Celebrity Skincare Routines & Influencer Trends

Top celebrities often credit multi-step beauty routines or hallmark products for their glowing skin – and influencers take note. In practice, routines range from minimalist two-step regimens to elaborate multi-product rituals. Below we break down popular celebrity routines and note what experts and influencers say about them.

Hailey Bieber: The “Glazed Donut” Glow

Model Hailey Bieber is known for her hydrated, dewy finish – often called the “glazed donut” look. Her nighttime regimen emphasizes gentle cleansing and rich moisturizers. In one YouTube video, she shared that she double-cleanses: first using the MARA Beauty Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil to melt off makeup, then rinsing with the milky HoliFrog Tashmoo Water Lily Nourishing Milky Wash. “I started [oil cleansing] during quarantine and it has honestly made the biggest difference in my skin,” she says. She never lets her skin feel “dry and stripped” after washing, and on damp skin applies a peptide-rich Biba Los Angeles Plant Stem Cell Serum.

• Moisturize & Glow: At night she slathers on Biba Los Angeles Cream Barrier and a light layer of Furtuna Skin Due Alberi Biphase Oil for extra shine. “My standard when I get into bed… is if I’m not looking like a glazed donut, I’m not doing the right thing,” Bieber jokes.

• Finishing Touches: Hailey taps on bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Eye Cream and coats her lips with Aquaphor—“I hate chapped lips… it’s truly one of my biggest pet peeves,” she explains. The inexpensive Aquaphor balm is her “cannot go to bed without” product.

• Dermatologist Take: Board-certified derms note her routine is very thorough. Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose praises the double-cleanse as soothing for her sensitive, acne-prone skin. Dr. Michelle Tull notes it is “very elaborate…with a lot of redundancy” (for example, two hydrating cleansers) and points out Hailey’s use of retinol only around the eyes. Overall, both agree Hailey follows “great skincare advice” – a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and listening to her skin.

Influencers on YouTube and TikTok have latched onto Hailey’s routine. Many beauty creators try to copy her glazed glow or emphasize her lip balm step. As Caroline Hirons quipped in an interview, the best routine is “one you’ll actually do every day” – an idea Hailey herself echoed when she noted her nine-step regimen might overwhelm some. In general, Bieber’s ritual highlights hydration and barrier repair, blending high-end serums (peptides, plant stem cells) with humble classics like Aquaphor.

Rihanna: The Effortless Fenty Routine

Rihanna’s approach is radically simple. The Fenty Beauty mogul has distilled her routine into just three core products from her Fenty Skin line. In a Harper’s Bazaar interview, she demonstrated a one-wash cleanse using Total Cleans’R Remove-It-All Gel-Cream Cleanser. “I usually only do one wash because you only need one,” she says, echoing dermatologist advice that modern cleansers can negate the need for a double cleanse.

Rihanna’s two-step Fenty Skin regimen starts with Total Cleans’R (seen above) and follows with Fat Water and Hydra Vizor SPF moisturizer.

Rihanna’s step-by-step regimen is as follows:

• Cleanser: Fenty Skin Total Cleans’R Remove-It-All Cleanser – a gentle gel-cream she rinses off with water.

• Toner-Serum: Fenty Skin Fat Water Niacinamide Toner-Serum – a hydrating, pore-refining toner serum she pats in. (She calls it “toner and serum in one” to save time.)

• Moisturizer/SPF: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible SPF 15/30 Moisturizer – a tinted SPF face cream applied every morning. In ABC News coverage, Rihanna demonstrated rubbing in Hydra Vizor (SPF 30) as the final step. She notes the pink tint reduces white cast and doubles as a makeup primer. On social media she even quipped “here’s your reminder to put that sunscreen on, baby!” showing off her moisturizer.

