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Let’s Talk About the Skincare Secrets of the Fashion Elite

Written by: Andrea Centeno

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Time to read 6 min

Supermodels, A-list celebrities, fashion elites — we see many of them on social media, not only in their official photoshoots but also when they’re candidly photographed at events or even when they’re just running errands! Bottom line is, they are constantly under visual scrutiny, which is also most probably the main reason why they take skincare very seriously. They do have bad days like most of us, but you can just absolutely tell that they have secrets to keep their skin in its best condition. Have you ever stumbled upon a couple of barefaced celebrity photos or videos on Instagram or TikTok when they are absolutely beaming in radiance? After swooning a tad bit over how gorgeous they look, you’re probably asking yourself, how do I achieve this myself?


Let’s get the super expensive aesthetic treatments and surgical procedures out of the way for now (although they sure help, of course). I’ve scoured through the pages of Vogue, Marie Claire, and every fashion source I could find to see what beauty and skincare secrets the celebs are hiding! In this article, we’ll be diving into the best-kept skincare secrets of the fashion elites that you can actually do at the comfort of your own home — no frills, no fluff.


bare face photo of Barbara Palvin Sprouse


Simple & Straightforward Routine

Rabanne Spring Summer 2025 Beauty
Image: Rabanne

You’d be surprised, but most celebrity skincare routines don’t really involve 10 to 12 steps. It turns out, the secret to gorgeous, flawless skin doesn’t solely rely on the amount of products applied to the skin but on giving skincare a minimalist approach. Gentle, high-performing skincare basics are the real superstars of the fashion elite’s skincare game.


Less-is-more skincare routines were pretty much overlooked in the past years as the rise of rigorous multi-step rituals took place. But as more people realize that it’s not really about the quantity, skincare minimalism has become more prominent these days, especially among those who are super busy. Natalie Portman is one of the glowing examples of celebrities who are known to embrace minimalist skincare, as well as Bella Hadid, who mentioned sticking to her favorite Weleda Skin Food cream and even went through eight tubes of it! 


The bottom line? There’s no need for a dresser full of mystical serums and skincare potions to achieve healthy, glowing skin. You just need to pay more attention to the products you’re using and ensure they are top-tier.

Tried & True Skincare Secrets

I was watching countless Get Ready with Me videos and reels of supermodels and A-listers, and I’ve noticed a couple of common denominators that many of them incorporate in their skincare routine. Here are some of the skincare techniques I’ve spotted:

  •  Ice Therapy - Kate Moss once shared how she plunges her face into ice water along with some cucumber slices to tighten her pores and get rid of any puffiness.

  •  Gua Sha  - Kendall Jenner’s viral Gua Sha routine is just one of the many celebrities who use the ancient technique. It improves lymphatic movement and also helps firm the skin.

  •  LED Light Therapy - Jean Campbell shared with Vogue how she used an LED face mask twice a week to keep the glow of her skin. Red light is known to help improve collagen production.

  •  Gentle Exfoliation  - Nothing gritty, only the most gentle exfoliating formulas! Christie Brinkley is known to have incorporated exfoliation in her daily routine for 40 years. It may sound intimidating to exfoliate daily, but if you go for gentle formulas, you’re all good.

  • Superior UV Protection  - Daily sun protection may not exactly be a “secret,” but as for celebrities, the key is the proper amount and frequency of application. Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Bhanusali shares that two-finger lengths of sunscreen applied every two hours is the best way to give yourself superb sun protection.

Healthy Lifestyle for that Inner Glow

Here’s the thing: no amount of lavish serum or hi-tech skincare device can compete with a well-rested body. Ask any supermodel or fashion editor, and they’ll tell you that skincare is more than just what you put on your face — it’s how you take care of yourself from the inside.

Elle Macpherson has long credited her radiance to gut health. She starts her day with alkaline supplements and drinks plenty of water. It’s about flushing out toxins, not just covering them up.

These habits may sound basic, but they’re the foundation of any glowing complexion:

  •  Hydrate constantly  - your skin is the last organ to get water, so give it enough to share.

  •  Eat smart - antioxidant-rich foods help fight inflammation and dullness.

