THE ELEGANCE OF INTELLIGENCE: THE WORLD OF CHARIS MICHELSEN
EGW LUXURY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2025 - 2026
FEATURE
Written by Monica Lofstrom
She doesn’t just walk into a room — she transforms it.
Charis Michelsen is elegance personified, a vision of cinematic beauty with the intellect and innovation to match. She has graced global covers, collaborated with Hollywood icons, and built a body of work so rich, so multidimensional, it defies every industry label. Yes, she is stunning. But that is not the secret. The real power of Charis lives in her mind, her generosity, and the quiet way she rewrites the rules of beauty, fashion, and female empowerment — simply by being herself.
I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Charis for many years, and what strikes me most is not her accolades — though they are many — but the way she lifts others. Especially women. In business. In creative industries. In every room she enters, Charis brings light, intelligence, and a genuine desire to empower. That is rare. And that is legacy.
When I shared my vision for this cover — a visual moment filled with cinematic glamour and timeless strength — Charis understood immediately. “I’ve got it,” she said. And she did. What unfolded between Charis, photographer Daniel Weber, and our team was not just a shoot, but an artistic collaboration that brought The Refined Life to life.
More than a muse, more than “Hollywood royalty,” Charis is a force of creative evolution. From inventing the world’s first science-based Universal Beauty Standard System™, to writing two comprehensive beauty books, launching wellness products, designing a patented fashion line, and stepping into the television world with bold new shows — Charis is building a future that honors authenticity, art, and inclusivity.
At the heart of her work is a singular mission: to do good. Not just for show, but as a core value. And it is that purpose — that quietly burning integrity — that makes her not just iconic, but important.
Charis Michelsen isn’t just in the spotlight. She is the light.
Exclusive Interview with Charis Michelsen
Shot on location at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, CA
Photography by Daniel Weber
Your books Hollywood Beauty and Grooming for Men have inspired so many — how do you see their influence evolving in the years to come?
Charis:
My hope is that my books—filled with the tools each person needs to maximize their own beauty—will inspire readers to stop copying the appearance of celebrities and instead embrace the fact that they can be their own celebrity. Trying to look like someone else guarantees failure; it’s fruitless and often leads to body dysmorphia, depression, and other harmful outcomes. The real goal should be to celebrate your unique self.
Before these books, only celebrities and those with access to elite makeup artists and stylists could tap into this kind of knowledge. Now, these techniques—along with new ones I’ve developed—are available to everyone. The information I share goes beyond what most celebrity artists and stylists provide. Readers won’t just look their best, which naturally leads to feeling their best—they’ll also gain tools that professional makeup artists and stylists can use to elevate their work, helping their clients shine and their businesses thrive.
With so many projects in Hollywood — films, TV shows, and appearances — what has been the most meaningful or transformative experience for you personally?
Charis:
The most meaningful and transformative part of my journey has been using my success, powerful contacts, and insider access to connect, build, and empower others and their businesses. I love discovering a person’s biggest goals and figuring out how I can help bring them closer to reality. Sometimes I can create opportunities immediately; other times, it takes patience and the right timing. But every chance I get to support someone’s growth truly thrills me and warms my heart.
I also cherish the creative work I do—both on-camera and behind the scenes—and feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in so many aspects of the entertainment industry. For so many, achieving success in Hollywood is a dream. I feel beyond blessed and incredibly lucky to have lived that dream and to use it as a way to uplift others.
You’ve been described as “Hollywood Royalty” and a timeless icon of beauty, fashion, and innovation. What does legacy mean to you, and what matters most as you continue building yours?
Charis:
I don’t think most of us begin our journeys with legacy in mind. But time is finite, and it’s important to reflect on what we want to leave behind—and then consciously work toward that vision—so we can find peace with how we’ve lived our lives.
For me, what matters most is doing good. I believe that’s the true game of life: How much good can you create in every moment you’re here? If I could add an eleventh commandment, it would simply be: Do good.
When people ask why I give and contribute the way I do, my answer is simple: if I have the opportunity to do good and don’t take it, that, to me, is a sin.
As I continue in my work, I want it to not only benefit me but also uplift others. My goal is to create positive, lasting change in people’s lives. Looking back, I believe the work I’ve done so far has that power—and I feel deeply fulfilled knowing this will be my legacy.
Can you tell us about your new TV show connected to a legendary Hollywood establishment and how these projects reflect your vision for entertainment and empowerment?
Charis:
I’m not able to share much about my TV show projects at this time, but I can say they will be revolutionary—blending art, advanced technology, and the worlds of fashion, beauty, and Hollywood into something exciting, insightful, and deeply entertaining. The early feedback from those who’ve seen the projects has been stellar, which means the world to me, as I created them myself.
These shows couple celebrity, elegance, and the timeless glamour of old Hollywood with cutting-edge visuals and fast-paced, innovative storytelling. I’ve always valued quality in entertainment—great craftsmanship, bold vision, and the courage to explore uncharted territory. These are the qualities that defined so many classic films and TV projects, and my aim is to bring them back in a fresh, thrilling way.
At the heart of my work is empowerment—of the subjects featured and of the viewers themselves. That’s not something I could separate from my projects, even if I tried—and I wouldn’t want to.
You have such a remarkable ability to connect with, inspire, and lift up those around you — what drives this, and how do you see it shaping your influence in the future?
Charis:
It has always bothered me to see someone excluded from participating in something they truly wanted to do. As a child, I would often give up my own chance to enjoy an activity so I could teach a peer how to do it—just so they could share in the experience. I don’t believe in leaving people behind.
This principle has always been a core part of who I am, and I know it will continue to shape every project I take on. I’ve already built much within the fashion, beauty, and entertainment spaces—creating the first Universal Beauty Standard System, which powered the algorithm for the first AI personal stylist; writing and self-illustrating the most comprehensive beauty books to date; and developing future-forward TV projects.
But I know there are still more ways to empower others and help them live their best lives. And that’s exactly what excites me most about what comes next. Stay tuned.
Looking ahead, what exciting projects or milestones are on your horizon, and what’s next for Charis Michelsen?
Charis:
I’m currently tapping into the social influencer space, which is newer territory for me since my roots are in traditional Hollywood. Still, it’s been a wonderful addition to the entertainment landscape. In many ways, it has leveled the playing field, shifting power dynamics in Hollywood and creating incredible opportunities for people to build meaningful livelihoods.
I love connecting with creators—their playful, relaxed approach to entertainment is both refreshing and inspiring. Right now, I’m doing a soft “insider” launch of my book, Hollywood Beauty: The Art of Star Makeup, while also exploring other exciting projects—perhaps even launching my own fashion and cosmetics line. And, of course, I’m beyond thrilled for my upcoming TV shows to debut.
It’s a truly exciting chapter, and I couldn’t be more energized about what’s ahead!
“The most meaningful part of my journey has been using my success, powerful contacts, and insider access to connect, build, and empower others and their businesses.”
— Charis Michelsen
To step further into Charis Michelsen’s world of vision, artistry, and modern elegance, follow her at @charismichelsen_official.
Photography by Daniel Weber — @danielweber_photography
