Ariana Madix Says Her Skincare Routine is Like a Mezcal Paloma

Plus, the sunscreen the "Vanderpump Rules" star can't live without.

By

Published on 10/08/23 07:45AM

What I Put On My Face

All skin is good skin, which is why good skincare is more of a journey than a destination. We all love a one-off tip—but, at Byrdie, we’re more interested in how our skin evolves over time. The product we've used for a decade, the ingredient cocktail that made us glow, the step we never skip, and all the advice in between. This is the stuff that makes a real difference. With What I Put on My Face, we’re bringing you the rituals, recommendations, and failed experiments (we’ve all had them) straight from celebrities, founders, and influencers who’ve gone through it themselves.

Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix can easily whip up the perfect cocktail—and we’re not just talking about behind the bar. While Madix has long been honing her skills as a bartender both in Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant empire and as the creator of her own Drink From Home cocktail line, not to mention her forthcoming recipe book-slash-memoir Single AF Cocktails, she also mixes two celeb-fave sunscreens for the perfect protection and flawless finish.

To say Madix has a lot on her plate is an understatement. She’s written a book, filmed the highly anticipated next season of Vanderpump Rules, and is currently competing on season Dancing with the Stars season 32. She's also in the process of opening a sandwich shop called Something About Her with costar Katie Maloney, which she tells Byrdie is all about "cozy vibes and delicious food."

Despite that busy schedule, Madix never neglects her skincare routine, and she shared the products she can’t live without with Byrdie. (Spoiler alert: Sun protection is her absolute must.) Ahead, everything Ariana Madix puts on her face.

About Her Skin

As I age, my skin is getting drier overall and I really try to target my undereyes as much as possible.

How She Got Into Skincare

I think as an admitted mallrat, it’s the trips into stores where I get to touch, smell, and test products that has made me excited to try new things over the years.

Ariana Madix selfie — @arianamadix/Instagram

Her Morning Versus Night Routines

My morning routine always involves EltaMD sunscreen and major struggle. I am the opposite of a morning person!

At night, I use a much heavier cream all over my face and neck and a ton of Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I also love their Water Sleeping Mask for the face.

When I’m filming, I’m wearing makeup every day, so making sure my face is super clean before bed is a must.

The Skincare Step She Never Skips

I never, ever skip my SPF. My bestie taught me the best combo: EltaMD regular and tinted mixed together for the perfect protection and skin tint.

Her Biggest Skincare Mistake

I made so many mistakes. We all remember the days we were essentially rubbing alcohol on our faces. My biggest mistake was getting in tanning beds and rebuking SPF. I always tan and never burn so I thought I was somehow immune to the damage the sun can cause. I was very wrong and dealt with melanoma in 2018. Now you’ll never catch me without UV protection!

Ariana Madix and Scheana Shay — @arianamadix/Instagram

The Best Skincare Advice She's Ever Gotten

Consistency is key! Even if I don’t have time to do an entire routine, if I’m consistently cleansing my face and applying something to seal in moisture, I’ll wake up feeling so much better. If I do a full routine once a week or once a month, it won’t have the same effect.

[The Vanderpump Rules cast] always share tips and compliments when we see each other because everyone is so beautiful. Katie is so knowledgeable about products.

Her Most-Used Products

Definitely the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Facial Sunscreen and Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops.

The Product She Never Travels Without

I’ve been using the Laneige lip mask as a balm throughout the day for years and years. I never leave home without it.

The Newest Addtion to Her Routine

Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum. Putting it on while my skin is still wet locks in moisture.

Her In-Flight Essentials

I never fly without eye patches. Right now, I’m loving the Nip + Fab Hyaluronic Fix Extreme Jelly Eye Patches. I put them on when we start our descent; it helps to look less dehydrated after flying. It’s not a product, but I buy the biggest bottle of water I can find in the terminal and make myself chug it.