
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

Fullness in a flash.
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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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You Heard It Here First: All the It Girls Are Going Short This YearChop chop.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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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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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 Replica Luxury HandbagMy 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-Replica Luxury Handbag 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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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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If My Winter Manicure Doesn't Have a Chrome Finish, I Don't Want ItHeavy metal or bust.
By Sophia Vilensky Last updated
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The Shorter the Bangs, The Better the BobChop chop.
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

