From German Country Roots to LA Radiance

There’s something magnetic about Kelsey Anderson—a kind of natural charm that feels both grounded and glowing. With more than 1.5 million followers across her social platforms, the former Bachelor star has quickly become one of social media’s most refreshing voices. But her story begins far from the cameras and red carpets on a U.S. military base in Germany, where her understanding of beauty, culture and connection first took shape.

“I grew up in a military family; I’m an army brat,” she says with a warm laugh. “Being surrounded by so many different kinds of people really opened me up to all types of style.” Her father’s career took the family abroad, where they lived for more than six years in a small Bavarian town called Grafenwöhr. “My dad speaks fluent German, so we were able to stay longer than most military families. We picked potatoes with our neighbors, and I even had an Oma and Opa there. It was amazing. Germany is just beautiful.”

Those years instilled in Kelsey a love of community and a curiosity that continues to shape her today. With roots split between Europe and Louisiana, and a background in construction project management, she brings a unique mix of discipline, creativity and cultural awareness to everything she does. “I think growing up between such different worlds helped me see beauty in balance,” she reflects. “It taught me to appreciate both structure and spontaneity, and that’s something I try to carry into my work every day.”

That perspective followed her all the way to Los Angeles, though her arrival came with an unexpected twist. “The first time I ever came to LA was actually for The Bachelor,” she says with a smile. “I remember being picked up by a chauffeur wearing gloves and a hat. I’d never had that before! I felt so fancy, I even sent my dad a picture. It was surreal.”

Her time on The Bachelor introduced her to a national audience who were drawn to her authenticity and warmth, qualities that would later define her online presence. “Being on the show was such a whirlwind,” she says. “But it also made me realize how much people connect to honesty. That’s something I’ve carried into everything since.”

Now based in Los Angeles, Kelsey has built a thriving career as a lifestyle creator, known for her thoughtful content centered on laughter, philanthropy and everyday living. Her approach to beauty and wellness is simple yet intentional, rooted in feeling good rather than just looking good. “I’ve definitely become an LED-mask person,” she laughs. “I have one that I love. And I try to work out as much as possible, and my trainer is only ten minutes away, which is amazing. Fitness is one of my favorite things, not just for my body but for my mental health. It really helps me feel grounded.”

When it comes to her go-to beauty essentials, Kelsey favors products that fit seamlessly into her lifestyle. “I’ve been using Gemz ($21), which is a concentrated shampoo and conditioner,” she shares. “It’s dehydrated, so you just run it underwater to activate it. It’s incredible for travel…I’m always worried about shampoo spilling in my bag, and this totally solves that. It’s honestly a game-changer.”

Her on-camera favorites include the Hourglass Concealer ($38), “perfect for red carpets and flash photography,” and Patrick Ta’s Body Glow Oil ($52), which she describes as “spectacular…the shimmer is unreal.”

And while Kelsey’s brand continues to grow through meaningful partnerships and creative collaborations, her heart remains firmly rooted in what matters most: family. “Honestly, I’m just really looking forward to being around family and eating a bunch of food this month and next,” she says when referring to the holidays ahead. “The holidays are my favorite time of year. I know a lot of people find it chaotic, but for me, it’s when I finally slow down and spend time with family.”

This year feels extra special, as her father has just been stationed in Los Angeles, only 20 minutes away. “It’s amazing,” she says. “Before, it was a four-hour flight to see him. Now, he’s right here. I’m excited to give some really sentimental gifts, relax and just be with the people I love.”