Supermodel skincare secrets: How they stay radiant despite their jet setting, party hopping lifestyle!

Sorry to break the news, but smooth, glowy, flawless skin doesn’t come easy — even for supermodels and celebrities. Gasp, right? 

But think about it for a moment. 

How do you sculpt a kick-ass body? By working out relentlessly and eating with discipline. 

How do you get to the top of a corporate food chain? By putting in the hours and slogging over the details. 

How do you win a sporting event? By training every single day. 

So, how and why should having gorgeous skin be any different? Yes, there are five-minute cures and 60-second makeup tricks that will do the job (many of which have been spoken about on this blog). However, these are either temporary cover-ups or one part of an overall routine. 

To really work, these small and big things need to be practiced regularly — and for at least over 28 days (the time our skin takes to renew itself).

Nobody knows this better than our supermodels and celebrities — those catwalk queens who manage to stay so annoyingly radiant despite their jet-setting, party-hopping, seemingly zero-sleep lifestyle.

Because with the advent of hi-def televisions and camera phones that pop up everywhere, having lousy skin covered up with inch-deep makeup is no longer an alternative.

Then how do they manage? Through a regular regime that works day in and day out to keep their complexion crystal clear. 

No, it doesn’t take just five minutes out of a day. But then, neither is it something that you and I can’t happily work into our lives. And it will give you super-sexy skin. For keeps. Take a look.

PS: How do I know this? It’s literally been my job to track behind the scenes beauty secrets at catwalks, runways, and photo shoots for more than a decade now!

Supermodel skincare secret #1: They keep their act clean

On the very first day at most agencies, models get the skin lecture. Salient points? Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse. No matter how much Champagne you have glugged down, take off every scrap of makeup at night. 

And if you’ve been on a shoot or walking the runway, just one cleanse is not enough. Skin that has been exposed to heavy makeup, harsh lights, and environmental pollutants during photoshoots and shows needs a double cleanse. 

What’s a double cleanse? First, you use an oil-based cleanser that breaks down and removes oil-based impurities such as makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. This is immediately followed by a water-based cleanser to help remove any remaining impurities on the skin that are water-soluble, such as sweat and some environmental pollutants. 

The result? It ensures that every trace of these impurities is removed, allowing the skin to breathe, regenerate, and stay clear. Plus, ensuring the skin is perfectly clean, subsequent skincare products like toners, serums, and moisturizers can penetrate the skin more effectively.

Superfans? Karlie Kloss, Bella Hadid, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Beyoncé, Kerry Washington, Olivia Wilde, Selena Gomez, and Hailey Bieber… the list is endless!

Supermodel skincare secret #2: They don’t believe the hype

It stands to reason that a model would know precisely how skin treated with the latest must-have innovation looks without Photoshop. So they stick to the basics, eschewing the latest and “greatest” in favor of the truly tried and tested. 

Top of the list is choosing an excellent frills-free moisturizer that locks in the hydration without being greasy or clogging the pores.

Because moisturizing isn’t just about applying a cream or lotion; it’s about locking in hydration, replenishing lost nutrients, and forming a protective barrier against external aggressors. It’s the act of nurturing, healing, and reviving the skin, ensuring it remains soft, supple, and resilient.

And (with all the expert dermatologists on call), they know that a moisturizer’s efficacy lies in how you use it rather than the brand or price tag.

The secret? Always apply to damp skin, post-cleansing, to lock in maximum hydration. For those extra dry days or post-exfoliation, consider layering a hydrating serum (think hyaluronic aid!) beneath the moisturizer for an added boost.

Celebrity favorites? Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer for Zendaya, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream for Amal Clooney, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate for Khloe Kardashian, Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream for Jennifer Lopez, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Fluid for Sarah Jessica Parker, Augustinus Bader The Cream for legions including Victoria Beckham, Kate Bosworth, and Alexa Chung, and the ubiquitous La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream for everyone from Nicole Kidman to Chrissy Teigen!

Supermodel skincare secrets #3: Facial Mists

Whether it’s between runway shows, during long flights, or after hours under the scorching studio lights, a facial mist offers instant refreshment. Icons like Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Miranda Kerr have vouched for the transformative power of these mists, attributing their constant glow to these hydrating wonders​.

And they’re not talking about the ones loaded with plain water. These mists are packed with moisturizing ingredients and vitamins to nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin.

Integrating facial mists into your skincare routine is seamless: Use them post-cleansing for an added layer of hydration, set your makeup, or carry them in your bag for a quick midday refresh! 

Some of the best options to choose from: Avène Thermal Spring Water, Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, and the Caudalie Beauty Elixir (Victoria Beckham, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoë Kravitz, Margot Robbie are all fans!).

Supermodel skincare secrets #4: They understand the power of professional facials

In an industry where flawless skin is paramount, facials are not just a luxury — they’re a necessity. Celebrity esthetician Mzia Shiman emphasizes the importance of regular facials, even for those without acute skin problems. 

Shiman’s top tip? Ensure you’re using products specifically designed for your skin type and switch them out as the seasons change. Adaptability is the key!

The ones that get the most love: iS Clinical Fire and Ice Resurfacing Facial, Dr. Colbert’s Triad Facial, Harold Lancer Legacy Facial, Nichola Joss’ Bespoke Sculpting Inner Facial, The Sturm Glow Facial, Mzia Shiman Oxygen Infusion, and the Shani Darden Signature Facial. 

Supermodel skincare secret #5: They swear by indigenous recipes

Even though supermodels can afford the most expensive treatments, they also know that regular at-home upkeep is just as important. Which means they are pretty happy whipping up their own all-natural beauty recipes. 

Miranda Kerr has been known to wax eloquent about rosehip oil: “I use it as an intensive nourishing face treatment, to remove eye makeup, as a cuticle treatment. And I add a few drops to my face cream every night to wake up with a brighter complexion.” 

Zoe Saldana buys an aloe vera leaf from Trader Joe’s, peels it, and puts the juice on post-sun skin, while Adriana Lima swears by the benefits of avocado masks.

Then there is Scarlet Johansson, who has a natural remedy for every skin ailment. One of her staples is Manuka honey. She advocates steaming your face to open the pores, then applying a spoonful of honey to the skin; leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then wash off with plain water!

Supermodel skincare secret #6: They practice the art of balance

Yes, these famous faces work hard and party harder, often going without sleep or living off junk food. But they also know that every misstep needs to be balanced out with ultra-clean living. So, they make amends at every opportunity to stave off the cumulative damage. 

Case in point? Karlie Kloss: “I love to make just really yummy, clean, boring protein shakes with chocolate protein powder, almond milk, and banana or blackberries.”

Miranda Kerr, in the meantime, loves the multi-nutrient benefits of coconut oil: “I take four teaspoons of coconut oil every day, either on my salads, in my cooking, or in my green tea. I will not go a day without coconut oil.”