Hilary Duff on the Advice She Would Give Lizzie McGuire

Skimm Her Life is a series in our weekly newsletter, Skimm Your Life, where smart women share their favorite things.

Stop what you’re doing. Our inner teenage selves are putting on some butterfly clips because Hilary Duff is here to Skimm Her Life. Our teen idol’s second children’s book came out this week, so if you’re shopping for all the kids in your life this holiday season, check it out. What can’t she do? Lizzie McGuire, take it away…

Tell us about what inspired your upcoming children’s book and what its message means to you.

My first experience with motherhood was with my son, Luca. This book is aimed at a younger audience than his age now, but I just remember him at that age and all that I wished for him and all that I wanted to instill in him. What I tried to keep at the forefront of my mind was that I know the pressures that girls face, but the same goes for boys — they’re tender and malleable at that age, and just as sensitive. I was really trying to encourage kids to embrace all of their emotions, and the book is a reminder to represent yourself in all the ways that you feel.

Smartest purchase you’ve made recently?

I just bought Jolie’s filtered showerhead. I like that there’s nothing I actively need to do, it just fits into and improves my existing daily routine.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self? Aka the one that played Lizzie McGuire.

Your acne’s gonna go away, and you’ll be able to grow your bangs out.

What three items do you always have in your bag?

I always have a lip liner, lipstick, and hand sanitizer. And I love Ocean Eyes Age-Defying Serum from Osea. Even if I have makeup on, I’ll apply some throughout the day and I feel like it freshens me up.

Your current favorite book and/or podcast to listen to?

Right now, I’m reading “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese, and I’m currently listening to “Murder With My Husband.”

Latest favorite splurge?

I just bought the Loewe Squeeze bag and I’m obsessed with it. I also really want to buy a skincare product refrigerator, but I can’t find one that I like the look of yet, so I’m on the hunt.

Name some products that make your life easier as a parent.

Coterie wipes. Also, citrus oil (psst…we love this one) — it snaps those little elastic rubber bands out of my kids’ hair in about two seconds.

How do you balance everything on your plate and having three kids?

I don’t. I honestly just do the best I can each day and remind myself that while being a mom is so rewarding, it isn’t easy. Wine helps, too!