We’ve tapped a few of our favorite tastemakers to share what inspires them about beauty, and beyond—how they live their lives, who they look up to, and what’s driven them on their creative paths.
Kiley McKinnon + Ariana Ferwerda
FOUNDERS OF HALFDAYS
Sometimes the unexpected makes perfect sense. Like when a women's skiwear brand transforms the male-dominated outdoor industry to feel much more approachable. Or when we team up with said brand on a limited-edition collaboration celebrating cold-weather essentials that keep you protected. Meet the founders of Halfdays, Kiley McKinnon and Ariana Ferwerda, who are on a mission to get women to the top of the mountain. Their gear actually fits well and looks good because it's made by women, for women. And yes, they both ski—Kiley even competed in the 2018 Olympics. Get to know them and see what they have to say about starting a company, staying moisturized, and getting nine hours of sleep every night.
The best thing about starting Halfdays has been feeling like we are actually making a change in the industry and seeing our products in the wild :) - Kiley
The most surprising thing about starting Halfdays has been the number of times we get asked, “when are you going to launch a men’s line?” - Ariana
I always love skiing at Deer Valley. It feels like home since I lived in Utah for many years and competed there a bunch! - Kiley
Telluride! Obsessed with a mountain-top après moment at Alpino Vino. - Ariana
My winter beauty/skincare routine/hack is lots of moisturizer and sunscreen! It’s extra dry and the snow is very reflective. - Kiley
face oil and a bedside humidifier at night. - Ariana
My on-the-slopes style tip is to have a neutral colored helmet and goggles so that it matches with any outfit! - Kiley
to invest in a fun crossbody bag–it accessorizes your ski outfit but also fits all the essentials (beanie, sunglasses, moisturizer, lip balm!). - Ariana
The beauty/skincare product I’m never without is tinted moisturizer with SPF and lip balm. - Kiley
allll the lip products–ILIA tinted lip oil, an evening lip color, and several tubes of lip balm. - Ariana
For self care I like to work out, sauna, and spend time with my cat, Miles. I swear animals can cure anything. - Kiley
I go for long walks, get massages, and religiously get nine hours of sleep every night. - Ariana
A piece of advice/quote I always go back to is don’t be afraid to fail! We’re all doing life for the first time. - Kiley
that if there’s a will, there’s a way. - Ariana
The book on my nightstand doesn’t exist. Don’t hate me, but I’m not a huge reader! - Kiley
a rotation of books about business (I know, boring). Currently reading The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. - Ariana
Three things that are always in my fridge Sriracha, eggs, and cheese. - Kiley
turmeric shots, Sanzo sparkling water, and goat cheese. - Ariana
One of my personal heroes is anyone who puts themselves first by prioritizing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being above all else, like Simone Biles. - Kiley
Sara Blakely. Her relentless determination to get Spanx off the ground was so inspiring. I have immense respect for anyone who refuses to give up, even after hearing "no" hundreds of times, and continues pushing forward against all odds.
Kiley + Ariana's Picks
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Sunshift Cream Bronzer
Blend along cheekbones, forehead, and nose to create warmth.
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Lip Wrap Reviving Balm
Swipe onto lips for barrier-building hydration with a glossy finish.
ILIA x Tappan Collective
FEAT. ARTISTS SATSUKI SHIBUYA, JAIMIE MILNER, AND BRIANNA LANCE
Makeup is a medium. In partnership with Tappan, a platform for discovering and supporting emerging talent, we teamed up with three artists to create works using Eye Stylus Shadow Stick that blur the lines between beauty and art.
Satsuki Shibuya
ARTIST + SPIRITUAL THINKER
Artwork Title: ILIA
Art is a medium for spiritual practice—and for Satsuki Shibuya, spirituality takes on many forms. While her diverse repertoire of work spans paintings, poetry, and healing arts, Satsuki is perhaps best known for meditative abstract watercolors and prints, infused with neutral tones and elegant brush strokes. Her work—which has been featured in publications like Architectural Digest and Vogue—taps into elements of sound and vibration, meant to invoke a deep sense of tranquility.
My experience using makeup as a medium felt integrated and organic. The buttery texture of Eye Stylus was a delight, whether I was applying it directly onto the canvas with my fingertips or using it [like] a crayon.
In three words, the piece I created is awakening, expanding, life-force-energy.
Eye Stylus was inspired by Renaissance oil paintings. Some eras, movements, or artists that have inspired my practice are Rei Kawakubo for her brilliant mind… Joan Mitchell – pure energy captured in each stroke. Hilma af Klint for bridging the spiritual and creative. Minimalism. Marimekko. Ryōan-ji in Kyoto, Japan.