Rihanna emphasizes hydration throughout. She drinks plenty of water, uses Fenty’s hyaluronic mist on dry flights, and includes antioxidant ingredients like Barbados cherry (vitamin C) in her formulas. Her philosophy: “healthy, glowing skin comes from a simple, effective routine”. Dermatologists note this approach makes sense: when questioned, Dr. Joshua Zeichner agreed that modern cleansers are very effective, so double-cleansing isn’t always needed. He also cautioned sensitive users about Fenty’s fragrance and astringent witch hazel in Fat Water, advice echoed in the fan community. But overall, Rihanna’s stripped-back routine is widely seen as efficient and influencer-friendly. It has sparked a minimalist trend: many fans now equate Fenty’s two products with a full routine, focusing on cleansing, toning, and daily SPF as essentials.

Kim Kardashian: The SKKN By Kim System

Kim Kardashian’s skin looks amazing at age 43, thanks in part to her nine-step SKKN by Kim regimen – a line she developed after her psoriasis diagnosis. Unlike Rihanna, Kim’s routine is multi-step and multi-product. In interviews she describes using almost every product in her collection every day. Her steps include:

• Cleanser: SKKN Gentle Cream Cleanser. Kim “never skips” cleansing, using the brand’s glycerin-rich cleanser. (She mixes a few pumps with water into a foam for a hydrating wash.)

• Toner: SKKN Peptide-Exfoliating Skin Renewal Toner. This fruit-enzyme toner contains AHAs and witch hazel to refine pores. Kim says she loves its “double exfoliation” effect.

• Serums & Treatments: In the morning she uses SKKN Oil Drops (a vitamin C oil) mixed into her face cream for radiance. At night she swaps to the SKKN Vitamin C8 Serum (an ethyl-ascorbic acid serum) under her cream and nightly oil. (She says Oil Drops are “highly stable, active Vitamin C” for daytime; the Vitamin C8 serum is stronger for overnight pigmentation contro.)

• Moisturizers: SKKN Face Cream is her daily moisturizer (often mixed with Oil Drops for glow). For overnight repair she layers SKKN Night Oil on top of the face cream.

• Additional: She diligently uses SKKN Eye Cream (peptides and HA) every morning and night. She finishes with sunscreen in the day and a light lip balm.

Kim sums up her philosophy: “I find [nighttime] is the most important time to do my full regimen,” even as she admits it can be “overwhelming”. She tells Bazaar that her skin care has lengthened over the years, and “my skincare routine has gotten longer” now that she’s a mom. (She also emphasizes “pressing” products into skin rather than rubbing, a detail that went viral from her posts.) In practice, her routine is a full 9-step system (sometimes including cleansers, toner, two vitamin C formulas, serums, creams, oils, etc.), all designed by estheticians and dermatologists. (For space reasons we won’t list every product name here, but see our table below.)

Influencers have noted that Kim’s approach is the polar opposite of Rihanna’s minimalism. On social media, some admire her all-encompassing regimen, while others caution that “the best routine is the one you’ll actually do” (a mantra Kim herself quotes). Dermatologists would point out that many steps in Kim’s routine are scientifically sound – e.g. a gentle cleanser, vitamin C, moisturizing barrier repair – but also that most people need far fewer products to maintain healthy skin.

Pharrell Williams: Humanrace’s Simple Trio

Pharrell Williams (now in his 50s) frequently credits his longtime dermatologist, Dr. Elena Jones, and his own Humanrace brand for his ageless complexion. His routine has always been extremely simple – a theme reflected in the three-product Humanrace launch. In a Vogue video, Pharrell demonstrates his morning regimen:

Pharrell starts his day with Humanrace Rice Powder Cleanser, which he massages into a foam, followed by the Humanrace Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator. He then applies a Snow Mushroom “Humidifying Cream” moisturizer and finishes with SPF (and lip balm).

Steps in Pharrell’s routine:

• Cleanser: Humanrace Rice Powder Cleanser – a powder that foams into a gentle wash. Pharrell pours it into his hands, adds water, and rubs it in (often with a washcloth) for a very thorough cleanse.

• Exfoliator: Humanrace Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator – a green, thick formula. Pharrell literally instructs “Exfoliate like a madman!” as he spreads this on. This step sloughs away dead skin with both mechanical grains and fruit enzymes.

• Vitamin C: He briefly uses vitamin C ampoules around his eyes (tapping in the serum from glass vials).

