Molly R. Stern on the Life Lessons (and Self-Care Products) That Got Her Through 2024

As the (beloved) go-to makeup artist for Reese Witherspoon, Maya Rudolph, Greta Gerwig, and many more, Molly R. Stern knows a thing or two about celebrating a big year. Even when it’s one of the toughest of her life.

With 2024 coming to a close, I wanted to share some of my favorite “must-haves” that got me through the year.  I have had an incredibly transitional 12 months, starting with separating from my husband of 20 years and moving from and selling the only home I have ever owned. After 17 years of living in the same place, the process of shedding the things I’d been shoving in every corner made me feel incredibly vulnerable—but was also so liberating. I had lived alone before getting married a few times, but was always wanting…wanting to find love, wanting to have kids, I was always sort of waiting for my family life to begin. Now, I have the opportunity to live on my own, in my new, unique space. And feeling ‘whole' this time is deep and very fulfilling. 

Another major milestone: I sent two of my three kids off to college. I know that sending children out to explore the world is part of the gig as parents—if we do our job right, we are raising the loves of our life to leave us. But whoa, I was not expecting the feeling of loss that washed over me. It’s been amazing to see them flourish, and to transition to having adult children. They continue to be the greatest humans I know. But when it did happen, it all went too fast…I had been warned, but it’s truly a blink.  

Then, in a shocking turn of events, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in June. After the initial shock subsided, I was actually relieved.  I had been suffering for close to a year with many symptoms that were starting to feel debilitating. It felt good to know that I wasn’t insane, and that the messages my body were sending me were real. It’s been a process to get my medicine right and find my groove again. But I am so grateful to modern medicine, and the fact that I now am confident that I can live well with this new reality.  

This year, my personal mantra to ‘LOVE YOURSELF’ was put to the test. Re-engaging with myself in such a deep way was both terrifying and profound.  I realized that, with the help of my loving family, dedicated friends, loyal work community and yes, my self-care gadgets and products, I absolutely have the ability to heal my heart and my body.  It is incredibly empowering to take the reins of self-care and redirect my habits and priorities. I am truly walking into this new year hopeful and excited. I get this optimism from my amazing genetic makeup, which has the bones of Holocaust survivors, cancer survivors, family and friends with perfect comedic timing. And of course, by leading with LOVE and GRATITUDE. 

Here are my LOVE yourself ‘NEW BEGINNINGS’ Must-Haves:

A great, old-fashioned planner

This is a great way to visualize your month and decide when you will meet with friends, exercise and rest. Scheduling to boost dopamine is a must.  

The Choice by Dr. Edith Edger

This memoir is both harrowing and inspiring beyond belief. Dr. Edger describes her experience as a young woman in Auschwitz—how she survived, and then fearlessly found the capacity to choose joy in her life. I could not put the book down. 

Retrouvé Balancing Face Oil

This perfectly absorbent, deeply hydrating face oil is perfect for anyone dealing with complexion dryness. It makes the skin feel like silk. I love it at night, and in the morning, depending what my skin needs. It soaks in and wears beautifully under makeup.

Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar

This turbo tool vibrates and energizes the skin while boosting blood flow. I use it on every single one of my clients. The smoothing, sculpting results are instantaneous. 

The Higher Dose Infrared PEMF Go Mat

This energy-boosting holistic recovery mat is amazing for on-the-go relief anywhere, anytime.

Boxing Classes at Box Union ( for my L.A. folks!)

Learning of my diagnosis came as quite a shock, but understanding that there were multiple ways to slow the progression was a huge relief. Exercise is a clinically proven way to diminish symptoms of brain fog, loss of balance and coordination (as well as boost morale like nothing else). All of these symptoms can rear their heads and ramp up during menopause and age, even without the actual cherry-on-top diagnosis. Boxing has been a lifeline for me. It’s fun, makes me feel strong and promotes a release of neurotrophic factors which are important for the entire nervous system. 

The Beautiful Chorus Choir

This musical group’s album, Mantras of Love, is a gorgeous, affirmative listen. It’s ideal for meditating, drifting off to sleep, or singing at the top of your lungs while sitting in traffic on the 405.

VioletteFr Bisou Balm

I have always been and continue to be obsessed with finding the perfect lip. And these matte, colorful, just-bitten balms might just be it. They come in a great shade range and feel glorious upon application. I have them in every color, and they are perfect to slip into my clients’ bag for their night out.

Jill Kargman’s Signature Scent That Never Fails to Impress

“Ma’am, I’m so sorry to bother you—but, um, can I ask what perfume you’re wearing?”

Not once, not twice, but dozens of times, dudes on the subway have asked me this question. We’ll both be rush hour strap-hangers, my spritzed-wrist exposed in a sea of squished humanity, and my flowery scent will waft over, happy eclipsing multiple commuters’ nostril-tormenting combo of noxious halitosis, B.O., and street-meat lunches. I always answer, “Jo Malone Red Roses,” prompting iPhone memos and, at times, vows to go buy a bottle for their girlfriends. 

When Hannibal Lecter is hiding in Florence, lurking in a famed perfumery, FBI analysts bring evidence to a trio of celebrated “noses,” who harness their olfactory expertise to discern the bespoke layers with various top notes and nuanced combinations. That may sound very chic, but I don’t need some complicated potpourri including ambergris, whatever that is. My philosophy has always been: do a common thing uncommonly well. (Which is why I’d rather eat the most kick-ass grilled cheese rather than a Michelin three-star razor clam with celeriac foam and scallop jizz. Keep it simple.) Jo Malone does rose in its purest, most untouched form, and I can’t get enough of it in perfume version. There’s a reason people say stop and smell the roses: they’re fucking amazing. As the ‘80s Froot Loops cereal mascot Toucan Sam chirps, follow your nose. It always knows.

Introducing: Letters From Friends

I wanted to create this section in The Editor’s Edit for two important reasons. First and foremost, I hoped to make a permanent place on TEE where people I trust could share valuable insights into products, experiences, and places that enhanced their lives. In today’s media landscape, where endorsements often come with hidden motives, I've noticed far too often a trend of product reviews driven by a need to buy. Are these reviews genuine or merely sales pitches? With this new Letters From Friends section, you’ll hear from makeup gurus, aestheticians, editors, and generally chic people sharing their favorite things—with a dose of honest and insightful wisdom.

Each post will be dedicated to honesty without personal gain; the idea is to share authentic experiences and the things we love. Basically, I want to offer genuine perspectives that will positively impact your life in some way. It could be as simple as a reliable sunscreen or a transformative skincare regimen, a perfume that becomes your signature scent, or a book that offers solace during difficult times (or inspires you to pursue your dreams). I’m not counting out innovative beauty tools, physical therapy, or a hidden gem of a Parisian hotel, either. Sharing without needing anything in return is a valuable and worldly concept that’s often overlooked. So I’d like to foster a little space for it here.