Former model turned novelist Sara Stamford has spent years in the makeup chair, working with artists around the world and trying more products than most of us ever will. Now a trusted voice in beauty and wellness, her approach is simple. Splitting her time between LA and Paris, she describes her routine as “a little French effortlessness mixed with California self-care”: a cold water rinse, a good serum, plenty of SPF and barely any makeup. For Sara, beauty is more ritual than routine, and it starts with feeling good through sleep, movement, water and time outside.
As an advocate for mental health and women’s empowerment, Sara brings that same interest in what’s happening beneath the surface to her new novel, The Lost Souls, available now. Set in Los Angeles, the book explores the pressure to look like you have it all together and the emotional realities hiding behind seemingly perfect lives. Here, Sara shares the moisturizer every makeup artist keeps in their kit, her go-to look for a night out and why she’s never felt the need to fit in one box.
You’ve said fashion for you now is “less about trends” and more about discovering emerging designers. Does the same hold true for beauty? Are there smaller, under-the-radar beauty brands or founders you’re drawn to?
Yes. I love discovering smaller, under-the-radar brands and seeing the creativity and passion behind them. With beauty, I’m very loyal—once I find something I love, I stick with it. I especially love natural products and serums with rosehip oil or jojoba oil.
Your modeling years took you all over the globe, but LA and Paris have been home for over a decade. Has your beauty routine shifted with that split? Is there a “French” habit you kept and an “LA” one you picked up?
Paris taught me that less is more: fresh skin, minimal makeup and never looking too “done.” LA made me religious about SPF and hydration. So, I guess my routine is a little French effortlessness mixed with California self-care.
What does your actual day-to-day beauty routine look like? Walk us through your morning routine versus your routine for a night out.
My mornings are super simple—cold water rinse to wake me up, serum, moisturizer and barely any makeup. For a night out, I’ll add a little more: mascara and either a red lip or a smoky eye. I still want to look like myself, just a little more fun. I’m not into heavy foundation or tons of bronzer. It’s just not my thing.
As a model you are exposed to hundreds of brands and products. Are there ones you still swear by, or ones you were relieved to finally let go of?
As a model, your skin goes through a lot. You’re constantly working with different makeup artists, and everyone uses different products, so allergic reactions definitely happen. One product I swear by—and pretty much every makeup artist I’ve worked with has it in their kit—is Embryolisse moisturizer. It’s honestly such a lifesaver. You can use it under foundation, after removing your makeup, morning or night, and it works for every skin type.
You mentioned you’re drawn to the Art Deco era. Does that aesthetic show up anywhere in your own look, makeup, hair, or styling?
I do love the sleek hair and red lip look. I also love the clothing style for both men and women from that period. I don’t have a ton of pieces inspired by that time, but whenever I see a brand come out with a collection that has that Art Deco feel, I definitely try to grab a few pieces. Especially the open-back, low-waisted dresses. They’re just so chic.
You’re an advocate for mental health and women’s empowerment. Do you see a connection between how women are taught to think about their appearance and the pressures you write about in The Lost Souls?
The Lost Souls confronts the hidden emotional realities behind people’s seemingly perfect lives. These days social media has made everything louder, faster and way more performative. There’s so much pressure to be seen, admired and look like you have it all together. I was interested in showing characters who appear strong and successful on the outside but feel lost, disconnected or unfulfilled within. The book reflects on how, even in a city of happy faces and laid-back vibes like Los Angeles, people can be easily taken advantage of and misled, drifting and unsure of who they truly are.
You’ve described self-care simply: sleep, movement, reading, disconnecting. How does that philosophy translate into your approach to beauty? Is it more ritual than routine?
I think it’s definitely more of a ritual than a routine. For me, beauty really starts with feeling good: getting enough sleep, moving my body, drinking plenty of water, eating well and making time to be outside and spend time in nature. I think all of those little things show on the outside.
The Lost Souls releases in October. What do you hope readers take away from Elizabeth and Anna’s story?
I hope people, especially young women, read it and take it as a reminder to pay attention to the people around them—the ones who suddenly want to be your friend or invite you everywhere. Just stay aware and ask yourself: do they genuinely want to be in my life, or do they want something from me? Trust your intuition and stay true to yourself.
From runway to novelist to now being spotlighted as a person of influence in the beauty and wellness space, how do those identities come together for you?
They all feel really connected to me. Modeling introduced me to this whole world of fashion and gave me the chance to work with so many creative people and see things from a completely different perspective. Writing gave me another way to express myself—one that feels a little more personal and lets me explore ideas in a different way. I’ve never really felt the need to put myself in one box or define myself by just one thing. I think we’re all so much more layered than that.
What else would you like our readers to know about you?
I’d say I’m always exploring and always curious. I love traveling, discovering new things, reading, writing and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Life is more fun when you stay open to new experiences and don’t take things too seriously.
