contouring creams in favor of a light translucent powder, a skin perfecting anti-aging mist (that can go on-the-go) and of course a luminizing SPF. These are the products you need for the warm weather season ahead.

Bobbi Brown Gel Liner

This eyeliner doesn’t budge, even in the balmiest of summer nights.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

This corrector creates a soft, diffused radiance that evens and brightens your skin tone. Use on top of your concealer. This was a tip was one of my besties.

Dyson Hairdryer

The is THE ultimate hairdryer. Every girl needs it because it will forever change your hair styling game. It’ll leave your locks smooth, not stringy.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Perfume Oil

This rollerball (one that a lot of my editor friends wear) is the perfect little pick-me-up to keep on your body at all times. Smell like peony and tender musk.

 Gypsy Water Hair Perfume

One spritz of Byredo’s hair perfume will last all day – the scent subtly diffuses as you move, which is perfect for summer strolls. This fragrance is an uplifting, slightly woody blend of juniper berries and incense with a base of vanilla and sandalwood.

Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino Eau de Parfum

This scent was inspired by the abundant white flowers of the Mediterranean White Acacia tree. Think: Calabrian Bergamot, Sicilian Lemon and Tangerine. At first, it’s a light mix of citrus and florals, then it transitions to a comforting vanilla and honey base. This is my go-to summer scent.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer, Fluorescent Beige 142

Fluorescent Beige is a soft pink hue with rich mauve undertones and an iridescent finish that creates that wet look… like you just stepped out of the pool.

Chanel Nail Polish, Pirate

The newly renovated 5-free formula actually improves the quality of your nails. Pirate is a Chanel original and is “the only red that matters,” according to Jess King.

La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation SPF 20

Two of my friends had this on over the weekend and it gave them the prettiest and glowiest complexion. It’s super light, covers redness and sunspots and contains the brand’s famous “Miracle Broth.” This foundation leaves your pores refined and your imperfections virtually gone, while SPF and antioxidants help protect your newly flawless skin.

Herban Essentials Assorted Essential Oil Towelettes

Keep em in your car, beach bag, on your bathroom counter or in your kids’ bedrooms. These all-natural towelettes clean up the stickiest of fingers and the dirtiest of faces.

Sanitas Skincare Brightening Peel Pads

Recommended by the women of Dangene, so you know it’s good. They’re great if you suffer from acne, eczema, rosacea or just want sparkling skin. These super easy-to-use pads are made with this perfect cocktail of acids: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Salicylic Acid and witch hazel.

RMS Beauty Champagne Rose Luminizer

RMS’s newest luminizer is like the original but this time with a blush-pink champagne tint. It’s avant-garde and rosy.

Zara Pearly Strappy Sandals

They look just like the Chanels. Just trust me, you will get 1000 compliments.

Tatcha Water Cream

This oil-free, anti-aging water cream releases a burst of skin-improving Japanese (so you know they mean business) nutrients that help you achieve pore-less-looking skin. Once applied, you skin is left with the most beautiful sheen!

Sachajuan Hair Cleansing Cream

By now, you should already understand our obsession. Read about it here.

Bite Lip Pencil

Finally, a lip pencil that matches the exact color of your lips. I like to fake a better pout with shade 010.

Coqui Coqui Beeswax Candle Coco-Coco

The milky coconut fragrance, infused into the black beeswax of this hand-poured candle is soft and sensual, with a subtle, bitter, green edge. Think sexy summer nights.

Eres Strapless Bathing Suit

This is one of the most classic Eres suits and it’s truly the most flattering. I always want to put on. You instantly feel chicer. The problem is that I want one in every color.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50

This liquid sun umbrella feels more like a lotion and is this summer’s lip, hand and eye MUST.

I came to this realization while I was walking around the office last week. I noticed every super chic girl had bare nails. They were buffed and shaped, of course, but there was no polish in sight. Not even red. On the street I saw the same thing. Every stylish woman was rocking an invisible manicure. I knew I had to give it a go immediately.

Instead of hued polish, I’m gravitating towards nail perfectors, hydrating base coats and barely-there shades that leave a subtle shimmer in a single swipe. Finally, our nail routines are catching up to our skincare and makeup regimens.