My advice on collecting art is to collect what speaks to you… All art carries a particular soul vibration that if not matched, can create dissonance within you and the space it occupies.
My slant on finding inspiration is if your blood rushes, you have hit the jackpot.
My slant on beauty is it changes over time and continues to morph. The non-permanence of beauty is what makes things beautiful.
My slant on a studio soundtrack is Joe Hisaishi, Indie Pop, and Bossa Nova/Jazz.
Shop Satsuki’s Favorites
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Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil
Tinted lip oil that leaves lips soft, smooth, and anything but sticky.
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Jaimie Milner
PHOTOGRAPHER
Artwork Title: Noble Beauty
It was during a high school elective class that Jaimie Milner’s passion for photography came into focus. She quickly saw the power of imagery and began to harness the medium to tell stories of the human spirit—particularly of the African diaspora and Black identity. Her work aims to capture the essence of people and their individual characteristics—letting race, gender, and sexuality filter the lens through which people see themselves and each other. Jaime’s work has been featured in Architectural Digest, The Strategist, The LA Times, and more.
My personal beauty style is… I’m a natural girl all the way. My makeup routine has to be quick and easy. I just want to feel naturally gorgeous and I think that's what I'm drawn to… [people] who are evocative and comfortable in their skin.
The Eye Stylus shades I am most drawn to are Noble, Adorn, and Beam. Their warmth, tone, and shimmer…[remind] me of the sun on my skin.
Eye Stylus was inspired by Renaissance oil paintings. Some eras, movements, or artists that has inspired my practice are Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz’s early work. There was this raw tangible beauty and emotion conveyed through their imagery.
My slant on finding inspiration is look within yourself—your dreams and desires are your greatest sources of inspiration.
My slant on beauty is it’s within so stop trying so hard and just be you.
My slant on a studio soundtrack is NEIL FRANCES.
Shop Jaimie’s Favorites
Brianna Lance
PAINTER/ARTIST
Artwork Title: Beauty Garden
After two decades working in fashion, it took a worldwide pandemic for Brianna Lance to realize her lifelong habit of painting was her true purpose. “I felt my relationship to myself and my spirituality completely grow,” she says of becoming a full-time painter, “I didn’t even know work could make you feel like that.” While many of her paintings depict natural settings and underwater life, they skew more subconscious and spontaneous—submerging you into a fantastical realm equally delicate and rich in detail. Her work has been featured in publications like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, and places like Freehand New York and The Standard Hotel.
One way my personal beauty style inspires my work… My paintings 100% leak into my beauty routine. I spend so much time on my paintings that naturally when I go to paint my face… I’ll [pick] the same colors… I love putting on makeup. I find it to be one of the most meditative and relaxing things I do.
Eye Stylus was inspired by Renaissance oil paintings. An era, movement, or artist that has inspired my practice is Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights. I love how feminine it is as well as how there are so many vignettes to fall into.
My most unexpected art supply is Van Van Oil. [I put a little tiny bit] on each of my paintings so whoever owns them is hopefully brought abundance.
My slant on color is that it is one of the great gifts of being alive and seeing.
My slant on finding inspiration is to always keep yourself open so you don’t miss it.
Shop Brianna’s Favorites
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Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil
Tinted lip oil that leaves lips soft, smooth, and anything but sticky.
Hillary Taymour
FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR, COLLINA STRADA
For Hillary Taymour, creativity and social consciousness are cut from the same cloth. As the founder of fashion brand Collina Strada, her unconventional designs strike a delicate balance between playful and thought-provoking—breathing new life into resources that would otherwise go to waste. Hillary’s experimental approach to color led to a recent collaboration at New York Fashion Week to celebrate the upcoming launch of ILIA’s Eye Stylus Shadow Stick—which was used to hand-paint animal-inspired makeup looks to adorn the new collection.
At the core of her work is Hillary’s desire to stay true to her craft and encourage the wearer’s self-reflection. She believes fashion lends itself to discussions around larger social issues, ultimately shaping how we see ourselves and our communities. It’s her hope that Collina Strada’s untamed creative ethos and commitment to sustainability will inspire others to reimagine what’s possible.
A backstage beauty/skincare hack I’ve learned is using a hydrating mist or essence between makeup layers.
The inspiration behind the makeup look for the show was looking at face painting and childlike makeup from old runway shows and YouTube videos to create an animal inspired look.
A piece of clothing I’ll always keep is the cargo pants I wore to the Met Gala.
If I wasn’t a designer, I would work in regenerative agriculture or be an installation artist.
For self care, I do a face mask, bath, and an early bedtime.
A piece of advice/quote I always go back to is The best way to predict the future is to create it. —Peter Drucker
My favorite city is NYC because it's my home. My favorite neighborhood is everywhere downtown… I love to eat at any vegan [restaurant] and shop at vintage stores.
