Kari Molvar is one of those moms who always look effortlessly put together, and as a former beauty editor at SELF and Allure and contributor to Vogue and T: The New York Times Style magazine, she knows what she’s talking about. The best part? Like any good mom friend, she doesn’t gatekeep.
Recently, we caught up with the Greenwich, CT-based mom of two (Chloe, 14 and Jemma, 13) and asked her for her 5-minute pre-drop off beauty routine, her skincare secrets and mom uniform for spring. Plus, all about her chic new online Scandinavian and New England-inspired boutiqe, House & Hem.
Let’s start with skincare. What’s currently in your lineup?
I’m very Scandinavian in my approach to skincare in that I keep things simple and focus on a few essentials that work really well. I also don’t believe in spending too much on skincare, since you can find so many great brands at affordable prices.
I got hooked on Rhode from my daughters and I think their Barrier Restore Cream is excellent: it hydrates without leaving you greasy. Instead, you just look fresh and dewy for spring. The Barrier Butter is fantastic if you need a bigger boost of moisture at night.
I’m also a big proponent of hand-care. Tired, dry hands really age you. I’m terrible at remembering to apply hand cream but a favorite is Santa Maria Novella’s Calendula Cream, which is soothing, smells beautiful and keeps your skin hydrated all day long. Good old-fashioned CeraVe is also great, not just for your hands but your entire body!
Love those picks. Now on to makeup—what is giving you that Spring glow?
Spring makeup is all about luminous, dewy skin. I’m obsessed with Westman Atelier’s entire line, especially the Vital Complexion Skincare Drops and Baby Cheeks Blush Stick. I also love Victoria Beckham’s new beauty line, particularly the Posh Balm, which is similar to a tinted lip balm and comes in really chic colors (I wear the sheer poppy Colette shade).
What’s your pre-drop off, 5-minute beauty routine?
I apply The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum for a quick glow, my Westman Atelier Vital Complexion Drops, plus a swirl of the Baby Cheeks blush, and then hit the roots of my hair with a blowdryer to add some instant volume. It’s enough but not too much—very Scandi style!
Speaking of simple, what’s your mom uniform?
As a busy mom, I keep my wardrobe streamlined and add pops of interest with my accessories. I carry a Longchamp 3D Crossbody Bag in a very pretty burgundy tone. For jewelry, I think Tiffany’s is having a real comeback. They have great classics with interesting twists. I recently bought the Forever Band and I have my eye on the Victoria Earrings and Tiffany Knot Ring. The Greenwich boutique is so lovely (Grace Lamb is the best client advisor I’ve ever worked with, hands-down).
Finally, a big congrats on the opening of House & Hem! How did it come about?
Last year my partner had an amazing opportunity to work in Stockholm. I stayed here with our two girls, Chloe (14) and Jemma (13), since it was too disruptive to move right before the school year started. But we ended up going to visit frequently. The country is gorgeous, and the city of Stockholm is super stylish and design-focused. My family is from Norway so it was particularly special to reconnect to my roots and heritage.
Being surrounded by such beautiful design, particularly home decor, gave me the idea to launch my own online shop last year, House & Hem. We feature tabletop, houseware, linens, stationery and gifts inspired by the Nordics and New England (“hem” is Swedish for “home”). I grew up in Rhode Island and I’ve always loved the overlap between Scandinavian and New England style—it’s rustic minimalism mixed with cottage-y floral patterns, which I wanted to explore.
Any favorite picks?
I’m obsessed with prints and patterns so some of my favorites pieces from House & Hem include the Summer Blues Dinner Plates, Nordic Birch Blue Flowers Serving Tray and Lobster Gingham Napkins. I love setting a pretty table and I don’t think you need to wait for a fancy event to enjoy what you own!
Read our Meet a Mom with Kari.
