Sometimes, the maximalism of celebrity skincare routines makes us forget that these stars are also human. Especially when they always look super-flawless. But it’s a fact that even the biggest celebs don’t have 24-hour glam squads and a full makeup arsenal with them at all times.
And they actually have the same beauty problems we do… though some of their get-gorgeous tricks are more surprising than we might have guessed. How come? Because they have the best access to all kinds of experts, picking up knowledge on the way that’s unavailable to us mere mortals.
Including the knowledge that everything need not be super-complicated and filled with peels or lasers — sometimes, the best solutions lie right in our kitchen (or even laundry!).
And how do I know this? I’ve uncovered some of the best celebrity skincare routines through about 15 years of interviewing these stars, attending a gazillion fashion weeks and red carpets, and getting behind-the-scenes information at the coolest dermatologists’ offices.
So, let’s journey down the best celebrity beauty secrets — all tried, tested, and researched.
Decoding Kim Kardashian’s Sweet Exfoliation
Nobody can ever mistake Kim Kardashian for being low-maintenance. Still, plain and simple sugar is key to her celebrity skincare routine. Yes, the kind that you put in tea and coffee.
Kim adds it to her body wash for exfoliation — and it works because sugar granules have just the perfect texture for gently scrubbing off dead cells, improving skin texture, and unclogging pores.
At the same time, its natural glycolic acid content promotes cell renewal. Sugar also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the surroundings and helping the skin retain hydration.
Actually, that’s pretty much how the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Scrub works — which reminds me, I need to stock up on both the Bum Bum and the sugar.
Rihanna’s Silky Secret: The Cocoa Butter Charm
The music and fashion world knows Rihanna as a dynamic force, a style icon with hits that resonate across generations. But there’s one more arena where she’s consistently been a trendsetter: skincare. Her secret? Cocoa butter as part of her celebrity skincare routine.
And why does this simplest of celebrity beauty secrets work?
Cocoa butter is a natural fat brimming with fatty acids. These are essential for hydrating and nourishing the skin, ensuring it remains supple, smooth, and sans scars. Its antioxidants help combat free radicals, while its ability to penetrate deep makes it ideal for healing dry, cracked skin.
In colder months, cocoa butter also acts as a protective barrier, shielding your skin from harsh winds and preventing it from getting chapped.
Want to recreate it? First, you need pure, organic cocoa butter. For my money, I only pick up Naturise Raw Organic Cocoa Butter or Mary Tylor Naturals Organic Cocoa Butter, as there are too many adulterated products on the market.
Next, remember that warmth is key. Cocoa butter is typically solid at room temperature. Rub a bit between your palms to warm and melt it, making it easier to apply. Then, start with cleansed and slightly damp skin. This ensures the cocoa butter can seal in the moisture effectively.
For a more intensive treatment, especially for extremely dry areas, apply a generous layer of cocoa butter and wear cotton gloves or socks overnight. You’ll wake up to deeply moisturized, soft skin.
No wonder cocoa butter figures so prominently in her skincare range, like the Fenty Skin Cocoa Cleans’r Soothing All-Over Cleansing Bar.
Hollywood’s Chilled Secret: The Kate Moss Ice Regimen
This is one of those celebrity beauty secrets that is all over Hollywood! Kate Moss puts her face in a bowl of ice cubes to “freeze” wrinkles, while Kate Hudson dunks her face in an ice bath to revive her glow.
As do Kate Winslet, Bella Hadid, Kourtney Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Jennifer Aniston… you get my point!
Why does this “ice facial” work?
The instant chill constricts blood vessels, leading to reduced swelling and puffiness. It tightens pores, making them appear smaller, and gives the skin a smoother appearance.
Additionally, the cold stimulates increased blood flow once the ice is removed, adding a healthy, rosy flush to the skin. As celebrity skincare routines go, this one is just… brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Underneath Jennifer Aniston’s Age-Defying Eyes
Granted, she has reason to glow, but Jennifer Aniston also keeps her skin youthful with hefty doses of Vaseline. Especially under the eyes. How much petroleum jelly, exactly? She recommends a teaspoon under each eye every night to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
Does this sound like one of those strange celebrity beauty secrets that’s hogwash? No, it isn’t.
Vaseline acts as an occlusive, meaning it forms a barrier that locks in natural moisture and prevents water loss from the skin. This can help keep the delicate skin under the eyes hydrated and can reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness.
Plus, this protective layer can shield the sensitive skin under the eyes from external irritants, such as wind or cold air, which can cause dryness or chapping!
I always did say that Vaseline is one of the only things you need in your beauty routine — though, skip applying it on the face if you’re acne-prone!
Gigi Hadid’s Quick Fix for Unexpected Breakouts
Even with her flawless complexion, Gigi Hadid isn’t immune to breakouts. Her go-to? White toothpaste applied overnight on pimples, showcasing that celebrity skincare routines can be as simple as using household items.
Toothpaste on pimples? It’s a classic hack. Ingredients like baking soda and triclosan can dry and reduce spots, while menthol cools and calms the skin.
However, there’s a flip side to this celebrity beauty secret. Toothpaste can be too harsh for facial skin, leading to irritation or swelling. And drying out a pimple too much? That can make your skin produce even more oil, triggering more breakouts.
Bottom line: Toothpaste is a quick fix, not a long-term solution. And it’s always better to do a patch test first!
Victoria Beckham’s Tightening Trio: Egg, Honey, and Oatmeal
Victoria Beckham takes it further with an egg-white, Manuka honey, and oatmeal mask to tighten skin and shrink pores.
