Celebrities may appear to have perfect skin, but the fact is they’re human, and they have to work for it just like we do. A-listers do have an advantage, however—namely cutting-edge products at their fingertips and access to the best skin-care professionals in the biz. Thus, these ladies have picked up some trade secrets along the way, and we’re all ears. Here, find out how everyone from Karlie Kloss to Jennifer Aniston keeps a smooth and radiant complexion all year round.
Photo: Instagram/@karliekloss
Don’t exercise with makeup on
Karlie Kloss has admitted she breaks out if she wears makeup to exercise. She tells Elle that she cleanses her face before and after working out, and follows up with Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.
Photo: Instagram/@kendalljenner
Use a spot treatment
Kendall Jenner mixes half a teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey. On her website, she writes, “the baking soda and lemon juice act to dry out the pimple, while honey works to soothe irritation.”
Photo: Instagram/@gwynethpaltrow
Wash off the workday
Gwyneth Paltrow recently shot a video for Vogue, and in it she reveals that she washes off her makeup after a long day at the office, and then reapplies for evening. She uses Goop Luminous Melting Cleanser, followed by Goop Exfoliating Instant Facial.
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Photo: Instagram/@Iamnaomicampbell
Exfoliate properly
Naomi Campbell’s facialist Christine Chin tells Harper’s Bazaar that the supermodel swears by microdermabrasion. “We start with a few glycolic peels and then use microdermabrasion to exfoliate,” she says.
Photo: Instagram/@justintheroux
Consider a laser treatment
To keep the texture of her skin smooth and youthful, Jennifer Aniston gets a Clear and Brilliant laser treatment. She tells InStyle that it’s “a great refresher and there’s very little downtime.”
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I recently attended QVC's Master Beauty Class, and one thing immediately caught my attention: Nearly every skincare brand was spotlighting a cleansing balm. From luxe, spa-like formulas to minimalist, skin-first options, these oil-based cleansers are clearly having a moment. As someone who’s tested my fair share of face washes (gel, foam, cream, et al), I wanted to understand why cleansing balms, in particular, are surging in popularity right now.
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Naturally, I turned to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, for the scoop. According to Dr. King, cleansing balms aren’t just a trendy alternative to your standard face wash—they’re an effective, skin-loving way to cleanse, especially for those dealing with skin concerns (read: me, especially this winter).
While some traditional cleansers contain ingredients that can strip the skin, cleansing balms take a gentler approach, dissolving makeup and impurities, she says. Rooted in the principle of "like dissolves like," their oil-based formulas bind to excess sebum, sunscreen, and long-wear makeup, melting everything away without compromising hydration.
Opening a cleansing balm jar for the first time can feel a little intimidating—I know I was confused by the solid texture at first, but they’re surprisingly easy to use. "Apply a small amount of balm to dry skin," Dr. King says. "Massage gently in circular motions all over the face, then add warm water to emulsify and continue to massage. Rinse with cool water and pat dry."
And while cleansing balms have long been a staple in double-cleansing skincare routines (hello, Korean beauty enthusiasts), they’re now earning their place as standalone cleansers, thanks to innovative formulas that rinse clean without any greasy residue left behind. Whether you have sensitive skin, love a good makeup melt moment, or simply want a more nourishing way to cleanse, there’s a balm with your name on it. If you’re ready to hop on the cleansing balm bandwagon, these three standout picks from QVC belong in your cart ASAP.
If your skin throws a fit every time the weather changes (or, you know, seemingly just to annoy you), this soothing cleansing balm is the one to reach for, according to Dr. King. Packed with antioxidant powerhouses like ginger and turmeric, it can help temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while melting away makeup and excess oil. Plus, it’s spiked with nourishing avocado and jojoba oils to leave skin feeling soft and balanced—not tight or stripped—and smells *amazing*. “I also like that this formulation contains lactic acid and azelaic acid to gently exfoliate the skin,” Dr. King says. Consider this your new skin-soothing security blanket.
For those whose skin has, ahem, seen things (think: stress, over-exfoliation, winter winds), this non-irritating balm is here to save the day. Formulated with Japanese indigo extract, which Dr. King says is known for its calming properties, it works to soothe redness and improve the skin barrier while effortlessly washing away whatever your skin faced that day. Bonus: The silky texture melts in like butter but rinses off clean—no greasy residue left behind, just happy, hydrated skin.
A spa day in a jar (and a travel-friendly mini to match), this fan-favorite balm is beloved for a reason. Infused with a blend of nine essential oils—including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus—it transforms your nightly cleanse into a full-on aromatherapy experience. ”The formulation contains multiple humectants like glycerin and hydrolyzed collagen to hydrate the skin, as well as emollients like sweet almond oil, triglycerides, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to [help] support the skin barrier, and occlusives like beeswax and coconut oil to lock in moisture,” Dr. King says. It starts as a rich balm, melts into an oil, then emulsifies into a milky cleanse that lifts away impurities like a dream. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this duo keeps your skin feeling fresh, plump, and oh-so-glowy.
Note: Prices taken at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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