If there’s one thing I’ve learned from celebrity “skincare routine” binges, it’s that without proper hydration, even the most luxurious actives lose their impact. It’s the foundation that holds your entire routine together.
From Hailey Bieber’s glazed-donut glow to Zendaya’s ever-dewy complexion, the secret sauce isn’t always lasers or $800 facials. More often than not, it’s a well-planned, hydration-focused routine that makes all the difference.
So, if you want to know how your favorite celebrities get that dewy skin glow, I’ve rounded up skincare secrets from 7 A-list celebrities from around the world, including Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, and other beauty insiders.
Keep it Simple
When it comes to skincare, Zendaya doesn’t overthink it—and that’s exactly why her approach feels so refreshing. The Emmy-winning actress, singer, and red carpet icon is known for her effortlessly radiant complexion, but as she puts it, it’s not about chasing trends or piling on extra steps.
“I think the best thing I found is consistency is key, sticking with products and keeping it simple,” she says.
With sensitive skin prone to breakouts and eczema flare-ups, Zendaya keeps her routine minimal. She steers clear of heavily fragranced products and leans into a core three-step ritual: a gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer, and, of course, sunscreen.
“Don’t do too much,” she advises. “Because when I start to apply too many layers of things… I break out or I get an eczema flare-up, so I gotta keep it simple,” she adds. Her philosophy? Less is more, you want to use only what your skin truly needs.
Dip Your Face in Ice
@Aliaabhatt / INSTAGRAM
Alia Bhatt, Bollywood star and global style icon, is known for her radiant complexion and effortless glow. With combination skin that’s prone to morning puffiness, she kickstarts her routine by plunging her freshly cleansed face into a bowl of ice water.
“Icing really helps take away that puffiness… It prevents acne marks, keeps your skin really lovely and tight, and genuinely just makes you feel fresh and good,” she explains.
The icy dip helps boost circulation, firms the skin, and delivers a healthy flush that sets the tone for the rest of her regimen.
Plus, starting your morning with an ice-water facial can enhance product absorption and tighten pores for a smoother complexion.
Try a Face Steam
@Kristline__ / INSTAGRAM
“I start up with cleaning my face with my black soap, and I use my brush to exfoliate my face, and then after that, I start to steam my face,” says Christiana, the West African lifestyle YouTuber.
“I like when my pores are open, when your pores are open, you gon feel it all,” she says.
Steaming helps unclog pores, soften the skin, and remove dirt, resulting in a deeper cleanse. It also preps your skin to absorb and lock in extra moisture from the products that follow.
Use a Device
@Gabunion / INSTAGRAM
The age-defying glow goddess, Gabrielle Union, loves high-performance skincare devices, particularly the Shani Darden facial device.
“I am a device sucker, I love a device, so sometimes I go with Shani Darden,” she says.
The Shani Darden Skin Care Facial Sculpting Wand increases the absorption of serums and treatments, stimulating circulation and helping to maintain a firm, luminous appearance.
“Even Jessica Alba swears by Shani Darden,” she adds. Incorporating a device in your skincare regimen can help enhance the results of your products.
Use a Moisturizing Facial Oil.
Frazer Harrison / GETTY IMAGES
With dry-to-combination skin that tends to feel dry in the mornings, Hailey makes hydration a priority. One of her go-to tricks? Applying serum and moisturizer to slightly damp skin.
“I don’t dry my face completely when I wash it because I like to apply my serum when it’s still a little bit damp,” she says. This simple step helps her skin absorb moisture faster and more deeply, keeping it hydrated twice as long.
For locking in extra moisture and getting that dewy glow, the glazed beauty likes to apply the Furtuna Skin Due Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil on her face, “the tiniest tiniest bit,” she emphasizes.
Including a moisturizing facial oil in your routine not only replenishes the skin with plumping moisture activators but also supports natural collagen synthesis, helping to brighten and even out tone.
Plus, it protects against digital blue light, UV rays, and pollution, giving you a luminous glow without the greasy appearance.
Layer Moisturizers for Maximum Hydration
@Angelreese5 / INSTAGRAM
I didn’t know you have to use the thinnest layer first and then the thickest layer. Since I started doing that, I can see the complete difference within my skin,” says Angel Reese.
Layering moisturizers correctly, Reese locks in extra hydration, giving her skin that signature dewy, healthy glow she loves. “Some people like the dewy look, some people like a dry look — I like the dewy look,” she says.
This skincare hack not only keeps her complexion plump and luminous but also helps her skin maintain long-lasting moisture even during game days.
Use Your Sunscreen
@Cocojones / INSTAGRAM
The Bel-Air star, Coco Jones, takes us through her everyday skincare routine, revealing how she keeps her glow game strong with a simple routine and loading up on her favorite sunscreen, the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42.
“Because one thing about a dark spot, it’s gonna be there for a cute three to four business months, so I’m just trying to avoid the process entirely, so I gotta put on some sunscreen,” she says.
Applying SPF is not just for protecting you against sun damage but also for preventing hyperpigmentation and preserving an even skin tone. Sunscreen isn’t optional, it’s very important if you’ve got melanin-rich skin.
