A Weekend with Haley Kalil

With both beauty and brains, Haley Kalil is our ultimate woman crush. Crowned Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2010 and Miss Minnesota USA 2014, Haley is deservedly one of this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookies. While her impressive modeling portfolio includes strutting in Miami Swim Week, shooting in Belize with renowned photographer Yu Tsai, and winning the 2019 SI Swim Search open casting call, Haley is first and foremost a scientist. She graduated with honors in biomedical sciences and psychology with a minor in chemistry from St. Cloud State University, and has also published award-winning immunological research (*picks jaw up from the floor*). Haley reminds us that sexy is so much more than a physical quality. From Thai food to in-flight sheet masks, read on to see how the SI Swimsuit Rookie spends her weekends with NFL hubby Matt Kalil in NYC.

Friday day-to-night look? 

I’m the queen of Friday night Netflix binges, so my Friday night usually involves no makeup, a messy topknot, and the comfiest (and probably food-stained) sweatpants I own. In the rare occasion that I am hitting the town, I always opt for a cute blazer and some high waisted pants. They transition flawlessly from a daytime to evening look. Pair them with a colorful crop top and some stiletto boots and you’ll be ready for anything Friday evening throws your way.

Saturday go-to spots for an evening out in the city?

On a typical Saturday night, I dine at my favorite Thai spot in the Lower East Side with my best friends before hitting a karaoke bar or an arcade. I also love going to Broadway shows. If there’s a new one playing, I’m there. I’m a kid at heart, so I’d rather skip the club and head somewhere a little more light-hearted.

Sunday run or relax? 

I pride myself on being extremely organized in my work, but my apartment is always the last thing I clean up. So… Sunday is my day to do the laundry, scrub the bathroom, vacuum the rugs, and clean out my refrigerator. It’s my day to make sure I’m not living in a pigsty.

Favorite homemade meal?

My mom wasn’t much of a chef (sorry mom), so the only food I can remember her making was the beef stroganoff from the Schwan’s box. Even today, it’s one of my favorite things to eat. Guess I have a thing for frozen foods!

Everyday beauty routine?

As a model, you try your very best to keep your skin clear… So I tend to avoid wearing too much makeup when I’m not working or attending an event. Hydration and sun protection are key! I start by washing my face and then applying a lotion and sunscreen. Next, I use a couple of skin creams from my dermatologist. My favorite for breakouts is clindamycin lotion. It is gentle yet effective. I also swear by my micro-roller to help rejuvenate my skin.

Favorite tropical destination?

Thailand is the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited. My husband and I took 7 of our closest friends on an unforgettable trip to the island of Koh Samui last year. I will never forget the sunsets. They were magic. Plus, the food was to die for.

Travel essentials for a weekend getaway? 

I always pack a few pairs of yoga pants, colorful T-shirts and crop tops, all my skincare essentials, my phone charger, and an oversized T-shirt to sleep in. As a model, you’re used to having to travel light because you’re the one who has to carry everything you pack. So, if you pack a heavy bag, you’re the one rolling it around town.

Skincare must-haves for a red-eye flight?

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Long flights take the moisture right out of your skin, so make sure you lotion up or bring your favorite Korean face mask. I’ll put on a face mask during the flight… I’m not ashamed! It’s worth it to protect your skin.