Here’s what you need to know to join the new minimalist mani wave:  

1. No more covering up.

To pull off a no-manicure, you’ve got to take care of your real nails. There’s no shellac, fillers or opaque polishes here… what’s underneath is where the beauty begins. To get long, strong and smooth nails, add these steps to your beauty line-up:

Buffing cream or scrub — This is basically a facial for your nails. The idea is to scrub away the residue from harmful polishes from your nail beds and cuticles. Reverence de Bastien is a really great option, but in a pinch, Aesop’s Geranium Leaf Body Scrub will also do the trick. If you’d rather not splurge, add a little coconut oil to your favorite face exfoliator. Voila.

Hydrating oil — To keep your cuticles in check, use an oil before bed or after polish removal. It will hydrate your nail beds, reversing the damage that’s been done from all those lights and toxic polishes. Any clean oil will do, but I especially love Maya Chia’s Super Critical Omega-3 Oil and Linne’s Balance Face Oil. I know, they’re technically for your face, but that just means they’re super gentle formulas. They’re nontoxic, too, so use them to the MAX.

Nail perfector — After buffing and hydrating and before any polish application, apply a nail perfector. These gems give your nails growth-stimulating nutrients, while hiding any blemishes like bruises, scrapes or ridges. Nails Inc’s Kale Base Coat is to die for, as is Deborah Lippmann’s Illuminating Nail Tone Perfector. Also, I can’t not mention Dior Nail Glow if you are into the perfect pink/ skin colored nail. 

2. Stick to semi-opaque, cool tones or just clear.

If you use a nail perfector, you can often forgo polish altogether. But if you do like a subtle shine finish, opt for polishes that are semi-opaque and cool-toned. Stick to a single coat to keep color translucent. A few pinky-nude polishes buzzing around the beauty scene are Eve Snow’s Anti-Aging Nail Polish and Sundays No. 2 Semi-Opaque polish in French. Otherwise just throw on a really good top like the one from Smith & Cult’s Above it All top coat.

3. Invest in a good nail file.

When it comes to the no-manicure manicure, the nail file is your best friend. Why? Well, a big part of mastering this look is keeping your nails at a length that’s just right. Too short and they look unhealthy, too long and they can get a bit dirty. Swap your clippers for a file that will keep you shaped up. Reverence de Bastien makes a glass nail file and case that’s perfect for keeping in your tote at all times. The glass here is key — it’s gentler than the usual sandpaper-esque files from the drugstore, which will prevent your nails from splitting. It’s also got a slightly pointed tip, which will come in handy if you spot a little dirt under your nails.

P.S. The no-manicure trend doesn’t just stop at the fingernails. It’s also a thing for your toes! Read Annie’s story about her experience with medical pedicures for the 411.

Image, Gigi Hadid for PORTER Magazine. Story by Lexi Tollefsen.

Right before I moved to Zurich, I met with a fellow expat, Clémence von Mueffling. The French beauty is a professional who has an amazing track record in the industry. Her resume boasts names like Clarins and Dior, but once you know her, this comes as no surprise. She was simply following in the family footsteps.

Both Mueffling’s mother and grandmother were beauty editors at THE French Vogue. Now she lives with her husband and twins in New York and is the Founder & Editor of newly launched beauty site Beauty and Well Being. She’s got a wealth of beauty knowledge that’s filtered through the lens of her classic French POV. During our meeting, I legit wanted to ask her one million questions, but of course I tried to contain myself.

Lucky for me, she was kind enough to spill her well kept secrets. You’re going to want to savor this one, girls. Here is my interview with the ever so sweet Clémence.

What are the French more into, clean or organic? 

In France, each neighborhood has its own café, bakery and pharmacy. So at a young age you start to buy your skincare products from pharmacists. These are usually very ‘clean’ pharmaceuticals brands that are super effective and not too expensive. This is how we start good habits by buying ‘clean’ beauty products.

Glowing skin or matte?

The older I get, the more I want some glow!

As beauty editors, we are able to try so many different brands and products. What skin products or brands do you always come back to?

Avène, La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, A-Derma, Esterderm for Sun protection, Joëlle Ciocco, Clarins, Embryolisse and Filorga.Which American beauty brands would you consider your favorites?Aerin, Supergoop!, Soapwalla Kitchen, Rahua, SkinCeuticals, Kiehl’s.

The French are known for being really into scents. Tell me about your favorite yummy smelling perfumes, body oils and shower gels.

Just yesterday I used the Mediterranean Honeysuckle Body Cream by Aerin. It has the nicest fragrance that remained all day. It reminded me of the summer and its shimmering beaches.

