Most people recognize Lauren Graham as Lorelai, the coffee-fueled, fast-talking cool mom from the beloved series Gilmore Girls. Or as Sarah, another equally cool, equally single mom in Parenthood. But Graham’s talents extend beyond prime-time matriarch. She has directed and produced several television projects and written four best-selling books, including her latest collection of essays, Have I Told You This Already? These essential products and daily rituals keep her percolating.
WAKE-UP TIME: Eight-ish.
BREAKFAST: If I feel like making it, green juice. If I don’t, just coffee. And if I’m at a hotel, poached eggs on toast.
VITAMINS: I take so many. Are they doing anything? Who knows? But I like Mary Ruth’s and Pure Encapsulations brands.
COCKTAIL/MOCKTAIL: Cadillac margarita. I make mine with Casamigos Reposado, Grand Marnier, and Natalie’s margarita mix. And in summer I’m a sucker for anything frozen, to the degree that I have an at-home margarita machine from a company called Margarita Girl. I also have a soft-serve ice-cream machine. Did I mention I’m a sucker?
SNACK: North Fork potato chips.
WORKOUT: I love my trainer in L.A., Jenn Glysson. In New York, I walk all over.
TRACKER: Apple Watch.
AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT? I only use it to track steps. Keeping tabs on any of the other info would make me nutty, I think.
PRODUCTIVITY HACK: I set a timer for 20 minutes and tackle whatever I’m dreading.
SCENT: All I’ve ever worn is Fracas, but some stores have stopped carrying it, so I’ve taken to online stalking.
SPA: For a good sweat, I love the sauna at Pause West Hollywood.
SKIN SAVIOR: I love all oils; Le Prunier’s smells great. And Skinbetter sunscreen is the only one that stays on me during outdoor sports without clogging my pores.
MAKEUP MUST: For work, I like Armani and Chanel. In daily life, I don’t use much except light foundations, highlighters, and balms from Westman Atelier and Jones Road. Also, Thrive Causemetics makes a great mascara.
BEAUTY TOOL: I recently installed a water-filtration system for the whole house. I’m not sure I notice a difference in the water, but just knowing it’s there makes me feel healthier.
MOOD LIFTER: Jumping into the water—a shower, the ocean, whatever’s available.
BUT WHEN YOU REALLY NEED REVIVING, WHAT’S THE PLAN? A good book makes everything better.
THE ONE BEAUTY TREATMENT YOU’LL NEVER DO AGAIN? Any sort of wrap treatment gives me the claustro.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR APPEARANCE … My hair is a weird texture that only behaves in the hands of professionals.
THE BEST THING ABOUT GETTING OLDER IS … I know what I want, and I’m thankful for what I have.
Holly Parmelee, formerly an associate publisher at Little, Brown and Company, is an editor and writer at Serendipity magazine
