this week’s kai conversation features grace adèle, a new york–based creative with california roots and a deep love for elevated simplicity. she first discovered kai at a boutique in malibu—drawn to the brand’s fresh, intoxicating scent and effortless, laid-back feel. now, kai’s perfume oil remains her go-to: a reminder of sunshine, summer, and the ease of california living. grace lives a wellness-forward lifestyle, favoring daily rituals like pilates, journaling and matcha. her style is timeless and her spirit is free, making her a natural embodiment of kai’s uncomplicated beauty. enjoy this glimpse into her world.
xo, kai
how did you first discover kai?
i discovered kai in california at planet blue ages ago (funnily enough, as i don’t think that store exists anymore — it was a cute store that embodied the cali / malibu laid-back and free-spirited spirit).
what's your favorite kai product and why?
the perfume oils are my favorite. they’re fresh and smell so divine, and you can keep it in your purse and keep reapplying. it just instantly reminds me of the beach or summer which makes me happy.
what's the best advice you've ever received?
love yourself first and foremost — no one will ever love you more than you. you are your own best friend.
what's your beauty secret? or must have beauty product?
i don’t know if it’s a beauty secret, but i always need to shower at the end of the day before getting in bed to feel truly refreshed. in terms of beauty products: the @faunaskin pearl makeup powder and lip gloss. lots of rose water + glycerin on the skin always. i am a huge fan of facial sprays, and br makes an oxygen mist i use often as well. i also love the deodorant by kai! it’s so fresh, and in my opinion, smelling and feeling fresh is key.
go-to lipstick color?
@faunaskin tinted lip gloss which is coming soon. it’s one of the first seed oil free and so-completely-clean-you-could-eat lip products i swear by.
what color nail polish are you wearing right now?
i love a blush nude, always. so chic.
how would you describe your personal style?
elevated classics. i love to be comfortable so anything that i can go about my day comfortably in is probably what you’ll find me in, whether that’s a workout set, jeans, or sweaters! i try my hardest to only wear 100% cotton, silk, and cashmere as i think wearing plastic or anything synthetic is detrimental to one’s health and i just personally do not feel good in it. i love neutrals and simple but timeless pieces. i’d rather have something i’ll wear forever and maybe pass down to my kids one day than anything super ‘trendy’.
what do you love most about where you live? any secret spots you love to go to?
i just moved to ny and i love the energy and ambition here — it’s a stark change from la but one that was much-needed. currently, i am loving sorate or ppl for matcha (both takes me back to japan for a quick second). my other go-to is sant ambrose — you can’t have a bad meal or drink there. the food is always high-quality and the staff are so kind. it will never get old to me and is probably my favorite spot to eat.
describe your perfect day.
waking up with my animals that i don’t yet have at the foot of my bed (sometimes i borrow my sister’s cat or my brother’s dog). going on a hike or a long walk to start my day. making a gelatin raw milk matcha or grabbing a favorite cappuccino. a pilates class. a deep tissue massage. a shower / sauna to melt away the day (maybe with some kai products since they smell so good and fresh). spend time with family and friends. journal or read a book. my unwind routine (more below). dinner cooked by me or going out to a favorite spot.
favorite date spot?
a wellness evening is so underrated. a couples massage and sauna is lovely. i also love a great sushi experience.
ultimate getaway?
somewhere warm, somewhere i can swim in the ocean and eat local fresh food… and maybe ride some horses.
favorite food?
anything japanese - i love rice and a protein more than anything. add seaweed and i'm a happy girl.
guilty pleasure?
hand-rolled tobacco cigarettes.
morning person or night owl?
night owl.
currently craving?
rice crispy treats or anything @valerieribon makes.
ideal way to relax/unwind?
magnesium/epsom salt bath with little tinctures and herbs, a cup of herbal tea, and my handheld red light with some healing frequencies in the background. really i view this as a time to let go and wash the day away and connect to my breath.
what book are you reading currently?
outlive by peter attia.
what's the most adventurous thing you've done?
a horseback riding trek in mongolia for over a week with no cell service, showers or bathrooms — just my family and a horse wrangling team (a guide and a chef). it was a surreal experience and one i’ll always be grateful for.