I love body oils too, usually in the evening after I shower. Some of my favorites include: Joëlle Ciocco, Soapwalla body oil, Nuxe and the incredible Leonor Greyl Huile Secret de Beauté.

I always have Clarins Eau Dynamisante, which I use like a cologne. It has been a staple in my bathroom for 20 years!

For shower gels, depending on my mood, I will use Dr Bronner’s shower gel with the Almond scent. When I need to be very energized I use Clarins Tonic Body Oil, and when I want to feel glamorous I use Frederic Malle Eau de Magnolia’s shower gel.

What are your favorite skin devices for at home use?

I have been faithful to Nu Skin for years. Both my mother and grandmother use it too! This at-home spa treatment revives and invigorates your skin, and smoothes lines and wrinkles.

A few days ago I was introduced to Foreo’s LUNA, a Facial Cleansing Brush & Anti-Aging Device.

Where do you go for facials?

I go to Renew Spa in NY as well as Caudalie Spa.

Do you believe in botox/fillers?

I believe in non-invasive techniques, such as micro current.

Who is your dermatologist?  

He is in Paris… but I try to see him twice a year! His name is Philippe Simonin.

What is your skincare routine?

A toner in the morning, some Avène thermal water and an eye contour (these days I am trying BioEffect). Depending on the ‘mood’ of my skin, I may or may not use a serum, then a moisturizer such as Caudalie, Filorga or Avène. I will use an SPF only if I know that I will be in the sun.

In the evening I like to double cleanse. It is my relaxing moment. I use products with lovely textures and scents. Such as Joelle Ciocco cleansing milk, Tata Harper cleansing oil, or de Mamiel cleansing balm.

Then I use a micellar lotion and my Avène thermal water. Sometimes I just finish with that spritz of water if my skin feels hydrated enough. In the winter I may feel the need to add a cream such as Nuxe Crème Fraiche or an oil such as Marisa Berenson’s prickly pear oil. These days I am loving a night serum by Bio Effect.

 Is that Mason Pearson brush all that it’s cracked up to be?

My mother would always buy a Mason Pearson for my sister and me. And I have to say that there is no equivalent in terms of quality. They are expensive, but so worth the price. Clean them regularly and you will keep them for years!

For hair care I love Christophe Robin, David Mallet and Leonor Greyl. I also use Rahua and sometimes Klorane or Furturer.

What are some of the most important lessons that you learned from your mom and grandmother?

To be feminine at all times! And the older you get, the more disciplined you have to be with your beauty and wellness routine.

What is your definition of beauty?

Beauty comes from a woman’s femininity and elegance. It is also the glow that comes from her skin, her smile.

Let’s talk makeup. What are your essentials?

By Terry for foundation, Guerlain for blushes and YSL for the eyes! What products are currently in your handbag?

Aerin’s rose hand cream, a Bioderma lip balm, Eau de Magnolia perfume in its traveling size, a nail file and a Shiseido Pureness compact blush.What skincare products give you the best life-changing results?

These days I have been very impressed with Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 (despite the not-so-nice smell), Bio Effect night Serum and Marisa Berenson’s face oil. 

For better skin texture, which products would you recommend?

More important than products, I would recommend a good cleansing routine, as well as regular skin massages and a healthy diet.

#1 beauty secret is… the face massage. 

Tell me a little about your diet and skincare routine…

My diet is a very simple, balanced diet. I still love my croissants, and I eat tons of dark chocolate every day. However, I did stop eating processed foods and sodas and I have become a ‘flexitarian.’ According to the author of the ‘Omnivore’s Dilemma,’ Michael Pollan, it means someone who does eat some meat – but only sometimes.

Beauty trend that you completely dislike?

Harsh skin treatments such as Fraxel and Dermabrasion.

Outdoor Voices –20% off full-price merch using code Hey-Hi-Hello. Lets face it. It’s where all of the cool kids buy athletic apparel.

Dear Frances – 25% off everything using code CYBERMONDAY.

Sleepy Jones  20% off full-price merch and free shipping code NOPRESSURE.

Violet Grey $50 off orders of more than $250 with code GIFT50, and $100 off orders of more than $500 with GIFT100.

Nars is 20% off everything.

Glossier 20% off everything and free shipping.

Dermstore take 25% off beauty gadgets like Iluminage, RMS Beauty. This is what I bought, using code HOLIDAY.

JCrew is 40% off for the first time ever. I bought this and this and this.

