We are huge fans of simple beauty. We love products which make us look good while being good for us.

Clean beauty is not just a trend anymore, it’s here to stay and lilah b. beauty is one of its pioneer daughters.
“Encouraging a movement to declutter, minimize and simplify”, is their slogan and we are on board with that.
From the simple, yet beautiful packaging to flattering colors and honest ingredients, lilah b. is our beauty brand of the moment. We were lucky to chat with their founder, Cheryl Yannotti Foland, about all things beauty, the perfect California summer look and how she unwinds after a stressful week. Read on…

Cheryl at her Marin home.

Tell us a bit about your journey to founding Lilah.b?
After spending more than a decade in the cluttered and oftentimes confusing beauty industry, it was clear to me what the modern day woman was missing – a streamlined collection of color, offering clean, healthy, skin-kind formulations and made up of multi-tasking, high-performance products. lilah b. is truly…beauty simplified.

Clean beauty has its moment now, and we hope it’s here to stay. What is the inspiration and motivation behind lilah.b?
It’s important to know what you are putting on your skin. With color cosmetics, however, it’s a challenge also to ensure high performance. I’ve focused on clean, minimal ingredients while not compromising performance and long wear. Our multi-tasking products allow women to purchase, carry and use minimal products. We believe ‘with less; you are more.’

Only one year in, I knew this is where I was supposed to be – I quickly adopted a healthier, more balanced lifestyle which was truly my inspiration when creating lilah b.

You are originally from the East Coast. You moved eleven years ago to Sausalito. Can you tell us a bit why the move and what do you love about living in Sausalito?
I originally moved to California from New York for a work opportunity. I thought it would be a two-year project, but couldn’t imagine ever leaving — so I stayed. Only one year in, I knew this is where I was supposed to be – I quickly adopted a healthier, more balanced lifestyle which was truly my inspiration when creating lilah b.

Shop this look: Bronzed Beauty™ Bronzer Duo + Divine Duo™ Lip & Cheek in b.daring + Tinted Lip Balm in b.demure

How much does California influence your creativity and work?
There is no doubt that my new life on the west coast motivated and inspired me to create a collection that will resonate with the minimalistic, thoughtful beauty consumer – offering them beauty with ease.

We love hearing about other people’s beauty routines — what is yours?
My beauty routine couldn’t be more straightforward, really… Since I was a teen, I have washed my face with Dove soap. Really. And, as far as skincare, I live for my Revive eye and face cream for sensitive skin.

What are your go-to makeup products on a daily base?
Of course, lilah b. products are a quick and easy routine in the morning – usually a touch of our Bronzed Beauty Bronzer and our Divine Duo in b.fearless shade on my lips and cheeks. Two product and off I go.

If there would be something like California makeup style, how would it look like, in your opinion?
The California style is light, natural yet finished, healthy and glowing. Our Glisten + Glow skin illuminator and one of our fabulous Tinted lip balms are the ultimate California look!

Ok, and now few questions about California…

The thing that makes you happy about where you live?
I love my life in Marin, but my heart belongs to Napa. We have a home in Carneros where we spend most weekends, and it is indeed my happy place. There is nothing better than a run or bike ride through the vineyards.

What is your favorite road trip in California?
I absolutely love the drive up the coast to Tomales Bay and Marshall. We also take an annual family weekend getaway to Santa Barbara which is one of my faves for their relaxing energy and gorgeous beaches.

Where should we go for a weekend getaway?
Napa, hands down. And do it like a local… farmers markets, small boutique wineries like Schoolhouse Vineyard where you sit on a front porch to taste the latest release with the owners themselves. And fabulous food up and down the Valley.

A hotel, you cannot wait to stay at?
I am dying to stay at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. On the bucket list for sure.

Ok, we have only 12 hours in Sausalito, what should we do … Where do you take your out-of-town guests?
That’s a tough one – so much to do in just 12 hours! I would say an early morning hike out in the Golden Gate Recreation Trails behind our home. For lunch, a fabulous meal overlooking the Golden Gate bridge on the front porch of Cavallo Point, and a stroll along Bridgeway with a view back to the city before closing out your day at a local spot, Le Garage, for “Flutes + Frites.”

Best kept California secret…
The Olema restaurant in Olema. The most incredible venue and dining experience that not many people in the Bay know about. It’s truly worth the drive through dark, windy roads in West Marin!

What do you love most about California?

I absolutely LOVE the laid-back vibe of California and the energy of the people here. It is a comfort I have never known until I landed on the West Coast… and it’s just amazing.

-As told to California Weekend
Product images by Ana Kamin