this week's kai conversation features kat james, a beauty educator and celebrity makeup artist with over 30 years in the industry. after building her career from licensed aesthetician to trusted beauty bestie to millions, kat has carved out her own space with kat james beauty, bringing her pro-level expertise into tools women can use every day. kat first discovered kai years ago through a magazine — she tore the page out and held onto it, one of those moments that felt like stumbling onto a secret. when she finally made it to fred segal on her first trip to california just to smell it in person, it felt surreal. with a perspective that's equal parts expert and warm, kat finds beauty in the rituals that make you feel like yourself. enjoy this glimpse into her world.

xo, kai

how did you first discover kai? 

i discovered kai many years ago after reading about it in a magazine. i remember tearing the page out and holding onto it—one of those moments where you feel like you've stumbled onto a secret. at the time, kai felt like a celebrity insider scent, something only the who's-who knew about. when i finally went to fred segal on my first trip to california just to smell it in person, it felt surreal. the scent itself was unforgettable—clean, intimate, elevated. there's truly no replica for it, no dupe that even comes close. once you know kai, you just know.

what are your favorite kai products?

i'm fully obsessed with the kai deodorant. it works phenomenally well, but what really makes it special is how it reacts with your body heat. as your body warms up, you catch soft waves of that gorgeous kai scent—it's subtle, but addictive. i also love the body glow. i use it after the shower or bath while my skin is still slightly damp, and it leaves my skin glowing and lightly scented without ever feeling heavy.

what’s your favorite quote, or do you have a mantra you live by?

my favorite quote is a little overused, but it's overused for a reason: "don't sweat the small stuff." it's simple, but powerful. we spend so much time and energy on things that don't actually matter.

how would you spend your perfect day?

my perfect day is honestly one spent with my kids. they're all teenagers now, which makes it even more fun. i love being with them, learning from them, watching them navigate life. we go for walks, we thrift together—it's become our thing. movie nights are my favorite: elaborate snack plates, everyone piled on the couch, just being together.

morning person or night owl? 

i'm an afternoon girlie. i really come alive around 11—alert, energized, fully in my zone. i like to take my mornings slow and easy (even though i'm endlessly late). i used to be a night owl, but i've gradually moved my bedtime up to around 9:30, which just feels healthier.

currently craving? 

currently craving french butter. i just got back from paris and honestly—hook me up to an iv of french butter and i'd be very happy.

i'm a bath girl, always. my last home didn't have a bathtub, so i would literally book hotel stays just for the bath. no shame.
ps: kai makes one of the best bathing bubbles —creamy, rich, and it leaves the most beautiful scent lingering on your skin long after you're out.

what book are you reading currently?

i'm currently reading instant healing by susan shumsky. what i love about it is that it's not just a book—it's a practice. it's filled with mantras and daily affirmations you can start using immediately, so it feels actionable and grounding, not abstract.

what’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?

i've always loved adventure. i grew up in the country, so it's kind of in my blood. most recently, i went white-water rafting—which sounds funny to say out loud—but it was actually great and reminded me how much i enjoy doing things that push me a little out of my comfort zone.