Farfetch is having a massive sale. I have my eye on this, this and this!

When your thanksgiving is spent with family, friends or just you and your better half, make it festive. Paint your nails red. Try a new face mask. Don’t overcomplicate things with a ton of makeup. Simplify. All you need is concealer, a little luminzer, powder and a bright lip.

These are some of my favorite beauty products to get me through Thanksgiving weekend. What are yours?

Tata Harper Cream Blush – The safest and easiest way to add a fresh flush to your face.

RMS (New) Magic Luminizer and Kabuki Brush – This is how you achieve that glistening Instagram Strobing effect.

Burberry Military Red Nail Polish – Hands down, the best blood red.

Dior Rouge Dior 772 Classic (New) – It’s a matte, blue-toned mauve-pink and so 90s. One of the best lipsticks I’ve tried in years. All of the brand’s new matte shades are actually the bomb. Try them all!

Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturizer – No makeup needed when using this. PS – It’s made with diamond dust.

Dr. Barbara Sturm – Everyone’s buzzing about this Germany-based line. This mask was a game-changer for me.

Christophe Robin Color Fixator Wheat Germ Mask – Another new beauty crush. After one use I could see a massive difference. Full review is here.

Byredo Mojave Ghost Hand Cream – I always have one or two of Byredo’s hand creams in my purse, and this baby is one of my favorites.

Rodin Lavender Body Oil – What can I say. It’s just heaven.

Le Metier de Beaute – I recommended this to a friend today. It’s still my favorite foundation. Two years and counting.

Antonia Burrell Mask Supreme – For those who suffer from acne or greasy skin, this is your new best friend. Just ask Jessica Richards.

001 Skincare EYECYCLE – Drain Toxins and brighten your eyes. Boom.

Coqui Coqui Beeswax Candle Tabaco – One of the only candles that the whole family can agree on.

The summer leading up to the wedding was crazy. I was traveling a lot over June and July and was barely even at home in New York. The last 3 weeks in July I traveled to 4 separate counties, attended 3 different weddings and by the time I returned home at the end of the month, my head was spinning. I decided to go all in and order the 21-day clean program cleanse, which is my absolute favorite. I had been drinking like a fish so I was ready for a full detox.

Other than my cleanse, I wanted to give you all the beauty secrets that helped me get ready for the day when I needed to seriously glow and feel confident. Check out my 8-step plan below.

WELLNESS

The Clean Program. I love the Clean Program so much that I ended up doing it for six weeks leading up to the wedding. It was super intense, but worth it.

The cleanse goes something like this. You have a shake in the morning a clean, hearty, protein filled meal for lunch and another shake for dinner. You also take probiotics and supplements at every meal. For lunch I would have a big leafy green salad with scallions, avocado and cold water-packed tuna with balsamic and olive oil or a piece of salmon, grilled vegetables or sautéed spinach. I would try to mix it up but I am such a boring eater so I didn’t really mind eating the same thing every day.

If I had a dinner or something at night that I couldn’t drink my smoothie, I would plan for it and drink two smoothies during the day and have my clean meal at night.

When you are on the clean program, there is a whole list of foods you have to eliminate. For example, you can eat whole fish, organic chicken and turkey, but you can’t eat strawberries, gluten, dairy, eggs or proceeded sugar. You also can’t have coffee or alcohol.

But let me tell you, I’ve never felt better. Disclaimer: I did drink coffee, but drank it with unsweetened almond milk and stevia, which are both allowed.

Vitamins. I took biotin for my hair and nails everyday. There is nothing quite like this all-natural supplement.

Beauty Elixirs. I love Raw Complexions the Beauty Pack because it includes everything your body needs to glow from the inside out. I hate having to buy all those different additives. This is like an all-in-one. I also added Moon Juice Beauty Dust into my morning smoothies because why not.

Body Vibes. These super vibe stickers, whether they were the placebo effects or the real thing, got me though the emotional rollercoaster that was my wedding.

BODY

Gym. I took it light. I went to two classes of Barre3 a week. I didn’t want to bulk up. I just wanted to stay ballerina lean. I also elevated my legs at a 90 degree angle on a wall for 45 minutes at night, whenever I found the time.

Massage. I alternated between hard-core painful massage and lymphatic massage. A week before the big day, I got a few lymph massages on my body and on my face to reduce puffiness.

