Danucera Diaries

Entry 17: Hilary Peltz

Tell us a little about yourself?
"Hi, I’m Hilary. I’m a native New Yorker who’s called London home for the past eight years. I run a strategic brand and marketing consultancy that helps brands scale at home and abroad, blending my passions for brand discovery, advocacy, and global exploration. I also love interior design, cooking, and playing ball with my other half and (unbiasedly) adorable dog, Mac."

Which is your favorite Danucera product and why?
"Cerabalm, hands down. I love its balmy texture, how it feels when massaging it onto my skin, and most of all how it leaves my skin feeling — perfectly hydrated, plump, and nourished.I have a big morning skincare routine, but at night I’m often too tired for a multi-step process. That’s another reason why I love Cerabalm. I can use it on its own and still feel like I’ve done everything my skin needs."

"That’s another reason why I love Cerabalm. I can use it on its own and still feel like I’ve done everything my skin needs."

— Hilary Peltz —

Q: What is your top summer skincare tip (that is NOT wearing sunscreen because that's a given!)

Hilary: "This goes beyond just a summer routine, but I’ve really noticed a difference in my skin since incorporating Vitamin C. Lately, I’ve also been using a vegan snail mucin in place of a daytime moisturiser, and I like how it leaves my skin glowy and fresh without feeling heavy."

Q: What did summers look like for you growing up? Any special memories?
Hilary: Summers make me think of camp in Maine, long family holidays in Nantucket, and weekends in the Hamptons with bike rides, foiled sandwiches on the beach, Harry Potter, peaches, corn, and beautiful hydrangeas. One funny memory from childhood: I set up a lemonade stand in Sconset, Nantucket, and a rival kid opened one across the street. We ended up in a full-on price war, dropping from $1.25 to a penny per cup just to outsell each other.

Q: How does summer in the Hamptons inspire your creativity or business ideas?
Hilary: I love seeing what’s new, from the brands popping up across the Hamptons to what friends and family are wearing, using, and shopping. It’s a great pulse check. I also make a point to discover new brands whenever I’m in the US, which always sparks ideas and inspiration for my work.

Q: If someone was spending 36 hours in the Hamptons-what agenda would you recommend?

Hilary: "36 hours? I’d recommend 48! But here are my favorite spots to visit:

  • Breakfast at Carissa’s Bakery in Sag Harbor. Grab an iced coffee and croissant and sit across the street overlooking the harbor
  • Stroll through Sag Harbor and pop into the shops
  • Pick up some lunch for the beach at Round Swamp in Bridgehampton (the chicken salad is a must!) and stop in my favorite home store Comerford Collection
  • Spend the afternoon at Ocean Road Beach or Sagg Main, followed by ice cream from Candy Kitchen
  • Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at The Wine Stand at Wölffer Estate
  • Some great dinner options are: Topping Rose in Bridgehampton, Swifty’s in East, or Moby’s if you’re after more of a scene. Sunset Beach on Shelter Island is also a highlight
  • Morning workout near The Barn in Bridgehampton (Formula x Meredith or Tremble), or go for a long run. I like heading down Ocean Road to the beach, across the sand, and back on Sagg Road
  • Coffee at Jack’s in Amagansett plus a stroll around Amagansett Square
  • Late Lunch at Duryea’s in Montauk with a quick wander through town and then hit the road. Although the best way to beat traffic is to leave after dinner on Sunday.


Q: As a business owner and entrepreneur, does work life balance look different for you in the summer?

Hilary: "As an entrepreneur, I find it hard to fully switch off but myself and team go fully remote in August. That, plus the London time difference, means I can usually carve out afternoons to spend with family and friends."

Q: If we were to peek inside your beach bag-what would we see?

Hilary: "Phone, mints, Neutrogena body sunscreen, my new digital camera, and Meta Ray-Ban sunglasses (they’re incredible, especially for music, podcasts, or calls). One of the books I’m forever halfway through, LMNT electrolyte powder, hair ties, and probably a shell that I’ve picked up as a momento, plus some sand I’ll forget to shake out."

Q: Rapid Fire:

  • Favorite summertime treat? 
    "S’mores".
  • Who would you invite to your dream summer dinner party- past or present? 
    "I’d love to cook with Ina Garten, then have Nora Ephron join for dinner."
  • Summer anthem?
    "Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machines or The Wire by Haim."
  • Most underrated summertime activity?
    "Lying in a hammock."
  • Dream summer vacation destination? 
    "We just got back from San Sebastián, a spot that had been on my list forever. It didn't disappoint and I highly recommend! Incredible food, vibrant culture, and a great beach."
  • Beach or pool?
    "Beach. The best time is in the late afternoon from 4-6pm."
  • Beach read rec? 
    "I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron and Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum."