
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 Canceled My Laser Hair Removal Appointment After Trying a $6 Shaving HackSilky smooth skin—on a budget.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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I Thought Frizz Was Inevitable—But a Controversial Hair Treatment Proved Me WrongFeatures No gatekeeping here.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow Turned Me On to the World's Best $8 Lip BalmPucker up.
By Marisa Petrarca Last updated
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This Luxury Oil-Free Foundation Helps My Redness Disappear Like MagicClear skin in a bottle.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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A Beauty Editor's Guide to Hair Colorists in NYCI trust these talented colorists implicitly.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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The Summer Hair Colors Celebrities Love"Cowboy copper" and "espresso brunette" are ready for their time in the sun.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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8 Dolce & Gabbana Perfumes to Help You Tap Into the Smelling Expensive TrendSicilian lemon, florals and cedar—there’s something for everyone.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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The 15 Best Body Sunscreens to Match Your Every SPF NeedSayonara, sunburns.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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19 Beauty Brands Giving Back to the LGBTQ+ CommunityThey're teaming up with The Trevor Project, GLAAD, and more.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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The Reality TV Junkie's Guide to Lake TahoeSwimming, skiing—and the opportunity to check in on the latest 'Vanderpump' venture.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Don't Underestimate Scalp MassagersThe hair health benefits are unmatched.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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I Tried an At-Home Brow Tint—Now I Never Need a Brow PencilIt's actually incredibly easy.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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My Favorite Blowout Requires No Heat WhatsoeverHeatless curls really do work.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Cardi B's Triangular Met Gala Manicure Is Secretly Very ComplicatedIt has length *and* height.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Sydney Sweeney With a Jet Black Bob Wasn’t on My Met Gala Bingo CardSnow White, is that you?
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Goth Makeup Is Trending at the 2024 Met GalaZendaya and Emma Chamberlain prove the Garden of Time is home to a bit of darkness.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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The 2024 Met Gala's 'The Garden in Time' Theme Calls For Plenty of Rose-Colored BlushStars 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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We Discovered The Best Hair Colorists in Los AngelesCherry Cola red, here I come.
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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Foundation Sticks Are the Most Underrated Complexion ProductionThese 10 picks are easy to apply—and provide great coverage.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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The Best Hair Straighteners Add Instant Shine to Your StyleThese picks are coming in hot.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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It's Easy to Fall in Love With These 16 Wedding Day PerfumesSay I do.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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The 9 Best Clear Mascaras, According to Makeup ArtistsHere'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 SeemBut if you want to treat them, we consulted the experts.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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The Bar Soap Boom Is HereDespite endless body wash options, the art of luxury soap making hasn't slipped away.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Your Drugstore Leave-In Conditioner Can Be So Much MoreDiscover the best affordable leave-in conditioners, according to hairstylists.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Blue Eyeshadow Is Destined for a ComebackHow To The true blue beauty movement is just beginning.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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