The Skincare and Makeup Products Molly Sims, 52, Swears By

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When Molly Sims launched her beauty brand, YSE Beauty , two years ago, she wasn’t sure if it would stand out in a sea of celebrity beauty brands. “When I pitched the brand, I didn’t know if it was going to work,” she tells Bazaar . “Then suddenly, we were out of stock.” Not only is the brand flying off the shelves, but Sims just launched it in Sephora—one of the biggest hallmarks of success. “We went through so many ups and downs, but that is life. You have to be able to ride those waves,” she says. “I always joke that you have to have your seat belt on and your oxygen mask ready.”

The multihyphenate producer, actress, model, and brand founder has tried countless skincare formulas over the years. “I lived in Europe for six years and would go to every French, British, and Italian pharmacy,” the 52-year-old adds. “I would bring buckets back of different products. I have tried everything. I had such a massive problem with my skin; I had really good skin, and then I got cystic acne in my mid-20s. Then, when I had my babies, I was done with the cystic acne and ended up getting really bad melasma and hyperpigmentation.” But the one thing she wanted to bring to the masses, after all she’s learned about skincare, was a gentle glow with ease. “I always say that the ‘feel the burn’ mindset isn’t good,” she adds. “YSE is all about the glow.”

Bazaar caught up with the brand founder to get all of her skincare (and life) secrets, from the French pharmacy formulas she’s been using for decades to the dream lip tints she created.

If you don’t mind sharing, how old are you?

52.

What age do you feel in your head?

Oh my God, like 35. I never really focused on my age. I worried about my life in such a different way that even in my 20s, I felt old, because I always worried about getting the family and having it all. Not that having that was everything, but I always felt that responsibility once I started making money as a young person in an industry that was based on my looks. People think you just have one chapter, but you have so many chapters, and every chapter is different. I’m like a cat.

Do you have a holy-grail beauty product that you’ve used for most of your life?

Embryolisse. But our Xtremely Rich Moisturizer is similar. I am working on something that feels more like Embryolisse. I wanted my version to feel rich but not heavy on the skin. For a long time, I loved my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and Boots Makeup Remover. I would bring buckets back to the States. I think Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is still one of the best foundations on the market, especially if you’re working and that s*** has to last. There was a M.A.C taupe eyeshadow I would always wear. I was at the age of Nars, Pat McGrath, Kevyn Aucoin. There was this one Japanese line that [Kevyn] did in a red, thin package. I finally just got rid of it. I’ve also used Biafine from the French pharmacy for years and Weleda Skin Food.

What aspects of your physical appearance do you love more now as you’ve gotten older?

I was always very passionate—probably a little manic. I used to be very black and white, and now I’m more gray-thinking and will accept things as they are. I think I needed to make the mistakes to be where I am today. I am definitely more accepting of making mistakes and moving on more easily now. Even when I’m trying ingredients or working on my house, I can make decisions more easily. I was always so afraid of change. But one day you’re falling off the cliff and realize you landed on the ground and are just fine. The best advice I received was to work smarter, not harder, and be thoughtful about what you put your mind to.

Is there something that has surprised you about getting older?

It goes fast. Also, some things that were so important to you then don’t matter when you’re older. Like, you see the boy who dumped you and crushed you 15 years later, but you’ve already let it go. Your priorities in life change. That comes with age.

Is there something that keeps you feeling super vibrant and youthful?

My company has kept my mind young, wondering, and looking. Also, my podcast. We’re always interviewing smart, amazing people. Of course, my kids keep me young. I do have a young mindset. I’m in it to win it.

What’s one piece of wisdom you would tell your younger self—or even your kids?

Everything will work out. Have fun. My oldest is always worried about making mistakes, but I always tell him that you have to lean in to better yourself. There will be speed bumps, but unless you bet on yourself, you’ll be good but never be great. I had to bet on myself with millions of dollars two years ago for YSE. It’s the same mindset as my 12-year-old on a lacrosse field. You can have different goals at different stages of your life. I don’t feel like I’m missing out by not sitting at the Paris Fashion Week shows, because I did that. I was never one to have FOMO. I have the opposite, JOMO—the joy of missing out.

What’s the best piece of beauty wisdom that you’ve received from someone older or younger than you?

Less is more. I absolutely had come full circle on that. I think burning your skin and messing up your skin barrier with all of the lasers is excessive, and you can see the effects of it on women now. I see it all the time—too much plastic surgery too. A little goes such a long way, and even though you have to do it a little bit more frequently, it’s better.

Please give us a quick breakdown of your current beauty routine.

I first use the Take It Off Gel Oil Cleanser. The scent is so good; there’s no fragrance, but it’s a fresh, natural cucumber scent. I use it dry and Gua Sha with it. I was using the gel and Gua Sha on my son before I left, and he loved it. Then, I use the exfoliating pads everywhere, even the back of my hands, and mix my Morning Cocktail with the Skin Glow. Then I’ll do Gee Beauty Prime Skin or It Cosmetics CC Cream Nude Glow, mixed with Sarah Creal SPF 50 for a bit more sun coverage. On my cheeks, I use a mix of Merit Flush Balm, this beautiful Tarte Palette, Jones Road Blush, and Westman Atelier blush. I also love the Westman Atelier Mascara or the Sarah Creal Mascara. I use my Vacation Highlighter Stick. I had the Lip Tints for over a year before they launched, so I’ve been wearing them like a wardrobe. I use it as my base. If I want a little red, I’ll go for Chief of Everything or Fashionably Late for the best tan.