A former celebrity stylist, Chriselle Lim launched her blog The Chriselle Factor in 2011 as a vehicle to share behind-the-scenes fashion and beauty tips. Fast-forward 13 years and Lim?is not only a mom of two but a content-creating juggernaut with 1.5 million followers on Instagram, 2.5 million on TikTok and over 700,000 on YouTube. Since the start of her career, it’s always been Lim’s personal style that has propelled her forward, making her a true tastemaker — and the ideal person to reinvent fragrance brand Phlur when it was relaunched a few years ago.
As the owner and creative director of Phlur, Lim tells CNN Underscored that she’s been very focused on the brand and on introducing more scents and categories for 2024. “Smell is such a personal experience,” Lim explains. “When you can find a scent that suits your mood, it can activate internally so many different elements to inspire and excite. It can change your mood and your energy. When your scent is on point, you can conquer anything.”
Long a fixture on shoots and runways, the OG influencer is a veritable treasure trove of trade secrets. “The best beauty tip I’ve received is to focus on taking care of your skin internally and externally,” she says. “Internally by understanding what your body can process and what it cannot handle. I took a blood lab test to find that out, and ever since, my skin and body has never felt and looked better. And, of course, externally by always hydrating and moisturizing and putting on sunscreen.”
As for how she unwinds at the end of a long day? “I put my phone away and read a book, light a candle, and try to be asleep by 10 p.m.,” she says. “Great sleep is everything.”
Below, find eight of Lim’s essential products, which range from her daily body wash to the best mascara she’s ever used.
You heard it here first, folks. “The GXVE mascara is one of the best mascaras I’ve ever used,” Lim says. “It gives me the fake-lash look even when I have the shortest lashes. I love it so much, and it’s also waterproof, so it lasts all day and never ever smudges! This is my go-to everyday.” Available in standard and mini travel sizes, the ultra-black mascara lengthens, lifts and makes lashes look fuller.
Light therapy face masks are having a moment, and this one from Therabody is Lim’s favorite. “This is like no other LED mask on the market,” she says. “It’s truly one of a kind, as it also has a tension-relieving vibration therapy.” Lim, who likes to use the mask before she goes to bed, says its vibration and light instantly put her to sleep. She also notes that “you can easily work and read a book through the mask too.” Offering three light-level options — full-face red light, red plus infrared light and blue light — with the added bonus of vibration therapy, the mask aims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin firmness, facial contouring and sagging, loose skin.
Choosing a favorite Phlur product is like choosing a favorite kid — read: impossible! “I love Phlur’s shower gels Not Your Baby, Apricot Privee, Tangerine Boy and Somebody Wood. They will instantly elevate your shower experience,” she says. After showering, Lim likes to moisturize her body with the accompanying lotion. “It’s a great way for fragrance layering. Phlur’s body lotion really takes it up a notch with your whole morning/evening routine,” she says. “It just puts you in some sort of elevated mood, and you just feel good all day emotionally and also in your skin!” Known to produce a rich lather, Phlur’s body washes are sulfate-free and packed with vitamins, sea water, glycerin and an algae complex for smooth, moisturized skin.
Lim is beloved for her high-fashion picks, but when it comes to a good ol’ pair of jeans, her go-to is surprisingly affordable. “I love Gap denim,” she says. “It’s easy and has such great fits. I always go back to my Gap denim! My go-to are the Stride Wide-Leg Jeans. I like both the high-rise and low-rise [options].” This five-pocket style is fitted in the waist and hips and has a relaxed, wide leg.
The market is inundated with lip products, and navigating the sea of options can be overwhelming, which is exactly why we’re here for Lim’s (very specific!) recommendation. “Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner in Nude Pink is the perfect everyday lip color,” she says. “It pairs nicely with the [coordinating Pillow Talk] lip gloss. It’s my go-to combination.” Long-lasting and waterproof, the Charlotte Tilbury liner is perfect for defining lips, while the gloss’ collagen and “super lip peptide” formula work to produce shiny, fuller-looking lips.
Another secret to Lim’s flawless skin? This cleansing oil. “Shu Umera cleansing oil is hands down the best cleansing oil on the market,” she says. “I’ve also been using this product for years, every night before my cleanser; it’s so effective, I never break out. Before it was available here in the States, I used to go to Asia just to get it!” Boasting more than 1,300 5-star reviews on the Shu Uemura website, the oil’s efficacy is attributable to eight oils derived from ancient Chinese medicine, all of which work to not only remove makeup and clean the skin but leave it softer and smoother.
“This is the one serum I consistently use every single day,” Lim says. “I have oily skin and tend to break out easily, but this has really contained my oil sebum production and never dries me out.” Also a favorite of model Brooks Nader, the serum works to visibly even skin tone and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While certainly a splurge, Lim’s top boot pick is also a cult-favorite. “The Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boot is a classic,” she says. “I love how it looks good under dresses and skirts for a more sexy look! It’s comfortable too. My go-to every year.” Available in leather and suede and several widths, the 5050 has a low heel and an over-the-knee shaft making it edgy and comfy all at once.?
