Red, White, and Molly: The Glow of a Hamptons Icon

By Sydney Sadick

Under the golden sun in a Hamptons summer, few names shine brighter than Molly Sims. Supermodel, actress, podcast host, entrepreneur—and the radiant force behind YSE Beauty—she succeeds at reinventing herself time and time again. As fireworks light up our community, we sit down with the multihyphenate talent to talk clean beauty, her deep-rooted love for the East End, and what it truly means to own your power. 

Molly, you’ve been in the spotlight since you were 19. How have you been able to reinvent yourself and stay relevant after all these years?

I always say I’ve lived nine lives—and I’m still living more. I’ve always believed in embracing change, following my passions, and not feeling boxed in just because I’m “in a specific field.” I started as a model, transitioned into acting, hosting, podcasting, and now entrepreneurship with YSE Beauty. Each chapter has been about growth and giving 110 percent to whatever I’m doing. I love learning new things and truly believe you should try multiple careers and passions. The key is staying curious, taking risks, and never stopping the learning process.

Many remember you from your early 2000s modeling days. Did you always know you wanted to be in front of the camera?

Not at all! I was actually on a pre-law track at Vanderbilt University. Modeling wasn’t even on my radar. A friend who was a photographer asked to shoot me one day, and that led to me sending photos to a few agents in New York. I flew out, walked into a meeting in a black skirt, and NEXT signed me on the spot—I’ve been with them ever since. It wasn’t something I had planned, but once I started, I completely fell in love. Modeling gave me the chance to travel, live in places I never expected, and meet the most incredible people. It was a total leap of faith.

What’s your advice for remaining confident through the aging process?

 Embrace every stage. I’m not trying to look twenty or thirty; I’m focused on being the best version of myself now. Confidence comes from within, and from taking care of yourself—mentally, physically, emotionally. Age comes with wisdom and grace, and I choose to celebrate that.

You’re the founder of YSE Beauty. What sparked the idea to launch your own skincare brand?

YSE Beauty came from my own skincare struggles. In my thirties and forties, I dealt with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and melasma. I’ll never forget the day my husband [Scott Stuber]—love him, but he looked at me and said, “You have a dirt patch on your face.” It was hyperpigmentation. That was the turning point. I couldn’t find products that were effective and gentle; it was always one or the other. Either they wrecked my skin barrier, or they didn’t work. So I created YSE to be both. It’s about skincare that actually works without the harshness—simple, effective, empowering.

What does YSE mean/stand for?

It’s pronounced “wise,” and it’s inspired by my Big Momma; she was the wisest woman I knew and always told me to trust my instincts. This brand is for the wise woman, the woman doing it all.

You’ve built a loyal community through YSE Beauty. What does your new retail partnership with Sephora represent to you at this point in your journey as a founder?

It’s truly a dream come true. I still can’t believe it’s real. To me, it represents all the hard work and dedication we’ve put into YSE—me and my team, who move fast and move well. I’ve always loved Sephora, and now as a mom, I know so many of us are shopping there for our daughters. This feels like a moment for the moms, too. It’s a huge step in reaching more women and expanding our mission to make skincare that works.

With this being our Summer Style issue, how do you describe your style?

My summer style is effortless elegance. I’m all about breezy dresses, neutrals, and pieces that work from day to night. I love linen in the summer. And jelly sandals are making a comeback—I’m leaning into that. But really, it’s about feeling good and comfortable, whether I’m on the beach or at dinner.

What are some of your favorite brands and trends of the moment?

I’m loving FARM Rio, DÔEN, and Reformation for flirty summer dresses. I honestly scroll Mytheresa all the time; it’s a gold mine for great pieces.

You bought your first house in the Hamptons when you were just starting out. When you reflect on that milestone, what stands out to you?

What keeps you coming back to spend summers Out East? I bought my first home in the Hamptons in 1999, and it was a huge milestone. It symbolized independence and was the first place I could make my own. I had striped wallpaper, a full-on coral room—it was so me. My friends and I would go there to reset. The Hamptons is still my happy place— peaceful, beautiful, and full of memories. Now I get to share that with my kids, and that means everything.

What are your favorite Fourth of July traditions?

It’s all about friends, family, and fun. We host a big barbecue, then pack everyone up and run to the beach near our house for the fireworks. It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it’s one of my favorite days of the year.

What are your favorite simple pleasures? Any pet peeves?

Ten extra minutes in bed with the Daily Mail, red light therapy, and getting in a good workout. Pet peeve: disorganization. I’m the queen of labeled containers and packing cubes. Clutter drives me nuts!

Favorite date-night activity with your husband?

Honestly? Just having a date night at all! With three kids, it’s rare. We love being with them, so they crash a lot of our plans. But when we get the chance to dress up and go out for dinner, I love it. Getting fancy and reconnecting—those are my favorite nights.

We love listening to your podcast, “Lipstick on the Rim.” Who’s your dream guest?

We’ve had so many dream guests already—Victoria Beckham, Hilary Duff, Ciara, incredible doctors and experts. But I would love to have Paris Hilton. She actually commented on one of our posts that she listens and I was dying. Manifesting it!

You recently guest-hosted The Kelly Clarkson Show. How was that experience? Did it bring back any memories from your MTV days?

Oh, my God, I was so nervous. Brooks—my oldest—had to convince me. I kept saying, “I can’t do this,” and he was like, “Mom, you have to.” And I’m so glad I did. It brought me right back to House of Style—the energy, the audience, the rush of live TV. It was nostalgic and so much fun.

You interviewed Patrick Schwarzenegger. What was that like? And are you a White Lotus fan?

I’m a huge fan of The White Lotus—obsessed. Patrick was amazing, and so different from his character. He’s so sweet and grounded. My team and I definitely fangirled a little watching him in the office. Still not over how that season ended, by the way.

You also have your own production company, Something Happy Productions. What’s the most challenging part of working behind the scenes?

Balancing creativity with logistics. Producing involves so many moving parts, but I love getting to shape stories and bring them to life. My husband is incredible at it, and I’ve learned a lot from him, but I think I’ve proven that there’s another producer in the house now!

As a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, how do you navigate the balance—and what’s your top piece of advice for women trying to do the same?

Balance is about setting priorities and being honest with yourself about where you can give your energy. You can’t be 100 percent everywhere. Know your strengths, ask for help where you need it, and protect your time. Also, take care of you. Burnout helps no one, and rest is part of the work. Still working on that one myself!

What’s next for you?

I’m so excited for what’s ahead. We’re growing YSE Beauty and expanding into retail. We’re working on The Last Mrs. Parrish for Netflix, which will star Jennifer Lopez and be directed by Robert Zemeckis—insane! The podcast is growing, and we have new experts and guests lined up. There’s always something cooking, and I can’t wait to share it all.