The beauty founder gets honest about her skincare routine.
Jessica Alba is like the personification of a bottle of champagne. It's sweet, spicy, rich, and seems to get better with time. For people of a certain generation, it's easy to feel like they grew up with Alba. She's been on our screens since she was a kid and has grown old with millennials, who have watched her grow from a tiny child star working with Nickelodeon to a full-fledged movie icon with impressive range, but she doesn't Not content with just being an impressive movie icon. .just being a (decade-defining) pretty face. Alba has a point of view and a voice, and she wants to use both as much as possible.
Just as the children she watched on Darling and Valentine were entering adulthood and starting to have children of their own, Alba turned to her own second act: the wildly successful Honest Company. The brand was created when Alba couldn't find the baby care products she wanted for her first child, and has become a university-researched unicorn success story. Would you be surprised to learn that despite Alba's busy schedule, she's still able to do it all while maintaining her holiday glow?
When I first met Alba face-to-face (well, computer-to-computer), it was the perfect opportunity to see her ability to maintain grace amidst the chaos of action. Alba is photo-ready and smiling broadly (even through my grubby screen) as she zooms in from a room filled with activity—though you'd never know it from her calm, sarcastic jokes and Guess that from the truly impressive product knowledge.
Together, we discussed her entire skincare history—from childhood allergies, to her nighttime routine and beauty philosophy, to what she's focused on next. I feel like I just took a course in cosmetic chemistry and entrepreneurship. If she had time for a full beauty masterclass, I would have attended on the first day. Here's a complete breakdown of Jessica Alba's skincare routine, habits, and favorite products.
about her skin
I used to have very unpredictable skin conditions and lots of breakouts—even adult acne. When I started being honest, I was able to make my own beauty and skin care products and I really haven't had any major skin issues since. I would say my biggest struggle right now is changing my skincare routine based on how much I fly, travel, or sleep (or don’t sleep). So it's really about moisture and things like that. I have very dry under eyes so I make sure to moisturize them. I love tools for applying moisturizers and serums, and I also love face masks.
How she got into the skincare industry
There aren't many dermatologists or estheticians who can help me because most of it has to do with chemicals in products. You know, I felt like it was ineffective due to the simplistic ingredient list. It didn't really work. Products that are more active, luxurious or science-based often cause me problems because they contain fragrance or something I'm allergic to - I'm allergic to petroleum, which is the base of many products. I'm also allergic to any type of adhesive or anything containing latex. So there's a lot of stuff that I can't use because it gives me rashes and acne and stuff like that. I've always been fascinated by skin because, especially as an actress, your face is so big on screen. [Laughs] You can see every little thing, right? Yes, I'm super obsessed with having healthy skin, that's for sure.
your morning and evening routine
I cleanse at night and like to use a creamy foaming cleanser. Our sensitive skin products are my favorite. It contains prebiotics, so it smells a little weird (kind of like yogurt). But it doesn’t contain any fragrance and is really nutritious. I love using our serums—I use the Honest Resurfaceing Serum ($30). Sometimes I’ll apply a hydrating serum – I’ve been doing more than that lately. At night, I use Calm and Heal Melting Balm ($33), then Calm and Renew Eye Balm ($28) around my eyes, and finally Gloss-C ($15) on my lips. We have these clear brow and lash serums, but I just don't feel like my lashes and brows look any better. It's great to apply this health serum every night.
In the morning, I apply my rejuvenating serum again, followed by Hydrogel ($20), which is a water-based, fragrance-free cream. I immediately felt my face plump. Then I like to use our Honestly Bright Eyes ($24), which is a hydrogel cream that's water-based but contains pigments so it reflects light and makes my face look bright and awake. Then I use the clear color Gloss-C on my lips. I usually use some kind of spray as well. For example, when I go to the gym, I use products suitable for sensitive skin because it reduces redness, otherwise I use extra moisturizing products.
How their philosophy has evolved over the years
I was frustrated with my acne but didn't realize how much it had to do with my diet, stress, and the products I used. I overcleanse my skin and use very harsh ingredients, and then I even put medications, different types of medications on my skin. So I would say [to my younger self] I probably wouldn’t do it. [laughs] It’s a little late now! But now I work with my daughters to teach them how to take care of their skin. You really have to take care of it and make it your own.I would say no matter how many times my mom tells me, I have to figure it out for myself, but I try to set these basic standards for her.
The only product that makes the biggest difference
Hydrogels are amazing. It's life changing. Everyone who has tried it says, "OMG!" Because you don't rub it all the way through, so there's a little layer left. It's kind of like a delayed moisturizer. And if you want to just rub it into your skin and let it absorb, it has a very hydrating texture and feels very refreshing. It's like your face absorbs moisture instantly. It's not greasy. It's not greasy. This isn't particularly difficult. Leaving it on your face for about 10 minutes can make a huge difference.
Best skincare advice she's ever received
I would say I learned how to cover spots on set. You know, you don't just put a color on your face. Your skin tone will naturally get darker around your hairline or where the sun hits your face, while other areas may need to be lighter. So allow yourself to try a few different shades to maintain dimension on your face. Otherwise it just looks flat.
Your most used products
Concealer – I keep it with me. My cream blush and concealer. [I'll be] applying a little bit under my nose throughout the day. “Oh, I blushed a little,” or “I just blew my nose,” you know? Or, "Oh, there's a little blemish." And mascara, I guess. I love looking fresh all day long and having the option to do some touch-ups without clumping.
Your latest skincare obsession
My friend Shani Darden is an esthetician and she just launched this LED light mask with a neck component that’s really cool. When you get to my age, you appreciate the neck.
Post a Comment