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As a lifestyle editor, I love the breadth of topics I get to cover from romanticizing our lives to the latest wellness trends. But one assignment that’s hard to beat? Getting the chance to interview fascinating women whose careers I’ve followed my entire life. Case in point: writing about supermodel and beauty brand founder Molly Sims’ morning routine, and uncovering exactly how this woman I admire gets it all done.
Molly’s modeling work has involved campaigns for Jimmy Choo, Escada, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, and Chanel (i.e., some of the biggest names in fashion). Her podcast, Lipstick on the Rim is a must-listen, Molly’s brand YSE is a mainstay in all of our routines, and her multi-media company, Something Happy Productions creates some of the most binge-worthy content we’ve ever consumed. Of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list of all of her many achievements and accolades. Cataloging that would span this entire article. But I’ll write this: the “don’t meet your heroes” adage? It doesn’t apply to Molly—the woman is an absolute delight.
Molly Sims’ Morning Routine
“I almost cancelled—but I never cancel,” were Molly’s first words when we got to her LA home. The scene was a whirl of activity. She was meeting with her YSE team to review marketing initiatives, wrapping up a day of back-to-back interviews for her podcast, and prepping for her family to go to London in two days.
But when she got in front of the camera, Molly showed up. Her eyes sparkled with energy and her laugh came quickly with an infectious ease. Clearly, she’s a professional—but Molly is also a natural. Alongside giving us all of her best angles, she had us doubled over with her wry sense of humor. Molly works hard while also keeping it real—even stopping the shoot to quickly clean up dog poop in her yard. While other celebrities or professionals at the top of their game can feel inaccessible, Molly moves with a certain comfort and openness that immediately welcomes you into her world.
I should pause here to note: Molly’s skin? Perfection. As she’s dove deep into the world of beauty with her newest venture, it’s clear that Molly practices what she preaches. Her morning and evening skincare lineup is gold, and we were taking notes as she outlined her entire routine. And when we asked her about YSE Beauty, it became obvious that this is more than a business—it’s a passion. Molly has an eye for aesthetics and a gift for surrounding herself with beauty. And as a result, she’s living her most inspired and vibrant life.
Read on for our interview with Molly. We cover everything from her morning routine essentials to the workouts she can’t enough of, and I have a feeling you’ll find her just as refreshing and down to earth as we did.
Tell us about your career. What has life been like as a model and actress?
Honestly, I never thought my career would be what it is today. I mean I came from Murray, a really small town in Kentucky, that was only really known because of their basketball. However, life unfolds very differently than you think it would. I’ve been so blessed in being able to travel all over the world for modeling, acting with incredible and talented individuals, and being able to dive into the beauty industry with my skincare line YSE Beauty.
I’ve always been very curious in life and I think this has helped shape me who I am today. Life is about pivoting. Fun fact: I have always thought that with my love of true crime and politics, that maybe I’ll go down the path of a lawyer… that’s totally not what happened. With my mom as such a great inspiration to me with her love of beauty and having the ability to learn about different cultures, it made me appreciate fashion and beauty so much more and find an interest in it that later became my passion.
Life unfolds very differently than you think it would.
What has been your biggest learning over the past year?
Well, I had a fourth child named YSE Beauty. We are still in the newborn phase, but are about to start getting the courage to walk and it feels damn good. Having a DTC brand has been all-encompassing. Learning so much about influencer strategy, marketing, social strategies, manufacturing, product development. It takes a lot to run a business. But, for me, I love learning. I love learning who my customers are, who these YSE women are, what they need from me, and what I can learn to do better for them. It gets you incredibly invested.
What does a typical day look like for you?
- Wake up with the whole Stuber clan in bed. Grey is the hardest one to get out of bed. If we are ever late to drop-off, it’s usually because of Grey.
- Then I panic-check my calendar to make sure I am not forgetting anything.
- Pilates with Erika Rae from Forma Pilates. I typically switch off between pilates and cardio.
- Make a great cup of coffee. I love my coconut creamer that I use.
- I’m a huge breakfast girl. I usually reach for these delicious egg white muffins that we keep in the fridge.
- Get dressed for the office. When I’m not being lazy, I love to dress up for work. I love to “dress for New York” even though I live in LA. Helps me feel more productive.
- Go to the office and power through all my meetings. Usually I order a bone broth and salad from goop Kitchen for lunch.
- Pick up the kids at 3 p.m. (at least, I try to most days) and then head to their sports practice. This part of the day is usually man on man defense. It’s a lot to tackle—no pun intended.
- Usually we try to eat something for dinner in between all the chaos.
- Then we end the night always with binge-watching a cooking show. It was the only thing we could always agree on as a family. We love Nailed It, Bake or Break, and Is It Cake.
- If I get any alone time before bed, I love to do a red light therapy mask for 20 minutes right before I go to bed and drink a cup of the Moon Juice Magnesi-om.
What time is your wake-up call?
I usually wake up at 6:15 a.m. and the kids wake up at 7 a.m. Grey wakes up at 7:40 a.m. and leaves at 7:42 a.m. for school.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Usually it’s mediating between all the bickering in the morning with the kids. It’s constant “Are you going to let Grey stay home ‘cuz that’s not fair since I was really sick last wee.” Don’t get me started on the arguing that ensues if one of them is touching the other.
What are your morning rituals?
Doing my skincare routine and face rolling with my Golden Sculpt Face Roller. I never miss a day. Okay, I’m lying but I will say I am pretty damn consistent with my skincare routine because it is truly the only way to see results. Consistency is key!
What do you eat for breakfast?
I have made the same smoothie for as long as I can remember. It’s a Vanilla Protein Blueberry Smoothie and it hits the spot every time. I use:
- Vanilla protein powder
- Collagen
- Flaxseed
- Blueberries
- Vanilla almond milk
If I don’t make that, I’ll have either egg white muffins or egg whites on Carbonate Bread (Emese, my best friend and I are obsessed with) with a quarter avocado and sriracha.
What will we always find in your refrigerator?
Protein balls, roasted chicken cut up, turkey base to go over pasta, spaghetti squash base or cauliflower rice base, sweet potatoes, etc. Honestly anything that goes into a harvest bowl.
Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:
Do you work out in the morning?
Yes for 45 minutes to an hour. I switch between pilates and cardio. I do also love to incorporate weights somehow.
What are your favorite books?
Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson and the The 5 Principles of Parenting by Aliza Pressman.
What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?
“The Eras of Us” by Fletcher or “Loving On Me” by Jack Harlow.
What’s always on your nightstand?
Picture frames, candles, book, Therabody, a red light mask, YSE Beauty Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream, and a Vitruvi. Oh, and usually a used tissue or gunk stuck to my nightstand from my kids.
In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?
Chic, elevated, down to earth.
What’s your daily uniform?
I usually switch it up between these brands below. You can never go wrong with a great pant, chic blazer, and a cool flat.
I would do an infrared sauna or cold plunging.
What’s one thing you do every day to live a more joyful life?
I say a prayer.
Sentence Finishers:
I never leave the house without: my sunglasses.
If there were more hours in the day, I would: lay down.
Healthiest morning habit: making my morning smoothie.
Worst morning habit: looking at Daily Mail.
One thing I want to be known for is: being a connector.
The one thing I fear the most: going to the doctors.
When I feel that fear, I: take a deep breath, and really try to center myself.
The book I always recommend is: The Secret History by Donna Tart.
One trait you need to succeed in life is: to be curious and to be passionate.
Bath or shower? Shower.
And what’s your favorite shower/bath product? Nécessaire Body Wash.