  •  Sleep like it’s your job - it's because your skin literally heals and renews itself while you snooze.

The truth is, when you treat your body like a luxury vessel, your skin follows suit. This is the real deal for that actual Glow from within!

Chrissy Teigen wears a shoulderless red top in a selfie in August 2017
Image: Instagram/Chrissy Teigen

Supermodel Staples: Skincare Essentials for Your Beauty Arsenal

Let’s talk about runway-worthy glow without the overwhelming number of skincare products on your vanity table. Sure, squeezing more high-quality skincare products into your routine would be helpful, but to be honest, it’s really all about having the right staples on hand. A true beauty enthusiast who understands skincare knows that there’s no need for every trending product. For the fashion and beauty mavens, there are certain essentials that consistently show up in elite beauty routines, and you can absolutely make them your own.


Here are the core pieces worth keeping in your arsenal:


  •  Hydrating Serums : Think hyaluronic acid or marine extracts. These lock in moisture and plump the skin from within. A staple for early call times and late-night events.

  •  Brightening Exfoliants : A gentle chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or PHAs) helps keep your texture smooth and tone even. Use it a few times a week, and thank us later.

  •  Barrier-Repair Creams : Especially during travel or fashion week madness, skin gets stressed. A barrier-repair moisturizer helps keep skin resilient, especially when facing studio lights, airplanes, and cold weather.

  •  A+ SPF : Look for non-comedogenic formulas with both UVA and UVB protection. Bonus if it blends well under makeup or gives a subtle dewy finish.

  •  Targeted Masks : For that “I slept eight hours and drank green juice” look, even when you didn’t. Think calming, detoxifying, or hydrating, depending on what your skin’s begging for.

One line worth browsing? Ellie Belle’s high-performance skincare. If you’re on the hunt for a curated collection that offers luxurious formulas without the fuss, it’s worth checking out. Start building a refined routine by starting with efficient and intentional skincare for the celebrity look.

Rabanne Spring Summer 2025 Beauty
Image: Rabanne

The Wrap Up

The skincare routines of the fashion elite aren’t just about flawless selfies or red carpet prep—they’re blueprints for balance, intention, and treating your skin with the respect it deserves. 


The good news? You don’t need to be backstage at Paris Fashion Week to get that kind of skin. With a thoughtful routine, a few time-tested techniques, and products that are actually built to perform, your own glow-up is totally within reach. Because fashion may come and go, but good skin is always in!

Minimalism Wins: Fashion elites favor simple, high-quality skincare routines over overloaded regimens.

Celebrity Secrets: Ice therapy, gua sha, and LED masks are common rituals among A-listers.

Glow from Within: Hydration, gut health, and sleep are major factors in achieving radiant skin.

Power Staples: Hydrating serums, gentle exfoliants, and A+ SPF top every supermodel’s essentials list.

Intentional Beauty: Good skin isn’t about excess—it’s about balance, consistency, and smart products.

What skincare routine do supermodels actually follow?

Many models rely on minimalist routines using only a few high-performing products. Think: hydrating serums, barrier creams, and daily SPF.

Are skincare tools like gua sha and LED masks really worth it?

Absolutely. Gua sha boosts circulation and sculpting, while red LED light supports collagen—both are favorites in celebrity skincare regimens.

How do fashion icons keep their glow off the runway?

They focus on inner wellness: hydration, clean eating, and rest. Lifestyle is just as important as what’s on your vanity.

What skincare products are considered must-haves?

A hydrating serum, gentle exfoliant, barrier-repair cream, reliable SPF, and targeted masks are essentials in any elite beauty routine.

Andrea Centeno, blogwriter for Ellie Belle

Andrea Centeno

Andrea Centeno, Editorial Lead for Ellie Belle, brings over a decade of experience as a writer and editor specializing in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Beyond her professional role, she curates and styles clothing for personal fashion clients, teaches English to young children during school breaks, and creates handmade jewelry in her mini craft corner. Andrea also shares her passion for beauty, travel, and skincare on her personal blog, shimmerjjang.com, where she writes about her favorite lipsticks, eyeshadows, solo adventures, and her ongoing skincare journey.

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