Sophia Vilensky
Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about beauty, food, and entertainment for publications including Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly , and—having grown up in a family of beauticians and spent years conducting deep dives into the world of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development (luxury, budget, and everywhere in between)—is a maven in her field, showing a special interest in clean ingredients, blush shades, holistic wellness, and the concept of signature fragrances. Also known as Sophie (she’ll answer to either), Sophia has worked as a hospital research assistant, senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for numerous top beauty and wellness brands—though you’ll be hard pressed to her with her hair and makeup actually done.
While you’ll regularly catch her bopping around on either coast, Sophia lives full-time in Minneapolis. A graduate of the University of Minnesota—she was an English major and cinema studies minor—she spent three years as the Minnesota Daily’s Arts & Entertainment Editor, winning 2019 Editor of the Year as she integrated herself in the Twin Cities arts scene and connected with the coolest stylists, aestheticians, and designers around. In 2019, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with an NPR-featured thesis project and launched her freelance writing career while simultaneously exploring the world of fine dining (you have to know about it to write about it!) as a team member of James Beard Best New Restaurant-nominated Demi. While there, she tried Osetra caviar for the first time and made sure to ask all the chicest guests about their lipstick color.
When she’s not writing or researching and testing new beauty launches, Sophia is easy to find watching reality TV, reading the latest and greatest novels and memoirs, or taking her supplements. Keep up with her (while she’s keeping up with the youngest Kardashian generation) on Instagram @sophiavilensky
Latest articles by Sophia Vilensky
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The 2024 Met Gala's 'The Garden in Time' Theme Calls For Plenty of Rose-Colored Blush
Stars like Ayo Edibiri and Gigi Hadid had a warm makeup moment on the 2024 Met Gala red carpet.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Celebrity Brow Artists Swear by These Sharp Tweezers
Get rid of unwanted hair in a snap.
By Julia Marzovilla Last updated
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Layers Are the Secret to an Easy, Air-Dried Hairstyle
Celebrity inspiration for your next salon appointment.
By Samantha Holender Last updated
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We Discovered The Best Hair Colorists in Los Angeles
Cherry Cola red, here I come.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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These 20 Lip Balms Will Save Your Dry, Chapped Lips
Pucker up.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Your Makeup Won't Budge With These Setting Sprays
Prepare for 12-hour wear.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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This Simple Routine Gave Me Glass Skin
My face is glossier than ever.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Let a Boar Bristle Brush Be Your Next 'Keratin Treatment'
These 14 brushes create unbelievable shine.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Will a Keratin Hair Treatment Damage Hair?
I tried a formaldehyde-free version to see for myself.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Foundation Sticks Are the Most Underrated Complexion Production
These 10 picks are easy to apply—and provide great coverage.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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These Rosacea-Friendly Foundations Make Redness Disappear
Magic in a bottle.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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The Best Hair Straighteners Add Instant Shine to Your Style
These picks are coming in hot.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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The 11 Best Self-Tanners for Pale Skin Will Finally Cure Your Glow Woes
Yes, they bottled sunshine.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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It's Easy to Fall in Love With These 16 Wedding Day Perfumes
Say I do.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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The 9 Best Clear Mascaras, According to Makeup Artists
Here's why the experts keep this understated product in their kits.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Relax, Jowls Aren't Nearly as Scary as They Seem
But if you want to treat them, we consulted the experts.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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The Bar Soap Boom Is Here
Despite endless body wash options, the art of luxury soap making hasn't slipped away.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Medical-Grade Skincare Isn't Exactly What You Think
Experts are here to set the record straight.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Your Drugstore Leave-In Conditioner Can Be So Much More
Discover the best affordable leave-in conditioners, according to hairstylists.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Blue Eyeshadow Is Destined for a Comeback
The true blue beauty movement is just beginning.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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You'd Never Guess Zendaya's Manicure Based On Her Recent Outfits
It's as simple as they come.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Merit's New Lipstick Belongs in Your Everyday Rotation
It's matte—but it's moisturizing.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Selena Gomez Is in a French Girl Beauty Phase
She goes fully Parisian in the "Love On" music video.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Yara Shahidi Settles the Great Side Part Debate Once and For All
There's no need to choose sides.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Angelina Jolie Fully Returns to Her '90s Blonde Roots
It's been a slow (and healthy) transformation.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Bella Hadid Finally Confirms She's a Beauty Brand Founder
Orebella arrives on May 2.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Meghan Markle's Latest Hair Transformation Is So Subtle
Fans almost missed the "chocolate chestnut brown" update.
By Sophia Vilensky Published