There’s something about It-Girls—they walk into a room, and the spotlight follows. Not just because of their outfits or who they’re dating but because they’ve mastered the art of looking effortlessly put-together. And at the core of that magic? Skin that glows. Skin that whispers, not screams. Skin that says, “I take care of myself—and yes, I drink my water.” But make no mistake: that glow is not accidental. Behind every seemingly casual selfie or makeup-free brunch shot is a sacred skincare ritual that could pass for religion.
Whether it’s Onyeka Ugwu’s doughnut glaze glow, Temi Otedola’s always-camera-ready face, or Ayra Starr’s soft glam radiance, these are the skincare rules the modern It-Girl swears by—and spoiler alert, it’s more than just slathering on some SPF.
1. Cleanse, but don’t strip.
The It-Girl knows better than to be harsh. She’s gentle with her skin (and her energy). That means double cleansing at night—first with an oil cleanser to melt off makeup and sunscreen, followed by a hydrating gel or cream cleanser. In the morning? Sometimes, just a splash of water. Stripping the skin barrier is so 2012.
2. Hydration is not optional.
Every It-Girl is basically one hyaluronic acid serum away from being a mermaid. Dry, flaky skin isn’t chic, and they know it. From mists to essences to dewy moisturizers, hydration is layered like fashion. And yes, they’ll spritz rosewater during flights or Zoom calls—hydrated skin is happy skin.
3. SPF every damn day.
Even when it’s cloudy. Even when they’re indoors. Even when Mercury is in retrograde. Sunscreen is non-negotiable in every It-girls skincare line-up. And not just slapped on—the two-finger rule applies. They reapply. They don’t mess with the sun. Why? Because premature wrinkles are not part of the aesthetic.
4. Skin cycling is the new black.
They don’t use every active ingredient every day. Retinol, AHAs, BHAs—they’re on a schedule, not a free-for-all. The modern It-Girl understands balance. Monday might be exfoliation night, Wednesday is for retinol and Friday? Recovery with barrier repair creams. Overdoing it is so passé.
5. They listen to their skin, not trends.
Sure, snail mucin might be trending on TikTok, but the It-Girl knows what works for her. She’s done the trial and error, she’s met her skin halfway, and she’s not afraid to break up with a hyped product that just isn’t serving her. The skincare shelf may look cute on Instagram, but results matter more.
6. They invest in their face like it’s a Birkin.
Let’s be honest—It-Girls are not here for cutting corners when it comes to skin. Facials? Monthly. LED therapy? Absolutely. Lymphatic drainage massages? Already booked. Skincare is self-care, and they treat it like a ritual. A form of love. A moment of stillness in a chaotic world.
7. They never sleep with makeup on.
Ever. Not even after a party. Not even when they’re too tired to take their shoes off. Cleansing wipes are a last resort (and used only with a side of guilt). That post-club cleanse might be brief, but it always happens. Because dull skin is the enemy of the aesthetic.
8. Diet, but make it dewy.
You won’t catch the It-Girl chugging soda and calling it cute. She drinks water like her life depends on it, adds collagen to smoothies, and swears by antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Skin is an inside job, and she knows it.
9. They embrace skin—real skin.
The ultimate rule? The It-Girl doesn’t chase perfection. She embraces her skin’s cycles—pimples, dark spots, texture, all of it. She’s not obsessed with filters, she’s into glow. Not porcelain, just healthy. Not flawless, but real. And somehow, that’s what makes her skin all the more captivating.
10. Barrier Health is Priority Number One
Forget glass skin—healthy skin is the real flex. The It-Girl is obsessed with her skin barrier. She’s that friend reading the ingredient list, avoiding harsh sulfates, and reaching for barrier-loving ingredients like ceramides, squalane, panthenol, and Centella Asiatica. If the barrier is compromised, nothing else works.
