First Impressions
I first watched Liv Tyler's Vogue beauty secrets video on a lazy Sunday morning, curled up with a cup of tea. There's something about watching a celebrity in their own bathroom, surrounded by well-loved products and family photos, that feels both intimate and aspirational. Liv's approach is refreshingly unpretentious—she starts with a scrunchie made from an old Hermès scarf, but immediately reassures us that any scrunchie will do. That's the kind of energy I appreciate: luxury without the snobbery.
What struck me first was the sheer length of her routine. Twenty-five steps is no joke, but watching her, it doesn't feel like a chore. It feels like a ritual, a moment of calm in a busy day. She talks about her grandmother moisturizing her after baths when she was six, and you can see that this isn't just about looking good—it's about self-care, inherited wisdom, and even a bit of therapy. I've been testing variations of her routine for a few weeks now, and I have to admit, some steps have become non-negotiable in my own regimen.
The Deep Dive
Let's break down the core of Liv's routine. It starts with a double cleanse: first, an oily cleanser from Sarah Chapman (a gooey, creamy formula that melts makeup without irritating her eyes), followed by a Japanese silk and rice bran soap bar from Chidori. This two-step approach is a staple in many Asian beauty routines, and it's genius for removing every trace of makeup and grime without stripping the skin. The bar soap is surprisingly gentle—it creates a silky lather that rinses cleanly, leaving skin soft, not tight.
Then comes the exfoliation. Liv is adamant that "the secret to beautiful skin is exfoliation," and she uses the Astara Blue Flame Mask, a clay-based mask that draws out impurities. It's intensely blue (she jokes about looking like a Smurf), but it's effective. After rinsing, she follows with a hydrating mask from Dr. Sturm—a gooey, cooling gel that soothes and plumps. This mask-on-mask technique is a pro-level move: first purge, then hydrate. It's like a reset button for your face.
She also incorporates CBD oil from Lord Jones, which she uses under her tongue for anxiety. As someone who deals with nervousness before events, I was curious about this. The oil is subtle—it doesn't make you feel "stoned," just a bit more grounded. It's a nice addition to the ritual, though I'd argue it's more about inner calm than direct skincare. Still, if it helps her glow from within, who am I to judge?
Real Results
After a few weeks of mimicking Liv's routine (minus the CBD oil, which I tried sparingly), I noticed real changes. My skin felt more balanced—less oily in my T-zone, less dry on my cheeks. The double cleanse and mask combo made my pores look smaller, and my skin had a noticeable luminosity. The hyaluronic acid serum from Dr. Sturm is a standout: it's a thin gel that sinks in instantly, leaving skin plump and hydrated without any stickiness. I've been using it every morning and night, and it's become a staple.
I also tried her trick of using a lipstick brush to apply concealer on blemishes. It sounds fussy, but it's actually brilliant. The tiny brush gives you precise control, so you can cover redness or spots without disturbing the surrounding makeup. It's especially useful for people with acne-prone skin who want full coverage without a heavy layer.
One thing that surprised me: her use of Visine in her eyes before makeup. I was skeptical—eye drops before makeup? But a tiny drop does reduce redness, making eyes look brighter. Just be careful not to overdo it; too much can make your eyes feel dry later.
The Honest Truth
Not everything in Liv's routine is for everyone. The 25-step process is time-consuming—if you're a busy parent or someone who rushes through mornings, this might feel overwhelming. I'd suggest cherry-picking the steps that address your specific concerns. For example, if you don't have redness or irritation, the CBD oil might be overkill. And the facial massager from Sarah Chapman? It's a cool tool, but I found it a bit gimmicky. It feels nice for jaw tension, but I'm not convinced it contours the neck significantly. A good old-fashioned manual massage with your fingers might be just as effective.
Also, some products are hard to find or pricey. The Chidori soap is lovely, but there are cheaper Japanese cleansing bars that work similarly. And the Dr. Sturm masks are a luxury—lovely if you can afford them, but not essential. For a budget-friendly alternative, try the Inkey List's hyaluronic acid serum and a clay mask from The Ordinary.
Pro Tips
Here are a few tricks I've adopted from Liv's routine that genuinely elevated my game:
- **Massage your skin vigorously.** Liv says her dad taught her to really get in there—behind the ears, along the jawline, all over the neck. She's right: gentle rubbing won't stimulate circulation. Use upward strokes with your oil or moisturizer to wake up your skin.
- **Layer your masks.** Start with a clay mask to draw out impurities, then follow with a hydrating sheet or gel mask. This two-step approach gives you the best of both worlds: deep cleansing and intense hydration.
- **Use a lipstick brush for concealer.** It's a game-changer for spot-concealing. You get pinpoint accuracy, so you use less product and get better coverage.
- **Don't forget your hands and neck.** Liv applies every serum and moisturizer to her neck and the tops of her hands. This is a simple habit that can prevent premature aging in those often-neglected areas.
- **Keep eye patches in the fridge.** She uses them for puffy eyes, and the cold helps constrict blood vessels. I've started doing this before events, and it makes a noticeable difference.
Final Verdict
Would I recommend Liv Tyler's full 25-step routine? Not as a daily practice unless you have the time and budget. But as a source of inspiration, it's gold. Her emphasis on gentle cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and inner calm is timeless. Pick the techniques that resonate with you—the double cleanse, the mask layering, the lipstick brush concealer—and incorporate them into your own routine. This is a routine for anyone who loves skincare as a form of self-care, not just a chore. If you're a beauty enthusiast looking to elevate your game, this video is a masterclass.
