Kaylee Ricciardi is an East Coast girl with an affinity for care-free sandy days in Newport Beach. Check out the interview below where she reveals her number one beauty essential and how she keeps her bikini bod all year long.
Modern Beach is a lifestyle, a vibe and a feeling you can take anywhere. Where or what is your #ModernBeach?
When I think of #ModernBeach my memories of being a summer beach bum, posted up at the beach in Newport all day (in a bikini) until the sun sets come to mind. Walking around barefoot with salty skin and hair. That summer high is one of the best feelings I can think of and resonates with the modern beach lifestyle.
How long have you been modeling?
I have been modeling for the past 5 years. I started to take it more seriously the past two when it became my career and primary source of income. However, I had been dabbling in it a ton before then :)
What is it like on set at a TAVIK photo shoot?
Out of all the companies I've worked for, Tavik is one of my favorite. Not just because of what the brand encompasses or the products, but the team behind it. I have gotten the pleasure of meeting a lot of the masterminds behind the company and I love and respect them all, which is why we have so much fun on set. We enjoy working together so the vibe on set is playful and easy going.
What’s your favorite piece from the Spring 2015 Collection?
The Iza One Piece in Lilac.
And the Ziggy Top and Ali Bottom in Coral. 
Do you have a diet or exercise routine to prepare for a photo shoot?
Haha I try to be as healthy as a I can 70% of the time, eating raw foods, running, walking & playing outside, but I have many moments of not giving a shit. I am addicted to froyo and I am proud! I also work at Pure Barre (a ballet pilates based workout) and am obsessed with how quickly I see results from just a few classes, so that's my little secret for staying lean.
What are some of the tricks of the trade for staying photo shoot ready year round?
Always stay active physically, and try to stay active testing/shooting as much as possible. You can only get better with practice and help keep yourself prepared to shoot at anytime. I am always running around going to meetings, test shoots, ecomm shoots and working out, so I have little time to sit and veg on my couch.
Your number one beauty essential is…
My number one beauty essential is mascara. I think it can change the whole look of my/anyones face and make your eyes pop. If I am not shooting, I usually don't wear any makeup except for mascara. I almost feel naked without it!
What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?
The best beauty advice I ever received was, "less is more". When it comes to makeup, hair, and wardrobe, minimalism is best. I think the most flattering looks can be the most simplistic. Ladies-- you don't need to paint your face and look like you are going to prom every night to be beautiful.
Kaylee in the Alexa One Piece | Available online.
Who in your life is guaranteed to always make you laugh?
Every single one of my friends! That's why I keep them around! I surround myself with the wittiest and most loyal people I can find and I don't let them go. Whats better than a trustworthy person who makes you laugh 24/7?! Nothing!! :)
What do you love doing in your free time?
I secretly love to paint and draw. I don't do it as much as I would like because I don't half-ass it. If I am going to sit down and get creative, I need to be inspired and have to allocate all of my attention to it. It can be time consuming---meaning I am up all night painting! It comes in waves, some months I'm feeling it, and sometimes I am not!
If you weren’t a model, your dream job would be…
My dream job would be working for Vice, traveling the world and getting to be on set for their outrageous interviews/segments. The stuff they capture is unbelievable, never a dull moment!
Where are you from and where do you call home now?
I am from a little suburb north of Boston, MA, but currently call Brentwood Los Angeles home. I am 100% an East Coast girl at heart though!
What’s one thing that you can’t go a day without?
I can't go a day without exercise. I love to get up and move... unless I'm really hung over haha. But lately I've been on a health kick and can't stop running. I find it's the best part of my day and my time to clear my head. Plus I get those much needed endorphins.
How do you feel about the Coachella lineup this year?
I feel pretty good about it! I think a lot of the "smaller" acts will be amazing. I can't wait to see Chet Faker, Alison Wonderland, Glass Animals, Hozier, Lykke Li, and Odeza. And I'm not gonna lie... I love Drake. I can't wait for him to serenade me :)
Do you have a favorite photo that’s ever been taken of you?
I actually don't. I take photos so frequently I can love a photo of myself for like two weeks then it's usually replaced by something better. I feel like that's how it should be if you're a working model. You should be taking better and better photos, so your old favorite should be soon replaced by a new ones.