When a celebrity hits the red carpet, you expect a stunning outfit with flawless hair and makeup. But what really makes a red-carpet appearance is healthy glowing skin. The trademark Hollywood glow spotted on our favorite stars seems to be exclusive to the red carpet, but it’s usually thanks to extensive skin-care prep and treatments. Simply put: No, they did not wake up like this.
It’s not the cameras and flashing lights but facialist Joanna Vargas who keeps celebs looking fresh-faced. Vargas, whose clients include Mindy Kaling, Vanessa Hudgens, and both Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal, is one of Hollywood’s go-to pros and the founder of her own eponymous skin-care line.
Despite the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Vargas believes high-quality beauty products should be available for everyone, which is why she’s teaming up with Dove for the brand’s Body Love collection. “I really think that beauty should be accessible to everybody,” Vargas tells Glamour. “I always recommend high and low. I don’t think you need to spend a million dollars on product in order to get good product or have good skin.”
In fact, achieving a celeb-worthy glow is easier than you think. “People tend to overthink the art of applying skin care,” she says. “You could just do a simple upward motion, hand-over-hand application. It’s really stimulating for the skin and increases circulation. You don’t have to be an expert applier to just do that.”
When it comes your skin-care routine, Vargas also has a simple method. “People get confused about which product goes when in the routine. It’s always lightest to heaviest: Hyaluronic acid serum, oil-based serum or moisturizer on top, and then sunscreen is the order I recommend for best penetration,” she says.
As for Vargas herself, the unofficial queen of facials gets regular treatments at her spa, including microneedling with radio frequency, microcurrent facials, acid peels, and face massages. (“It’s an important blend; it’s like baking a cake.”) Her biggest skin-care concern? “The fact that I’m 51,” she says. “You want to feel like you look your best for where you are in your life. Trying to stay fresh-looking when you travel a lot or when you’re tired is really my biggest concern.”
Ahead, Joanna Vargas shares the products that keep her fresh-faced.
My cleanser
I use my own Vitamin C Face Wash for my face. I love it because it has salicylic acid in it, which reduces inflammation and is very brightening for the skin. It keeps the pores clean. I don’t feel like I need to do deep pore cleanses ever because I use that product every day and evening.
My toner
I tend to not use toner; when I do, I use Thayers witch hazel with aloe vera or infused with rose oil because it’s super hydrated. It’s anti-inflammatory and refreshing for the skin.
My serums
In the daytime I will do my Eden Rejuvenating Pro Serum, which is a hyaluronic-acid stem-cell serum, and then my Rejuvenating Antioxidant Oil Serum, which is a face oil more geared towards omega-3 fatty acids. It’s got argon oil, so it’s an antioxidant-rich serum.
My moisturizer
I do my Eden Pro Moisturizer as the finishing touch. It is a ceramide moisturizer, which holds hydration in the skin. It helps keep my skin hydrated all day long. I love to wear it under makeup.
My sunscreen
I use Supergoop Glowscreen. It’s easy. It goes on really well over my skin care and doesn’t make me feel too clogged up. I use their translucent powder for reapplication at the end of the day.
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My lip balm
I’m obsessed with Sara Happ. So good. Nothing makes my lips feel more hydrated, and it’s very repairing.
My devices
I use my own Magic Glow Wand all the time when I’m doing a sheet mask or over my exfoliating mask because it massages the skin. It’s got cryotherapy in it or a heat application for when I exfoliate, which I love. As far as another device I really love, there’s a brand called Current Body. They have the LED face mask that I really love.
My body care
The Dove bar of soap has always been a favorite. Dove Body Love uses premium skin-care ingredients. I thought that was a little bit unusual for the price point. Normally people just put a bunch of stuff in a bottle and sell it. But they have hyaluronic acid serum, vitamin C salicylic peptides, vitamin E, plus aloe. You can really see a difference in your skin immediately, which is one of my rules. You shouldn’t have to use a product for weeks before you notice a difference in your skin.
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Ariana Yaptangco is the senior beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @arianayap.
