
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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Yes, I Do Have the Softest Complexion Around—All Thanks to This $19 ExfoliatorJust in time for glow season, baby.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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I Found 27 Chrome Nail Designs to Try—Because the Cool-Girl Manicure Never Goes Out of StyleHeavy metal or bust.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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My Hair Looks the Healthiest and Shiniest It Ever Has—All Because of This One ProductThis $15 spray is my best-kept secret.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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For Youthful Skin Below the Neck, Turn to This Dermatologist-Beloved FormulaBecause anti-aging benefits are for your entire body.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Forget the Dryer—This Cream Is the Most Important Part of My BlowoutIt protects, adds volume, and fights frizz all in one.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Is It Weird to Say This Hair Removal Cream Is Also My Favorite Body Lotion?For a smooth *and* bump-free finish.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Only Cool Girls Get Shag HaircutsThis is one piping hot (and air dry-friendly) hairstyle trend I can get behind.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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My Hair Has Zero Heat Damage and Perfect Curls Thanks to This $10 Viral HackDitch the hot tools for these easy alternatives.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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Here's What Every Woman Over 50 Uses to Achieve Dewy, Glowing SkinFine line-fighting, complexion-perfecting goodness.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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FYI, This Is the Most Affordable and Effective Way to Prevent Premature AgingDrugstore mineral SPFs are where it's at.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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My Fine Hair Can Finally Achieve Va-Va-Voom Volume with This Easy-to-Use MousseFullness in a flash.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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I Don't Mess With Luxury Blow Dryers—My Go-To Is Under $60 and Dries My Hair In Record TimeWho says a good hair day has to break the bank?
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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I Got an Ultra-Layered Butterfly Cut—And I'll Never Go BackButterfly cuts forever.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Can a Blood Orange Perfume Really Open My Sacral Chakra?Let the investigation commence.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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The Mature Women In My Life Swear By These Collagen-Boosting K-Beauty SerumsFirm, glass-like skin, approved by women over 50.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Say Goodbye to the Bob—All the Stylish Women In Hollywood and Beyond Are Asking For This Cool-Girl CutWhere shag meets style.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Here's My Secret to Deep Conditioning Fine Hair Without Losing VolumeRich repair that won't flatten your hair.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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My Fairy Godmother Definitely Came Up With This Elite Hot Tool DesignCurling wand or magic wand?
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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I’ve Tried Hundreds of Products for Fine Hair—These 10 Give Me Max VolumeFlat hair is about to get a serious lift.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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This Underrated Makeup Step Locks in My Full Beat for 12 HoursNothing on my face is budging.
By Siena Gagliano Last updated
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These Happy Perfumes Give Me an Instant Dopamine HitSay hello to smile-inducing scents.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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Experts Say Hazel Eyes Need These Dimensional Shadows to Help Them PopMakeup artists love this no-brainer eyeshadow color theory.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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My $26 Secret to Fake a Fuller Pout—No Filler RequiredMakeup artist-tested and approved.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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My Fine Hair Used to Air Dry Like Straw—But This $18 Leave-In Changed EverythingIt saves me every time.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
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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