Products. I used Tata Harper’s Body Balm because it gets rid of stretch masks and cellulite and Arcona Body Lotion 10% because it’s packed with glycolic acid to improve tonal quality and elasticity in the skin. It made my skin super soft and imperfection-free.

HAIR

Color. I lighted my hair a little before the wedding with my go-to favorite colorist around, Mauricio Bermudez at Sweet Caroline. He is famous for his blond clients like Dree Hemingway.

Cut. Tiffani at Sweet Caroline, who also works right under the famous Guido, cut my hair. She has the best vibes and I also did all my wedding hair trials with her. There is no one better than Tiffani.

Products. I stopped using anything harsh that could cause breakage. I stuck to Christophe Robin because it’s gentle and free of gross chemicals. I absolutely love his products. They give your mane a thick, healthy finish. Christophe Robin Prickly Pear Regenerating Shampoo, Rose Water Conditioner and the Prickly Pear Regenerating Mask. For styling I opted for Shu Uemura Essence Absolue, the Wonder Worker and the Cotton Uzu Defining Cream.

FACE

Facials. I booked weekly appointments at Dangene. I wanted lots of LEDS, microdermabrasion, oxygen and light peels.

Dermaplane. A week before the wedding, I got dermaplane, which is where they shave all the micro hairs off your face. Makeup application has never felt so good.

Laser. I burned everything off and got lots of laser over the past year leading up to the wedding. I also did some really invasive laser and chemical peels that took weeks of downtime earlier in the year. I also did acid treatments on my hands, back, neck, chest, arms and face.

Face Masks. I did lots of at-home hydration and glowing masks. I stuck to these three all-stars: Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, SK-II Facial Treatment Mask and May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon. The week before the wedding my sister, my parents (even my Dad) and I used the SK-II mask every night before bed.

LED Face Mask. Every three days I’d take 15 minutes at the end of the day to lie under my Korean light mask. I did as Gucci Westman recommended and used the SK-II facemask right beforehand to make the most of the treatment. Dermstore also sells some bada** light devices…that are actually on SALE this week!

Eyes. Even when I get a ton of sleep I still have a propensity for under-eye bags. Verso Eye Serum is the only thing that works to get rid of the bags. Period.

NAILS

Gels. Naomi Yasuda, who is the cutest person in the world, did my nails. They were long and rounded with a gradient white ombre and tiny gold sparkles in the middle of the nail. It was inspired by my wedding dress.

Mani/ Pedi. I go to Eve, which is right around the corner from my apartment. They give great mani-pedis and sometimes I even see SJP in there. It’s totally no frills, but I love it.

Nail Oil. I wanted really long nails on my wedding day, so I started using Uka Nail Oil every night. This kept my nails and cuticles from being so dry during the day and therefore less tempting to pick and less likely to break.

TEETH

My dentist recommended Crest Whitestrips Express which Henry and I used every day or every other day for three weeks prior to the wedding.

HAIR REMOVAL

I saw my girl Nicky Cayot and she did the works on me right before the wedding. She waxed my bikini and dyed my lashes. She also trimmed and shaped my brows. Another one of her clients is Gisele. Enough said.

LASHES AND BROWS

I stopped tweezing my brows a few months before the wedding and went crazy with Revitalash Eyelash Serum and Plump Brow Serum. I have never had my brows and lashes this full in my life.

The Best Hair Dryer that even Gisele swears by.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads for when you want to glow like never before.

Arcona’s Eye Dew Plus is legit one of my all time favorite eye creams. Buy this NOW.

Arcona’s Cranberry Gommage is one of the most effective exfoliators out there. It’s super fine and smells like cranberry.

Darphin 8-Flower Nectar is a tiny bit of heaven. The scent and texture is off the charts.

Glow by Dr. Brandt Eye Cream with Retinol is a game-changer. For diminished fine lines and plumped skin this is the best. Elle MacPherson is a fan too.

emerginC Vitamin C Serum 20% is for all those Vitamin C addicts out there. This is the perfect post-summer skin treatment and one of the highest over the counter doses that you can buy.

Kat Burki’s Hand Therapy is hands down the best hand cream, like ever, ever, ever.

L’Artisan Parfumeur Papillions takes me right back to summer 98′ living abroad in Spain. This was the best perfume then and it’s still the best years later.

Le Metier de Beaute Peau Anti-Aging Complex basically gives you compliment worthy skin. I’ve talked about my love for it many times, after I got the tip from one of Vogue’s beauty girls.

