Euphoria’s Sydney Sweeney Talks Her ‘Game-Changing’ Skin Serum
The star opens up about her struggles with skincare.
All skin is good skin, which is why good skin care is more of a journey than a destination. We all love one-time tips, but at Byrdie, we’re more interested in how our skin has evolved over time. The products we’ve used for a decade that make up our glowing cocktail of ingredients, the steps we never skip, and all the advice in between. That’s where the action really kicks in. In What I Put On My Face, we bring you rituals, advice, and failed experiments (we’ve all been there) straight from celebrities, founders, and influencers.
I know this goes against what people think of artists and their work, but given my love for Sidney Sweeney’s entire filmography, I may have had some preconceived notions about the young star going into the interview.
On screen, Sweeney almost always plays the popular “girl’s girl.” In HBO’s latest hit, White Lotus, Sweeney is a sarcastic teen who’s read Freud, has a singing talent, and can bake funnel cakes. But in her private life she’s open,
friendly but a little goofy with her friends.
That’s why it’s surprising (albeit a small one) that Sydney Sweeney approached this interview with the same casual enthusiasm she often does at brunches and panel discussions. The subject is moving, too: a deep
discussion of teenage (and adult) acne, skin-care mistakes, the frustrations of “holy grail” products, and how it all affected her childhood in Idaho.
Read on for the latest episode of “What I Put on My Face,” hosted by rising Gen Z star Sydney Sweeney.
On Their Skin
I have the most sensitive skin I’ve ever had—I’m even allergic to costume jewelry. Most of the time on set you just wear what you like. I had a pimple on my chest; my ear started bleeding, which was one thing. I got severe
cystic acne, rashes, redness, and then dryness and burning—everywhere. As I got older and started shaving, I got terrible bumps and razor burns, but I had no idea what they were.
I found out that it wasn’t the right combination of razor and shaving cream – I’m allergic to many ingredients. So my parents switched me to the BIC Soleil Sensitive Advanced Shaver ($6) because it was affordable, but
The advanced shaver works. It’s great for sensitive skin. I didn’t need to use shaving cream because it’s enriched with shea butter and aloe – it worked perfectly for me. So I figured out the lower half of my body. But at the top, on my face…it was a long journey.
I also think acne is just one of those things, especially when you’re young. When it gets to the face it blows up. No matter how many products, treatments, or anything you do…your hormones come into play and you can’t “figure it out” unless you have good genes.
When Skincare Became “Attractive” to Her
Growing up, I didn’t have the ability or resources to go to a dermatologist or get quality treatments, so it took a lot of trial and error. Whatever my mom had in her closet, I used it. Just now,
When I was 19 and working on various shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Sharp Objects, I met some really amazing makeup artists who took skin care seriously. You can act, but you can’t photoshop your face. So they started giving me products and telling me to try this or that. When I was a makeup artist for various shows, I became more interested in skin care.
How does your morning and night routine differ?
I use some of the same products morning and night, but it all depends on where I am and what my skin is like. Since I have combination skin, it can be oily and dry. When I was in Hawaii [shooting the movie White Lotus], it was so nice and amazing that I didn’t have to worry too much. But when I came back to Idaho, it was really dry. I use Bioderma micellar water ($15) every night and morning. It’s water, but it’s better than water! I also use it when I’m not wearing makeup, just to clean my face. In the morning, I use both a scrub and a gel cleanser—I used to only use one or the other, but I’ve found that a mix of both is actually essential for my skin type. I don’t even know if I’m doing this right, but it works for me. I use SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Enhancer HA ($105) and C E Ferulic Acid ($166). At night, I usually use two different SkinCeuticals oils: HA Strengthening Serum ($102) and Hydrating B5 Gel ($83). Then I use the new collagen cream. I used to use a lot of lotion, but now I use this tiny collagen cream instead
I love her. Then I mix La Mer Eye Cream ($40) with La Mer Eye Cream ($245). I like to mix things up, because why not? I blend all of these products with my fingers in the bathroom!
A step she never misses
I use an eye gel mask every morning. I’m currently obsessed with the Peter Thomas Roth style—gold and blue. But every morning, no matter what I do, I apply it. When I use a mask and eye cream, they often say, “What’s wrong with your face?!”
How their skincare habits have changed over time
There was a time in middle school when I was really struggling. I went to the drugstore and bought every acne cream I could find and put it on my face. I had the most horrible, irritated, dry skin ever. I was trying to get rid of cystic acne that wouldn’t go away, and I ended up with scars on my face. I’m lucky – I don’t know how, but I don’t have any scars on my face. Because I pulled myself together, put Neosporin and a Band-Aid on my face, and went to school. Like, it was bad, it was really bad.
The best skincare tip she got
Never forget sun protection! I always put on EltaMD sunscreen ($30) in the morning. I used to break out from sunscreen and couldn’t find a product that helped, but this is great for sensitive skin.
The product that changed everything
This is the serum from SkinCeuticals because it took me so long to find the right combination. It’s hard to find a product that can be used as a primer before makeup. That’s why I firmly believe that the HA serum was a game changer for me.
The product she uses most
Burt’s Bees lip balm ($5), original only. I have so many.
Your most loyal product
Honestly, BIC Soliel razors. I’ve only recently started using real skincare, and BIC Soliel is something you can afford, and my parents can afford it – we’re always looking for good value for money. That’s what it’s about
From day one in my shower.
Your latest skincare obsession
I use the SolaWave ($149). I put on the oil, and then the red light vibrates and you apply it to your face. I do it every night for five minutes, and I really love it. At the end of the day, I like to relax.
