If you follow Molly Sims on social media, you know that it’s impossible not to like the model slash actress slash podcaster slash lifestyle blogger slash mom, wife, bestie and, most recently, entrepreneur. Despite being a Hollywood A-lister, Sims manages to be incredibly relatable (like when she’s sitting on a lacrosse field sideline in the pouring rain), not to mention hilarious. Sure, she’s got sprawling abodes in Los Angeles and the Hamptons, she’s a regular attendee at the Oscars and she rang in her 50th birthday with all her girlfriends in Marrakech, but she’s also just like us when it comes to surviving parenthood and juggling work, marriage and aging gracefully.
Sims’ raw honesty is a major reason she resonates so deeply with her followers and that includes sharing her own skin issues — which ultimately led her to develop and launch her own brand, YSE Beauty. “The inspiration behind YSE was based on my own personal experience,” says Sims. “During my 30s and 40s, I suffered with hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture. Ultimately, it affected my confidence and my ability to get out and enjoy life.”
After years of conversing with experts and dermatologists, Sims discovered the best ingredients to get an even, radiant complexion, and she wanted to bring that knowledge to the masses. “Other people shouldn’t have to go through the years of trial and error I did, so I decided to share what I had gained from my own personal journey in products that really worked, without the irritation and downtime of many other brightening lines,” says Sims.
While pretty much everything in her orbit is envy-inducing, Sims’ perpetually glowing skin and understated but flawless makeup routine is hands-down what her fans would most like to emulate. (Okay, maybe her ab workout too.)
Ahead, Sims rounds up her latest beauty favorites and her longtime must-haves — and why she loves them — for CNN Underscored.
A staple in Sims’ “get ready with me” videos this summer, the Saie Beauty Glow Sculpt is hydrating and multipurpose. “A new favorite of mine!” she says. “I love any product that makes me glow, and this creamy tinted highlighter and blush hybrid gives a beautiful effect on my skin that I can use day or night.” More to know: The Glow Sculpt comes in five shades and is housed in a refillable container. (Refills are, by the way, seven dollars cheaper.)
Related: The essentials list: Influencer Desi Perkins shares her beauty must-haves
As luck would have it, Sims has literally bottled up the secret to her glow! Worn solo or as the last step in your skin routine, this primer is packed with SPF protection and also hydrates, brightens and reduces dark spots and discoloration. “The Skin Glow SPF Primer is the newest product to join the YSE Beauty family, and it has made quite the first impression,” she says. “It’s a super-lightweight, nongreasy formula that plumps, protects and blurs imperfections to give the skin a gorgeous, soft, luminous glow with or without makeup. Think a fresh-from-vacation glow … but at your fingertips.”
Related: The 16 best makeup primers for your skin type, according to experts
How does Sims always look perky and awake — even after a red-eye? “I’ve never met an eye patch I didn’t like, but these eye patches are a can’t-live-without necessity,” says Sims. “You can catch me wearing them on my way to a meeting, mid-flight while traveling, the morning after a late dinner or even as a pick-me-up after a long weekend of sports. For an extra-cooling effect, keep them in the fridge until you are ready to use.” Meant to firm and depuff the under-eyes, these gel pads reduce fine lines and provide an overall rejuvenated appearance, thanks to ingredients like elastin, hexapeptide, Ginkgo Biloba and the antioxidant CoQ10.
Related: The essentials list: Actress Tia Mowry lists her hair and skin care must-haves
Avoiding the summer color fade is top of mind for anyone with highlights, lowlights or full color, and Sims has found the solution. “This has been a hair hero of mine this summer,” she says. “It’s a pre-shampoo spray that strips all minerals and product buildup out of your hair. Given that I am outside all day, this really helps to keep my hair still bright and light.” To use, spray the mineral remover onto dry hair prior to showering and leave on for three minutes before shampooing.
Always on the hunt for the perfect perfume? Well, your search is over. “If you love compliments, then spray this on and I guarantee you’ll receive them,” says Sims. “With jasmine petals, musk, moss and woody amber-y notes, this scent has been a staple of mine for years.” Available in three sizes, Another 13 is vegan and paraben-free.
The standout product among the YSE line, these single-use pads gently exfoliate your skin while simultaneously smoothing and brightening. “Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads are truly revolutionary,” says Sims, who shares that these award-winning pads are gentle enough to use on a daily basis. “You have to exfoliate if you want even, glowing skin … so I designed this product to become your new go-to skin hero.”
Related: The 20 best body scrubs and exfoliators, according to skin experts
Sims’ best defense against dry summer skin? May Lindstrom’s The Blue Cocoon, which is a waterless and waxless face oil and moisturizer. “This has been a longtime essential of mine, especially during the summer months,” says Sims. “It is super hydrating and nourishing when your skin is feeling very dry and needs that extra moisture.”