• Moisturizer: Humanrace Snow Mushroom Hydrating Cream – a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer that he spreads over face and neck.

• SPF & Lip Care: He never skips sunscreen. In the video he applies SPF (Chanel) on top of his moisturizer, noting Black skin is “very cognizant of UV rays.” He caps it off with a dab of Chanel lip balm.

Pharrell underscores consistency. “The routine is number one,” he declares – genetics matter less than showing up every day. He credits both humid, water-rich climates and these products. His dermatologist Dr. Elena Jones explains that the trio (cleanser, enzyme exfoliator, humidifying cream) provides gentle exfoliation and intense hydration. For example, she notes the Rice Cleanser and Lotus Exfoliator “provide gentle exfoliation and are rich in hydration,” while the Humidifying Cream “nourishes and plumps the skin”.

Pharrell’s routine has helped spawn another trend: the rise of male-focused grooming. Humanrace is explicitly gender-inclusive, and his dedication to cleansing and SPF is now frequently showcased on men’s beauty channels. Dermatologists point out that his emphasis on washing with a cloth (mechanical exfoliation) and daily SPF mirrors sound dermatologic advice. Influencers often praise that his clean, three-step routine (dealt as seconds each) can fit into anyone’s busy schedule.

Common Themes and Expert Advice

Across these celebrity rituals, some patterns emerge:

• Hydration & Barrier Care: Nearly all routines prioritize hydration. Hailey layers oils and creams to avoid any “dry” feel; Rihanna drinks water and uses hydrating mist; Pharrell’s moisturizer is literally snow mushroom-based for humidity. Dr. Murphy-Rose notes Hailey’s routine focuses on “gentle hydration” which is great for sensitive skin. Skincare experts echo this: a good moisturizer (often with ceramides or hyaluronic acid) is key for all skin types.

• Tailored Treatment: Each star uses targeted actives. Hailey incorporates peptides and a touch of acne medication; Rihanna’s Fat Water delivers niacinamide for pores; Kim’s system includes vitamin C and retinoids. Dermatologists stress that personalizing to your needs matters. For example, Dr. Zeichner noted Rihanna’s choice not to double-cleanse is fine given her gentle cleanser, and Dr. Tull pointed out Hailey’s use of eye-retinol (and cautioned on facial retinol). In short, pros advise focusing on one or two powerful ingredients rather than adding every new product.

• Sun Protection: All the celebs emphasize SPF either explicitly or implicitly. Rihanna and Pharrell definitely wear sunscreen each day. Even Kim’s regimen (though not detailed above) includes sunscreen when done carefully. Experts universally agree SPF is non-negotiable – a fact Rihanna publicly reminds her followers with “put on that sunscreen” captions.

• Sustainability vs. Accessibility: Several routines blend luxury and drugstore. Hailey pairs a $58 oil cleanser with $3 Aquaphor. Rihanna builds a brand to be “accessible,” noting she created Fenty Skin formulas for everyone. Pharrell’s Humanrace products are mid-range, and Kim’s SKKN is premium. Influencers often note that even celebrities use economical staples (like plain vaseline/aquaphor, basic cleansers) alongside pricier serums.

• “Routine as Self-Care”: Many stars frame skincare as therapy. Hailey says her skincare routine is part of her self-care ritual. Kim equates her nine-step ritual to personal dedication and even mentions going down to the chest with products. Likewise, Pharrell talks about pausing to focus on wellness while washing. Dermatologists see this positively: consistent habits, even if lengthy, reinforce skin health over time. As one aesthetician quoted in Bazaar points out, the best routine is truly the one you’ll stick to.

Trends & Takeaways: Celebrities now often blend self-care narratives with skincare science. Many follow a middle path: neither one-size-fits-all nor absurdly complicated. Dermatologists reiterate the basics shown above – a gentle cleanser, targeted actives (like vitamin C or retinoids as needed), moisturizer, and daily SPF – and caution that extra steps should serve your skin’s needs, not vanity. As beauty editors note, “the best skincare routine is one you’ll actually do every day”, whether it’s Rihanna’s efficient two steps or Kim’s nine-step ritual.