Three things that are always in my fridge: hummus, sparkling water, broccoli
Last best show I saw was… I have been so fortunate in my life to see a lot of things between art, fashion, and music. I could never pick a best show. I recently saw the SWEAT tour, that was fun.
One of my personal heroes is… I have learned to never meet your heroes. I admire many people that are skilled at their profession and care about this planet. We are all human.
For this season’s beauty look I wanted to create something that symbolized joy while drawing from natural elements.
Our approach to sustainability this season looked like prominently featuring garments crafted from deadstock textiles and previously discarded materials [and] designing with zero-waste pattern technique, [which] reduced offcuts and found creative uses for scraps.
The Eye Stylus shades I reach for most are dark brown and neutrals. I prefer putting the dark brown shades in the corner of my eyes.
Hillary’s Picks
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Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Smooth on like a serum for dewy coverage and mineral SPF.
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Sunshift Cream Bronzer
Blend along cheekbones, forehead, and nose to create warmth.
Stephie Tchamanian
FOUNDER + CEO OF LILI CLASPE
When we first saw Lili Claspe’s pieces inspired by the sea—shell-shaped earrings, Baroque pearl charms, nautilus spiral necklaces—we knew they were the perfect match for our holiday of deep beauty. So perfect, in fact, that we teamed up on a photoshoot and intimate dinner to celebrate the season. Founder and jewelry designer Stephie Tchamanian has been growing her line for over a decade, becoming known for creative shoots that define the brand’s artistic vibe. “I love crafting unique pieces that tell a story and reflect personal style. When I’m not designing, you’ll probably find me mood boarding new ideas or connecting with other artists.” Let’s dive in.
If I wasn’t a jewelry designer I’d be a creative director
The beauty/skincare product I’m never without is sunscreen
My lifelong beauty hack is keeping chapstick on me at all times. A total game changer! In a pinch, I’ve used chapstick on my eyebrows, lips, cuticles, and even along my hairline to tame those postpartum baby hairs. It’s my secret weapon for quick fixes.
My favorite artist is Adele
My go-to jewelry styling tip is to keep it simple. Dainty pieces work beautifully together—like stacking studs with huggies, which pairs perfectly with chain bracelets or a delicate necklace stack. On the flip side, bold pieces should be styled well, boldly. I have a rule that eye-catching earrings can only be paired with an equally striking bracelet or ring. I like to keep the neck clear when wearing bold earrings, reserving a statement necklace for when I’m wearing a ring instead. This way, each piece shines without overwhelming the rest of the look!
I find design inspiration in so many places! Nature is a big one for me—the colors, textures, and patterns in the natural world spark my creativity.
For self care I prioritize establishing a morning or evening ritual to help set the tone for my day or assist in winding down. This can be as simple as a skincare routine, journaling, or reading a few pages of a book. Self-care doesn’t have to be a big event—even just a few minutes here and there can make a significant difference.
A piece of advice/quote I always go back to is 'Progress over perfection.' This reminds me that it’s okay to take small steps and make mistakes along the way.
The book currently on my nightstand is "The Creative Habit" by Twyla Tharp
Three things that are always in my fridge: eye masks, burrata cheese, and fresh fruit!
A place that means a lot to me is Ojai. It’s my go-to escape from a busy schedule. Whenever I’m there, I truly thrive—my skin glows, I feel stress-free, and I can reconnect with myself. The beautiful landscape and serene atmosphere really help me recharge and find balance.
A piece of jewelry I never take off is my Osha Pinky Ring and Adira Stud Earrings, which I love pairing with my diamond drop earrings that I made myself after the birth of my second son.
The last best show I saw was Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats—they were amazing live!
One of my personal heroes is my sister, Lisa. Even though she’s no longer with us, her unwavering determination and strength continue to inspire me every day. Lili Claspe is named after her, and is a constant reminder of her spirit and the impact she had on my life. She faced challenges with grace and kindness, always supporting those around her. I carry her lessons with me and strive to honor her memory by pursuing my own goals with the same passion and resilience she showed in life.
If I’m feeling stuck creatively I usually take a break from social media. Instagram and Pinterest are great for inspiration, but they can also overload my brain and lead to burnout. Taking a step back helps me clear my mind and reconnect with my own ideas. It’s amazing how a little break can give me a fresh perspective and get my creativity flowing again!
Stephie's Picks
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Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Smooth on like a serum for dewy coverage and mineral SPF.
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Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil
Tinted lip oil that leaves lips soft, smooth, and anything but sticky.
