Rachel Bilson's Must Haves: From a Flavored Lip Balm to a Jalapeño Tequila
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Welcome back to "The O.C.," bitch — well, sort of. Nearly 21 years after everyone's favorite coastal drama first premiered on TV, Rachel Bilson is getting back into character for a cheeky 21Seeds campaign reintroducing audiences to Summer Roberts — and perhaps, their new favorite tequila.
Aptly titled "Serving Summer," the campaign sees Bilson reprise her beloved role through a series of three 15-second ad spots: "The Spicy Delivery," which features the 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila and a spicy encounter from Summer's past; "The V.O.C.," which features the 21Seeds Valencia Orange Tequila and a reattempt at Summer's staple catchphrase; and "The Paloma Party," where Summer uses a 21Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila to mix a Seed Paloma to pool-party perfection — and encounters a similar yogalates debacle from the original series.
In collaboration with the show's creators, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage — who helped bring these ads to life — the campaign has everything that first made audiences fall in love with the nostalgic series: a touch of drama, a nod to the original's intro with a stunning pan over Orange County's coastline, and an inimitable West Coast vibe that few television shows have ever been able to capture.
As for how it felt slipping back into the world of the sun-drenched, Y2K-centric drama, Bilson tells PS: "It was so easy — like, alarmingly so. Some of the iconic lines from the show, we got to revisit, which was a lot of fun. It just felt so natural and normal."
While there aren't any concrete plans for a reboot of "The O.C." — at least not at the time of this publishing — Bilson teases that while it's "up to the powers that be," she certainly wouldn't be opposed to revisiting that world again. "If we could get everybody back together, it would be amazing — it would be so cool. But I'm also OK with leaving it [because] what we had was so special. And if it was that, that's great. If everybody wants to do it again, that's great, too. Either way, I'm just super grateful."
We spoke with Bilson about what it meant to bring back her "The O.C." character, her favorite ways to enjoy 21Seeds tequila (especially during the summer), and all of the other product essentials she can't live without. From a flavored lip balm and an adjustable pillow to a sporty personal carry-on bag, keep reading to shop her favorite product must haves.
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Rachel Bilson's Affordable Must Have
This Lip Smacker Dr. Pepper Lip Balm ($30) might boast a steeper price tag than other flavors on the market, but these days, it's notoriously difficult to find — hence why Bilson considers it to be one of her everyday must haves. "Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker is definitely worth its weight in gold, and I would know! I've always carried at least one tube with me. I love the way it moisturizes while also adding just a touch of color — it's perfection," she says.
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Rachel Bilson's Investment Must Have
While Bilson notes that her go-to 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila ($33) might not be a "bank-breaking item," she does consider it to be an essential — especially for avid cocktail drinkers. "[It's] a great investment for anyone's bar cart," she explains.
Pro Tip: There are so many different ways to enjoy this tequila, but Bilson prefers to stick to the classics, saying: "After a long day, it's great to mix up a quick and easy cocktail with 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño, lime juice, and simple syrup." Pour it over some ice with a salt rim to match, and you've got the ultimate summer drink.
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Rachel Bilson's Morning-Routine Must Have
Whether she's gearing up for a slow morning at home or prepping her skin for a day on set, Bilson relies on this Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture ($85) to keep her skin looking "hydrated and fresh" — even during the notoriously dry summer months. "Moisturizer is so important to wear every day, but especially those days when I know I'm going to be on camera," she says.
Pro Tip: This product can be used day or night, but it works best in a morning skin-care routine. Simply wash your face, apply the moisturizer over your face, neck, and chest, then cap off your regimen with an SPF product to better lock in moisture and protect the skin.
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Rachel Bilson's Sleep Must Have
As for the one essential she "can't be without," Bilson swears by this plush Coop The Original Adjustable Pillow ($75). "When I travel, I bring my Coop Original Adjustable Pillow with me — even on an airplane," she says. Unlike other pillows, this product is made from a memory foam and microfiber blend which is designed to provide ample support for the head and neck — plus, it's easily adjustable, so you can contour it to better fit your sleeping preferences.
Pro Tip: To help preserve the pillow's freshness — especially when she brings it along as a personal carry-on item — Bilson likes to cover it with two pillowcases as opposed to just one, that way she can "remove the dirty one" once she arrives at her destination. Genius.
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Rachel Bilson's Travel Must Have
While Bilson says she's a self-proclaimed "backpack hoarder," she does have a special affinity for this Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag ($159). "I do have one travel bag that never fails me: The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel bag. [It's] the best carry-on I've ever had. It's super easy to carry and so well made that it lasts for years," she explains.
Pro Tip: Per the brand, this duffel meets most airline and train carry-on specs and size requirements.
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Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.