“I’m a big fan of Japanese and Korean beauty brands,” shares British actor Jessica Henwick in the latest installment of Vogue’s Beauty Secrets franchise. “I find that it works with Asian skin well. I have oily-combination skin, so I [find that] a really light cleanser does the trick.” The cleanser she’s been obsessed with for years is by Shiseido—a Japanese brand that makes up most of her skin-care routine; the cleanser followed by the Treatment Softener toner and Essential Energy Moisturizing Cream.
“This is a skin-care regime I have honed in on in the last five years I’d say. My mom has amazing skin, and so I thought that would be me for my life—and it wasn’t.” The 29-year-old actor dealt with cystic acne, which came with much trial and error. “The thing that finally took me out of that cystic acne cycle was the Triology Organic Rosehip Oil,” the Matrix Resurrections star explains. she uses it as a spot treatment atop problem areas after applying a 111SKIN sheet mask and before massaging a gua sha across her jaw and neck.
“Being in the public eye and suffering from acne, I wish there was more transparency about it,” admits Henwick as she recounts feeling alone in an industry where everyone’s blemishes were simply photoshopped out. Now, she relies on a minimalist makeup routine to enhance her natural beauty. Those looking to replicate her look should stick to products primarily from Yves Saint Laurent and Glossier—two beauty powerhouses that Henwick reaches for often.
With the YSL primer, Henwick finds that she “breaks out less”—thinking of it as “a barrier between [her] skin and the makeup.” Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat foundation is then followed by concealer, with eyes, cheeks, brows, and mascara by Glossier. A soft wash of the Yves Saint Laurent The Slim Glow Matte Lipstick completes her look.
“A big part of my skin-care journey was learning how much lifestyle plays a part in it. I had to analyze my face to determine what was triggering each section,” she says, explaining how exercise, drinking plenty of water, and reducing her dairy intake made all the difference. “Even though I do love seeing makeup looks, I love it when I see people without foundation and you can see freckles, skin texture, or what their natural brow color is. I like celebrating our differences.”