Murad Oil Controlling Mattifier is one of the lovliest SPFs around. I first heard about it from one of my glow girls and I’ve been addicted to it ever since. I even use this baby in the winter.

Everyone knows that One Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing Oil is one of the most delightful ways to wash your face. I couldn’t agree more.

Rms Beauty is my makeup go-to. I have about 15 different pods and that pretty much use exclusively. These are my favorites:

Image Gigi from Vogue.com.

I myself am oil obsessed. I love nothing more than to take a bath with a splash of oil (this one in fact) and then slather oil all over my body before bed. In the morning I feel like a scientist mixing drops of oil in with my lotion or cream for added glow. At night, even when I am too lazy to double cleanse, I’ll usually just stick to washing off the day with one of my favorite oil cleansers.

I still think that one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding oils is that they can make you breakout. In reality, most oils actually work to regulate the skin’s overproduction of oil. Overproduction of oil = acne craziness. Bottom line, don’t be afraid to try an oil on your face. Some of the best ones are packed with powerful ingredients that can actually improve your skin.

These are my favorites:

Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil – I have been using this baby for years and it’s the best. After I shower, I use a drop and a half on the shaft and ends of my hair, and I love the way it feels after it dries. I can actually feel a difference when I travel and I don’t have the oil with me. Second runner up is Bumble’s Hair Dressers Oil. They actually just launched a new mask which I am dying to try too.

Pai Age Confidance Facial Oils – I love Pai. It’s natural and organic, but it’s got some high-tech shi* in there that will actually change your skin for the better. This is one of their hero products. It’s got a supercharged dose of vitamins, omegas and essential nutrients guaranteed to optimize skin health and restore your natural radiance. I use it day and night mixed in with my normal moisturizer.

Rodin Lavender Oil – No one does packaging quite like Rodin…but it’s what inside that keeps us wanting for more. If you’re going to invest in one product for your bathroom counter, it’s this. The brand’s new lavender scent is oh so heavenly. I save mine for special occasions.

Riddle Tuberose – Riddle is my newest fragrance obsession. I just heard about this Abbot Kinney-based brand and after they sent me some samples I was immediately hooked. I actually like it so much that I am offering you girls a discount. Use the code RIDDLEGLOW for my own personal discount. I love the + Santal and the Scented Oil. Both work with your own body chemistry to give you a unique and super addicting scent.

Uka Nail Oils – I once heard that the best way to heal dry cuticles, peeling nails and even get your nails to grow faster is to use a nail oil every night, instead of a lotion. Oils actually absorb into the nail, unlike lotions and creams. This Japanese-based brand does it best, and their rollerball nail oils also double as perfumes.

Antonia Burrell Natural Glow Cleansing Oil – Jessica Richards first recommended this brand to me when I asked her about the best brands for acne prone skin. According to Jess, “It’s a natural skincare brand that specifically targets sensitive and acne-prone skin.” I don’t have issues with acne, but I use this oil because of it’s calming properties that tone down red and irritated skin.

Coqui Coqui Bath Oil – Coqui Coqui’s all-natural Coco Coco Bath Oil is relaxation in a bottle. Inspired by the lush scents of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, this formula can be used as a massage oil, or added to a tub of warm water for the most incredible bathing experience. The hints of coconut in the fragrance are to die for.

As for the packing, it’s not the clothes that stress me out – it’s the endless amount of beauty products that I somehow can’t seem to part with. This summer, I vow to make my life easier by packing lighter (plus, I know my bf would be really happy about this).

Regardless of what kind of woman you are or where you are in your life, we’re all after the same thing when it comes to summer beauty. We want to feel fresh, effortless and confident. Minimalism is where it’s at, plus a nice pop of something to celebrate days in the sun. Forget perfect skin (I’m looking at you contouring) and primped hair. The goal here is to look like the best you. Find products that get the job done in as little time as possible.

Milk Makeup’s Oil Lip Stains are so innovating and give that perfect bitten look. RMS Beauty Master Mixer is this season’s alternative to bronzer and creates the warmest rose-hued glow. MD Solar has launched a safe SPF 50 that makes using sunscreen easy. Lastly, please give your hands a break and treat them with Margaret Dabbs hand serum. I promise, you will thank me later.

Thick hair, hydrated skin and an effortless glow, this is all you need this summer for your weekend beauty game and beyond.

