Woman of Substance: Lauren Napier of Lauren Napier Beauty.

It’s been a minute since my last Woman of Substance profile, but I am thrilled to re-launch the series, which was designed to feature brave, bright woman across a range of disciplines. This month’s woman of substance is Lauren Napier, CEO and founder of Lauren Napier Beauty. You may recognize the name because I have featured her amazing beauty wipes in several earlier posts. Lauren was a celebrity makeup artist for many years before launching her eponymous skincare line, which prioritizes all-natural ingredients and on-the-go convenience. Her facial wipes have earned a deserved cult following, of which I am a part: I now keep her wipes stashed in all of my bags — they are perfect for travel and (whenever we return to them) the gym, as they come individually wiped and loaded with ingredients that not only cleanse but treat your skin. When I asked her why she founded her beauty business, she had this to say:

“Lauren Napier Beauty was created to make life easy and empower women. There is a ceremony associated with applying makeup. The same is not true for the removal. I find beauty in individuality and informality. I believe it is important to embrace the beauty and freedom of bearing our natural skin. A healthy beauty psychology leads to self confidence. In a culture obsessed with perfection, “there is beauty in taking it off.””

Below, Lauren took the time to answer my modified Proust Questionnaire. Read on to get to know her better!

Your favorite qualities in a woman. Genuine kindness. Confidence. Gumption. 

Your favorite heroine. The spunky crusader. 

Your main fault. I’ve been doing a lot of reflection and therapy these days. I have learned so much about myself. My new fault is over analyzing my reactions. 

Your greatest strength. Persistence. 

Your idea of happiness. Beaches, sand, sun, and delicious food. 

Your idea of misery. I can only imagine but empathy tells me fleeing danger, then being held against my will, separated from my children, during a pandemic on the U.S. border is probably the one of the deepest forms of misery. I think of the trauma the US government is causing generations of people and it sickens me. 

Currently at the top of your shopping lust list. Furniture! I am obsessed with home decor since we are not only working from home but “living at work.” I am cultivating a space that is cozy, functional, and livable. 

Desert island beauty product. Coconut scented sunscreen.

 Last thing you bought. Coloring book for my niece and nephew. 

I feel most empowered wearing…My hair slicked back in a tight bun. It highlights every bit of my face, skin, and bone structure.  I’ve inherited my features and spirit from my ancestors. I am living their wildest dreams. When I slick my hair back in a bun, I carry their legacy with me, on full display. I believe in their legacy; it is a powerful and motivating factor. It gives me a deep pride to know I am a descendant of such a fierce, loving, aspirational people. 

Favorite Magpie post. 3 A.M. Party.

Channel Lauren Napier…

I have had the joy of following Lauren on Instagram for a couple of months now and I have gotten a sense for her style there — and have also found myself hungry following her stories, as she is am ambitious and talented at-home cook. Below, a few picks that reminded me of Lauren’s slick, luxe aesthetic.

SLEEPER FEATHER PAJAMAS // WATERFORD CRYSTAL OLD-FASHIONED GLASSES // VINTAGE DIOR VANITY BAG // PLANT MISTER // THIRD CROWN ARC BANGLE SET // CASHMERE BODY SUIT // BOTTEGA VENETA BAG // LAUREN NAPIER ROSE FACIAL WIPES // GOLD MEASURING SPOONS // HILL HOUSE SAVILE ROW PILLOWCASE SET // SKULTANA GLOBE VASE // CHANEL COFFEE TABLE BOOK // TRUFFLE CLARITY POUCH // GREAT JONES CAST-IRON DUTCH OVEN // MARBLE KITCHEN CANISTERS // KARTELL GHOST CHAIR // PADDYWAX CANDLE SNUFFER

P.S. What to read this summer.

P.P.S. Trendy jeans for fall.

P.P.P.S. Everyone can now shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.