Hannah Traore
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR OF HANNAH TRAORE GALLERY
While Hannah Traore dreamed of becoming a teacher, it seems almost destined that she ended up in the art world. Raised by creative parents in Toronto, she majored in art history at Skidmore College, interned for MoMA’s curatorial department and opened her eponymous gallery in the Lower East Side neighborhood of New York—all at the age of just 29. Her gallery is described as “a space committed to advocating for and celebrating artists who have been historically marginalized from the mainstream narrative.” Through this inclusivity-driven mission, the gallerist slash curator is bringing a fresh perspective to the city’s art scene and lucky for us, she’s only getting started.
If I wasn’t a gallerist I’d be a primary school teacher. It was my dream from preschool to sophomore year of college.
The beauty product I’m never without is my eyebrow brush
My lifelong beauty hack is using face oil morning and night.
My favorite artist is all the artists I've shown in my gallery!
For self care I see friends/family or make art
A piece of advice I always go back to is people are always going to have something to say no matter what you do so you may as well do what you want.
Before opening a show at my gallery, I always buy my artists flowers
The book currently on my nightstand is Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende
Three things that are always in my fridge: pickles, olives, and sparkling water
A place that means a lot to me is my father's village in the west of Mali. I’m the happiest when I’m there with my grandmother, aunts, uncles, and over 50 cousins. I love spending time in the place that my father grew up in.
Last best show I saw was Arther Jaffa at David Zwirner
One of my personal heroes is anyone who is willing to lose their dream/career to stand up for what they believe in—Flo-Jo, Al Joyner, and Colin Kaepernick for example.
My favorite city is Toronto, because it’s the most multicultural city in the world and my family is there.
Hannah's Picks
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Lip Wrap Reviving Balm
Swipe onto lips for barrier-building hydration with a glossy finish.
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Sophie Dalah
FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF SOPHIE'S TABLE
LA-based chef Sophie Dalah is passionate about feeding people. And while delicious food is the main offering of her catering company Sophie’s Table, she designs more than just a good menu. By merging food, floristry, and tablescaping, Sophie creates artful culinary moments that feel intimate and interactive. The Australian-born creative infuses life experiences into her work—drawing upon her Jewish Iraqi heritage and upbringing to tell different food stories, while letting seasonal and local produce shape her menus. With a long list of diverse clients including Sézane, Nike, Rhode—and ILIA—Sophie’s artistry takes on many flavors.
If I wasn’t a chef I’d be an antique collector
The beauty product I’m never without is an eyebrow pencil
My lifelong beauty + skincare hack is moving my body
My favorite artist is Lee Krasner, I was extremely moved by The Seasons at the Whitney recently
My favorite hosting tip is plan a meal that can be prepped ahead of time so you can spend time with your guests and not in the kitchen, maybe just finishing off parts as food goes out
For self care I swim in salt water, I’m always reluctant
A piece of advice I always go back to is if you don’t ask, you don’t get
My favorite recipe to make is any kind of braise. I do love making chicken pozole, though I don’t have a recipe. I should write one.
The book currently on my nightstand is all about love by bell hooks
Three things that are always in my fridge: pickles, eggs, prosciutto
Last best show I saw was mk.gee in LA
One of my personal heroes is Mimi Thorisson
Sophie's Picks
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Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Smooth on like a serum for dewy coverage and mineral SPF.
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Laufey
MUSICIAN
“My goal is to bring jazz and classical music to my generation through a more accessible road,” says LA-based, Icelandic-Chinese superstar Laufey (pronounced lāy-vāy). Since the September 2023 release of her GRAMMY-winning second album Bewitched, the composer, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist has proved how staying true to oneself can result in creating a space where people can find themselves. And at 25, she’s just getting started. With sold-out tours worldwide, performances with the LA Phil and China Philharmonic Orchestra, an appearance at the Met Gala, and TikTok-viral beauty looks—she’s charting her own path while her music climbs the charts.
If I wasn't a musician I'd be an author
The beauty/skincare product I'm never without on tour is a good facial moisturizer! It gets so dry on the tour bus and on planes!
My lifelong beauty routine is sleeping as much as possible!
My desert island album is Chet Baker Sings: It Could Happen to You
For Self care I call my sister and parents often
A piece of advice I always go back to is to chase your passion! If you’re fortunate enough to have a burning passion for something you owe it to yourself to give it a try.
The book currently on my nightstand is Babel by R.F. Kuang
Three things that are always in my fridge: icelandic skyr, eggs and strawberry jam
A place that means a lot to me is Iceland. It’s my home!
Last best show I saw was Taylor Swift’s Eras. It’s a masterclass in performance.
One of my personal heroes is Ella Fitzgerald
So far my favorite age is 25!
Photo Credit : Nicole Mago
Laufey's Picks
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Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
Swipe and blend to blur skin with weightless coverage.
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