And why not? Egg whites are packed with proteins and albumin. They have skin-toning properties, which can help tighten large pores, thus giving your face a smoother appearance. Moreover, their astringent properties can assist in controlling oily skin and reducing the risk of acne.
So, to recreate that sought-after Beckham-esque glow, crack open the egg and separate the yolk from the white. Whip the egg white until it’s slightly frothy.
Add a dollop of Manuka honey and half a teaspoon of organic oatmeal. Apply this on your face; allow to dry for about 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. It’s one of my favorite celebrity beauty secrets!
Kourtney Kardashian’s Sticky Path to Radiant Skin
Kourtney Kardashian’s dewy complexion and radiant skin are what dreams are made of! Her DIY skincare trick? Apply raw Manuka honey, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse. You’ll be left with moisturized, glowing skin.
Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment and seals it into the skin, ensuring long-lasting hydration. Its antibacterial properties help combat acne, and its antioxidants work wonders in slowing aging, making skin appear youthful and refreshed.
Anne Hathaway’s Natural Lighteners for the Eyes
Reduce dark circles by placing raw potato slices over your eyes? It’s Anne Hathaway’s trick for bright, refreshed eyes.
Take a cold potato (I have one chilling in the fridge at all times just for this!) and slice it into thin rounds. Then, lie down and place a potato slice on each eye, ensuring it covers the under-eye area and any part that appears dark or puffy.
How does the humble potato appear in the hallowed halls of celebrity skincare routines?
Potatoes are rich in enzymes like catecholase, which have natural bleaching properties. These enzymes help lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness, leading to refreshed, younger-looking eyes. Additionally, the starch in potatoes has anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe irritated eyes.
Emma Stone’s Cool Solution for Tired Eyes
Ever had one of those mornings? You know, when the reflection staring back at you from the mirror showcases puffy, tired eyes, hinting at last night’s Netflix binge or the unexpected crying session.
Luckily, Hollywood’s leading ladies, including the radiant Emma Stone, have a quick, budget-friendly, and shockingly effective remedy in her celebrity skincare routine: Always keep two spoons in your freezer. Place them under your eyes before an event or when you look tired.
The coldness helps constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and puffiness almost instantly. It also stimulates blood circulation, brightening the area and making your eyes appear more awake and vibrant.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Brewed Body Scrub Brilliance
Want to transform your morning ritual into a spa-like experience? Mix coffee grounds with olive oil for an exfoliating body scrub like natural skincare royalty Gwyneth Paltrow.
What do coffee grounds have to do with skincare? They have a naturally gritty texture, making them an excellent natural exfoliant. They remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother.
Additionally, caffeine has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin against damage from UV rays and pollution. It also stimulates blood flow, aiding collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin.
Keira Knightley’s Sparkling Lip Enhancement
Keira Knightley swears by adding a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter over lip gloss. It’s an instant, easy upgrade to make your lips stand out.
And it’s one of those celebrity beauty secrets that’s super simple: Apply your chosen lip gloss or balm. Then, with your finger or a lip brush, pick up a tiny amount of edible glitter (available at all baking stores!). Dab and press onto your lips, concentrating on the center for a plumped-up illusion.
Finally, gently press your lips together to distribute the shimmer. This helps in blending and setting the glitter into the gloss!
Blake Lively’s Salt Spray Hair Waves
Who better embodies the beachy waves look than Hollywood’s golden girl, Blake Lively? Her cascading, wavy locks, reminiscent of a day spent on the Californian shores, have been the envy of many (me included!).
So, how do you steal a bit of that Lively allure? The secret lies in a DIY salt spray. Combine salt, water, and a drop of almond oil in a spray bottle— spritz onto your locks for effortless, wavy tresses.
Natural seawater gives hair a particular texture — a mix of grit, volume, and waves. A salt spray replicates this effect, offering a quick way to get that messy-yet-styled look without an actual dip in the ocean. Additionally, the salt helps in adding volume, especially for fine hair, making it look fuller and more dynamic.
Margot Robbie’s Bubbly Hair Revitalizer
Looking for that Barbie-style luscious, Hollywood-worthy hair? Take a leaf out of Margot Robbie’s beauty book! Beyond her impeccable acting chops and dazzling red-carpet looks, Robbie hides a bubbly, frothy secret for her locks: beer.
That’s right! Rinsing hair with beer adds volume, imparts shine, and even rejuvenates dull tresses. So, next time you’re cracking open a cold one, remember: it’s not just a refreshing drink but also Margot’s secret to glossy, camera-ready hair. Cheers to that hair-raising tip!
Salma Hayek’s Creamy Recipe for Lustrous Locks
Salma Hayek is a powerhouse of talent, but it’s not just her acting prowess that turns heads — it’s also her unbelievably lustrous locks. What’s the secret weapon in her hair care arsenal? A deceptively simple yet ultra-nourishing blend of mayonnaise, half a smashed avocado, and one egg.
Rich in protein, eggs help strengthen hair strands, while mayonnaise offers deep hydration, ensuring every strand is moisturized and glossy. This powerhouse combo is Hayek’s secret weapon against dry, lifeless hair.
So, before you dismiss that mayo jar in your fridge as just a sandwich spread, think again. Combine it with a couple of eggs, slather it onto your locks, and let it work its magic. The result? Hair that’s not just fit for the red carpet but also has that signature Salma Hayek glow. Get ready to turn heads!
Will you be trying out any of these celebrity beauty secrets? Which celebrity skincare routine resonates most with you?
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines grace some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
Anubha combines insider knowledge with a talent for breaking down complex beauty concepts, delivering bold, actionable advice that empowers individuals to elevate their beauty routines and embrace their best selves.
Sweets says
All wonderful easy tips! 🙂