
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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I'm Not a Hairdresser—I Just Know How to Cut My Own Hair at HomeMy ultimate guide to an at-home haircut that won't fill you with regret.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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My Pesky Chin Hair Was No Match for This $12 ToolNow, I'm super smooth.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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My Mom Is a Naturopath, So Believe Me When I Say These 10 Healing Skincare Products Will Change Your LifeA different kind of clean girl.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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I've Never Seen My Frizzy Hair This Tame—And It's All Thanks to This At-Home Keratin TreatmentWild weather doesn't stand a chance.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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I Tossed My Five-Star Moisturizer In Favor of This Glowy Body Care RitualOil up.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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This Waterproof Makeup Routine Lasts Through Hot Pilates and a Good CryI love these products so much, I'm welling up.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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PSA: Microblading Your Eyebrows Has Come a Long Way Since 2016You'd never know I have naturally thin brows.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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I Can’t Wait For My Mustache to Grow Back So I Can Use This Face Razor AgainButtery-smooth, deliciously soft skin awaits.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Air-Drying Fine Hair Is an Art Form—These 10 Products Are KeyLow-maintenance with tons of volume.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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I Like My Espresso Shots Where I Can I Smell ThemIn my perfume.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Why Would I Use an Aluminum Antiperspirant When Natural Deodorants This Good Exist?Put to the test in a pilates class.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Why Spend $250 on a Lash Lift When These Volumizing Mascaras Exist?These are magic wands.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Let's All Agree That the Best Way to Kick Off 2026 Is With a Frosted LidFestive, but elevated.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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My One-Bedroom Apartment Is No Palace—But It Sure Smells Like OneHome is where the good candles are.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Why Yes, My Under Eyes Do Look 10 Years Younger Than the Rest of My FaceIt's all because of these hydrating eye creams.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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My Favorite Fool-Proof Winter Manicure Is So Rich Girl CodedPresenting: the 30 best polishes to get the look.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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These Cozy, Nostalgic, and Calming Perfumes Are Guaranteed to Fill Your CupAnyone for tea fragrances?
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Every Stylish Woman I Know from NYC to Paris Is Wearing This Effortless Hairstyle Right NowBetter pony up, baby.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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I'm Confident This $10 Toner Is Bottled Straight From the Fountain of YouthIt's the key to balanced skin.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Braided Hairstyles Are a Hollywood Secret WeaponLow-maintenance and can be worn multiple times? Immediately, yes.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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I Finally Figured Out the $15 Secret to the Cool Girl Slick Back BunNo flyaways in sight.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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This Sexy and Deeply Underrated Perfume Will Change Your Mind About Fruity ScentsMultifaceted, evocative, and guaranteed to please.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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This Fall, I'm Ditching My Golden Highlights for This Low-Key, Cozy Blonde ColorIt's subtle and easy to maintain.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Your Itchy Scalp Is Begging for a Clarifying ShampooSay goodbye to product buildup.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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I Hate to Break It to You But Medical-Grade Skincare Isn't Exactly What You ThinkThe experts are here to set the record straight.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Let Your Curls Do the Talking with the Year's Most In-Demand HaircutIf you've got 'em, flaunt 'em. (Curls, that is.)
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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PSA: I Secured Bella Hadid's Exact "Supermodel Blonde" Highlight FormulaYou're welcome.
By Sophia Vilensky Published


