I won’t lie, interviewing Lauren Conrad will likely go down as a career highlight of mine.

I’ve spent (way too many) hours of my life watching LC roll her eyes, laugh, get angry, flirt, plot, and conspire. Growing up on camera with millions of people watching close-ups of your facial expressions can’t be easy. And yet, she always comes off so cool. Her confident demeanour has always impressed me. She’s got the kind of poise and steady strength that is difficult for anyone to have, never mind a young girl whose adolescence and maturity into womanhood was carefully documented for the world to watch—not to mention pick apart.

Lauren recently wrapped yet another chapter in her life. Infamous, which hit shelves this week, marks the final book in The Fame Game series. While on a cross-country book tour, I was able to speak with her on the phone. From her must-have beauty accessory to what she learned while travelling in India, Lauren responded to all of my questions thoughtfully and without hesitation.

Infamous marks the end of an era. How are you feeling? 

It’s very exciting. I can finally exhale. There are no more deadlines on me. I had a lot of fun with this series; it’s a little sad to say goodbye.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in yourself since your days on The Hills?

I think the changes are what most people experience in their 20s. It’s a really great time to figure out who you are and to grow up. I’ve learned so much. I think I’ve just really grown into myself.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Not to worry so much! When you’re young, it’s very easy to take criticism; you take everything going on around you very seriously. Once you realize that you’re never going to make everybody happy, it’s important just to do your best and try your hardest. Keep good people around you to make things easier!

What, in your words, does the LC Lauren Conrad brand stand for?

The brand is just very true to me. I never wanted it to be anything else. I put a lot of energy towards things I wanted to work on, things that I wanted to talk about. I never have to pretend to be something I’m not.

How do you cope with stress and strive for balance?

The best thing I’ve learned for coping with stress is perspective. I’ve spent the last couple years of my life travelling to a lot of places. Last year I went to Africa for two weeks and I recently spent time in India. I think that just going to places that are very different, it really does put things in perspective and helps you to realize what things are important. When you’ve witnessed a certain level of poverty, it’s very difficult to feel sorry for yourself or to complain when you’ve been so fortunate.

You say your mom is your role model. Do you credit your family for helping you remain so strong over the years?

She and my dad are amazing. They really helped me shape my career, which is great. They’ve always been really supportive. It’s funny because when I was more involved in the entertainment industry, they kind of played different roles. My dad was always the one to say, “Stick it out, stay strong,” and my mom was always the one to say, “You can quit at anytime!” It was nice to have both of them because I knew I didn’t have to stay, but I was getting the support to do it.

My dog makes me happy. What makes you happy?

I’m totally the same. I love coming home to my dogs. No matter how rough of a day I’ve had, I just have the sweetest little dogs and they’re so happy; that makes my day. I wake up to them, too; they now know the sound of my alarm and that’s when they’re allowed to jump up on the bed.

If you could only wear one look for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Can I wear one look but then accessorize differently?

Yes. For me, I’d choose a black leather jacket, something leopard print, smokey eyes and pink lips. What is a classic LC look?

Alright. If I had to wear only one look it would honestly probably be a black leather pant and a white silk button down. You can wear a top and red lip to dress it up or you can do a cooler look with your hair down; it’s a very versatile outfit.

Do you still swear by prenatal vitamins?

I don’t take them as much as I used to. I used to take them a lot. They do work! I’m getting better at taking my vitamins. 

What is one beauty product that you always have in your purse?

Eyeliner. It’s my addiction. Liquid eyeliner.

What is your favourite healthy snack?

APPLES! I love apples.

Got any big plans this summer?

I’m looking forward to relaxing a bit, to be honest. Get some beach time in.

Do you ever consider moving to London, Paris, NYC?

I think California will always be homebase for me. With this book tour, I get to go all around the US—and I’ve never really been anywhere that felt like it could be home, like California.

How would you summarize Infamous in a few short sentences?

The final book is nice because in all three you go through a voyage with these girls, you experience a lot of ups and downs, and they all kind of face their own challenges. By the end of this book, they’ve all overcome them in their own way. It was nice to have them all grow up and kind of become who they’re going to be a little more.

Which, I guess, is sort of where you’re at. 

Yeah.