Mason Pearson Extra Small All Boar Bristle Hairbrush – Every hair stylist will tell you this is the BEST brush, so never leave home without it. White is their newest color so get it while it’s hot.

Skin Inc. Pure Serum Mist – If you can’t swing SK-II’s Facial Essence, this is the best alternative. It conveniently comes in a spray formula so you can spray all day.

Milk Makeup Oil Lip Stain – Milk’s Oil Lip Stain is exactly what you think it is, except way better and way prettier.

Lanolips Tinted Balm – Straight from Australia comes the most luscious and comforting lip balm that comes in the prettiest shades and nourishes with the help of lambs wool.

RMS Beauty Master Mixer – The best thing that’s happened to me this year.

MD Solar Sciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 – This sunscreen is free of all the crazy scary stuff often hiding in SPF formulas and doesn’t make you breakout of leave you pasty white. Score.

Tom Ford Sheer Cheek Duo Bicostal – Something a bit more luxe, but hey, you deserve it. It’s summer!

Fendi Monster Eye Embellished Leather Cosmetic Case – The easiest way to spot your beauty bag in that crazy oversized summer tote.

Bb. Thickening Crème Contour – The best thickening hair care line, hands down.

Ilia All Your Gold Beauty Balm – Just slap this all natural BB cream on your face for an instant warm golden glow and SPF protection. It’s not called beauty balm for nothin’.

Margaret Dabbs Anti-Aging Hand Serum – I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: protect your hands NOW. They’re the first place you show signs of aging.

Moon Juice Sex Dust – No explanation needed here.

Givenchy Mister Gentlebalm – AHH I love this ph balanced lip balm. All you need is perfect skin – and this.

Kypris Cleanser Concentrate – Pollution, makeup, grime and dust melt away with this completely natural and lovely cleanser. I love a balm cleanser and this is my new obsession.

Fendi Cat Eye Glitter Sunglasses – You can throw on your boyfriend’s dirty t-shirt while wearing these are still look fab.

Today, Charlotte lives in New York City with her husband Dave who helped her launch her perfectly curated online site. She doesn’t know what city to consider “home”, but she will always have a soft spot for LA, Seoul and NYC. On one cold but sunny day, I had the pleasure of meeting Charlotte at her shared office space, the trendy WeWork, to discuss what is up with her near perfect porcelain skin, that hair cut that I am just dying to copy, her life, her taste and, of course, her beauty faves. This is what went down.

Tell me about your gorgeous site. How did you and your hubby get started? What makes your K-Beauty site different?

Soko Glam is our baby! We started the site together back in 2012 because we wanted to be the bridge to Korea’s incredible beauty trends and products. We have a huge amount of respect for Korea and the culture, so spreading the awareness of Korean beauty has been rewarding. In just 3 years, we’ve already seen K-beauty make a huge impact in the global beauty industry and we’re excited to be a part of it.

Soko Glam is a one-of-a-kind K-beauty site because of the community we have cultivated through stories shared on our blog, The Klog. We also have hundreds of product reviews, which is really important for people who are just getting into K-beauty and don’t know where to start. Also, I’ve curated many products are from mainstream Korean brands, such as Skinfood, Neogen, Son & Park, and Missha. These are brands you can actually see and buy in popular shopping districts in Seoul such as Myeongdong.

Tell me about your book. How long did it take to write? Eva Chen gave you a little nudge?

The Little Book of Skin Care happened so fast, it still seems like a dream! About a year ago, I was approached by a literary agent after she read some of my Korean beauty articles on Refinery29 and Into the Gloss. I was in the middle of esthetician school and running Soko Glam so I was very daunted by the task of writing a full book. I reached out to several mentors because I was so conflicted. Eva Chen was one of them. She told me it was a great idea and encouraged me to go for it! I’m so glad I did. The process was actually enjoyable and seeing the finished product in bookstores is so surreal. I’m glad I did it because I got to work with talented women, such as Kate Williams and Gemma Correll. I consider myself very fortunate to have had this opportunity and I’m thankful for all the positive feedback from everyone from the US to countries like Russia, Germany and China!

Switching gears a little bit… I’d love to hear about your lifestyle. What is a typical breakfast, lunch and dinner like for you?

I usually don’t eat breakfast, which I know is terrible for your body and brain. The day goes by so fast, it’s already time for lunch before I have a chance to realize I’m hungry!

For lunch or dinner we try to eat whatever is easiest and/or fastest. That means we usually Seamless, make a sandwich or we go out to pick up a few things at a nearby bodega. We love cooking but we usually don’t have the luxury of time. I’m sorry I don’t have a more glamorous response but that’s the reality of being an entrepreneur – for us at least.

What’s your skincare regime like for morning and night? 

My skin care routine changes daily because I’m testing so many products. But here are some of my current favorites that I tend to gravitate towards when I’m not testing.

You’ll see that I have been gravitating towards multi-tasking products. For example, my toning pads gently exfoliate and tone at the same time. The Son & Park beauty water removes makeup, tones and exfoliates, so if I’m pressed for time I’ll use Son & Park as my sole cleansing step. More of my favorites are:

Banila Co Clean it Zero Oil Cleanser

Neogen Foam Cleanser

Re:p Toning Pads (tones and exfoliates!)

Missha FTE

Klairs Vitamin C Serum (for pigmentation)

Re:p All night moisture & relief mask

When I have time, I’ll sheet mask! And, of course, if I go outside I use sunscreen!

If you could only use one Korean beauty product (or category), what would it be and why?

Cleansers are something you use every morning and night (hopefully!). They’re essential to your skin’s health. Cleansing properly can prevent breakouts, reduce blackheads and size of your pores and even help with anti-aging. People may think that because the cleanser is on your skin for at most a few minutes, it might not be that important – but I’ve heard so many people who have followed the double cleanse routine and seen incredible results.

What are your k-beauty predictions for 2016?

I predict the use of more “real” ingredients in all products. I’m already seeing wash-off masks infused with real herbs (for an extra exfoliating effect), floating rose petals in cleansing waters (for an extra antioxidant effect, straight from the source), and sheet masks where you can see the real ingredients (yes, real calendula petals and herbs) infused into the hydrogel for extra skin-loving effects. I hope it doesn’t go too far, though, because I’ll draw the line if I see real snail shells in my jar of snail cream!

You have totally turned me onto cushion compacts. Talk to me about your favorites.

I love cushion compacts because they are just so incredibly easy to use and they give you this perfect, airbrushed, dewy look without looking cakey. There isn’t a girl in Korea that doesn’t own one, and it’s actually amazing how fast this innovation is coming to brands stateside, I’m seeing them being replicated at Lancome, Sephora, etc. I am really into the Missha Magic Cushion right now. It’s very similar to the IOPE cushion (the original cushion compact).

Imagine you’re planning a Sunday night pamper party. What are your favorite ways to give your hair, skin and nails a little extra love?

Definitely sheet masks!

My favorite is the Manefit Bling Bling Hydro Gel Mask. If I want to get fancy, I go for the Banila Co Lace Hydrogel Masks.

I’m getting married in September and I want to get my skin in tip-top shape. What is your best beauty tip for the bride-to-be?

It’s all about being consistent with your skincare routine. You need to use a product for at least 4 weeks to see results, so you can’t be lazy! To get that luminous glow, I really recommend adding a brightening essence to your routine. I’ve been obsessed with the Neogen Essence & Tox Tightening set, because it’s an exfoliator and essence in one. Exfoliating is so key to better product absorption and buffing the dullness out of your skin!

Also, try not to stress out too much when planning fo royur big day! Stress causes cortisol/testosterone levels to rise, which causes hormonal breakouts!

Where do you get your hair cut?

Franck Provost and Hair Kuwayama (406 E. 13^th Street)

Favorite non-Korean beauty item that you swear by?

Essie nail polish! I love all their shades and cheeky names.

3 essential items in your…

Fridge/pantry: Shin Ramen, jalapeños and Tapatio. What can I say, I like my food spicy.

Handbag: Sunglasses, tissues and my laptop, which means I’m usually with a backpack and not a handbag.

Travel bag: Hand sanitizing wipes for icky planes, Korean currency and sheet masks!

Your favorite…

Restaurant/café: Her Name is Han is this cozy, authentic Korean restaurant on 31^st and Madison. The décor, presentation and comfort food makes me feel like I am in Seoul.

Inspirational quote: I was at an entrepreneur conference and someone said, “Being an entrepreneur is like jumping off a cliff and building a plane on the way down.” Not sure who said it but it really resonated with me.

Nail art salon:

M&M Studio (New York, 3 E 33^rd Street) – Very talented nail artists from Japan. Their English is limited but all I do is show her a photo and she can replicate anything!

Unistella Nail Salon (Korea) – Check out her Instagram!