Arguably the definitive “It Girl” for Gen Z, there’s no doubt that Zendaya is one of the biggest fashion and beauty icons in Hollywood, with millions of people around the world wanting to emulate her effortless style and natural beauty.
And after starring in two of the most acclaimed movies of the year with Dune: Part Two and Challengers, Zendaya’s immaculate looks are being talked about more than ever – especially since her Met Gala appearance broke the internet earlier this month.
That’s why beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha have compiled beauty tips taken directly from Zendaya and her team. While these steps may not make you look like Zendaya, they will go a long way in enhancing your own beauty and making you feel like your best self.
- Any skincare routine should start with a good cleanser
Like many people, Zendaya always starts her skincare routine with a cleanser – a step that she considers essential and unmissable regardless of how tired or tight for time she is. Some of her favourites include the SheaMoisture African black soap cleansing bar, and the SheaMoisture African black soap clarifying facial wipes – two products that the Dune actress says are perfect for her sensitive skin, which can also be prone to breakouts.
According to Zendaya’s aesthetician, Vanessa Marc, you want to find a gentle cleanser that doesn’t further dry out the skin. While different skin types have different needs, this is a basic rule that you should try to stick to. While not as important as a cleanser, a toner can also be a great addition to a beauty routine and is best used after cleanser. One of Zendaya’s picks includes a witch hazel rose petal toner by Thayers – but you can find similar products with the same active ingredient from various brands.
2. Never skip out on moisturizing
As someone with sensitive skin, Zendaya knows the importance of moisturizing – in fact, it’s something that even those with the oiliest of skin types should be doing, as it can reduce all types of skin problems, such as dryness, oiliness, and signs of aging, to name a few. Choosing a quality moisturizer that works for your skin can make all the difference, and Vanessa Marc suggests moisturizing over damp skin to increase efficacy. There are plenty of moisturizers for all skin types available, with the Euphoria star typically using an oil-free moisturizer with green tea extract and aloe vera, such as the Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer.
While moisturizing your face, your lips shouldn’t be forgotten, as the skin on your lips is especially thin and fragile, making it prone to dryness and chapping. Having a lip balm that effectively hydrates your lips is vital, and Zendaya likes to apply lip balm such as the Aquaphor Healing Ointment whenever it’s necessary.
3. Always wear daily SPF – even if it isn’t sunny
SPF should be used every morning, regardless of the weather or whether you’re going outside or not, as UV rays can penetrate cloudy skies and the effects of sun damage can still be felt through windows.
Zendaya uses SPF daily, and she suggests some great moisturizers with built in SPFs, tackling two steps at the same time. Some of her picks include the Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense 50 Sunscreen SPF 50, and the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30.
It’s recommended by dermatologists to use a broad-spectrum SPF that protects from both UVA and UVB rays, with minimum factor 30 – and ideally, you should top this up throughout the day, especially if it’s sunny or hot outside. If you’re wearing makeup, you can do this with an SPF face mist or spray, such as the Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50.
4. Retinols, oils and serums can be added bonuses – but don’t overdo it
While cleanser, moisturizer and SPF are the core steps that make up Zendaya’s skincare routine, there are plenty of extras that you can add depending on your skin needs. While she aims to keep her routine basic and consistent, she enjoys the ritual of applying it and likes to try new products.
Some other products that Zendaya recommends are tee tree oils for pimples, and vitamin E oils, such as The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil. Zendaya also likes to give her eyes some special treatment with the Mario Badescu Ceramide Eye Gel and the ToGoSpa Green Tea EYES Under Eye Treatment. Additionally, Vanessa Marc suggests using a vitamin C serum for brightening, retinol for fine lines, tone, and texture, and serums for hyperpigmentation. However, only use what your skin needs, and don’t overload your routine by using every product possible – Zendaya advocates for keeping things simple and consistent.
5. An evening facial mask or treatment may work wonders
A weekly evening facial can be both a relaxing activity and the thing your skin needs to feel rejuvenated. Undergoing a sheet mask or clay mask and serum when your skin is feeling dull or lifeless is one way of experiencing a spa-quality treatment from home.
Some of Zendaya’s favourite masks include the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores, La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask and the Lancôme Advanced Genifique Hydrogel Melting Mask. Top this off by spiritizing a facial spay – Zendaya loves the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater.
Of course, while these products may improve your skin and give you a confidence boost, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the best results. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to have glowing and healthy skin.
6. When it comes to eye makeup, less is more
Zendaya usually wears eye makeup in neutral palettes, such as brown and nudes, as they are easier to blend and do not require the same precision that bolder colours need. She uses primarily Lancôme products, such as the Hypnôse Eyeshadow Palette in French Nude, and the Color Design Sensational Effects Eyeshadow.
For mascara, she recommends the Lash Idôle Mascara and the Monsieur Big Mascara. If she wants to wear eyeliner, she’ll usually opt for the Le Crayon Khol Eye Liner. She’s also rarely seen without a brow product, such as the Lancôme Brow Define Pencil and Sourcils Styler Brow Gel.
7. Dewy skin and red lips are a winning combo
When it comes to skin makeup, concealers such as the Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Concealer are her hero product, as it can remedy any problem areas while still appearing natural and lightweight. For foundation, her top choices are the Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Foundation, or the Teint Idôle Ultra Liquid 24H Longwear Liquid Foundation. She’ll top this off with the Blush Subtil Oil-Free Powder Blush or the Blush Subtil Blushing Tresor, Star Bronzer Long Lasting Bronzing Powder, and the Star Bronzer Long Lasting Bronzing Powder.
As for lips, Zendaya often likes to go for a bold red – especially balanced with the more lowkey eye look that she often wears. Her picks are the L’Absolu Rouge Moisturising Cream Lipstick, and the Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte in 888 and 155, sometimes applied with Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Simmer over the top.
8. Don’t forget to remove makeup before bed – and avoid wearing it every day
Removing your makeup before bed is pivotal, because failing to do so can clog your pores and dry out your skin or lead to breakouts. Dermatologists recommend washing off your makeup at the end of every day, which will also remove the day’s buildup of dirt – plus, it’s much comfier and easier to sleep without makeup on your face.
Alongside the SheaMoisture facial wipes, the Challengers star uses the Lancôme Miel-En-Mousse Foaming Cleansing Makeup Remover to remove her makeup. She also advises against wearing makeup every day, as going makeup-free can give your skin a chance to breathe and reset. If you do feel the need to wear makeup every day, try to have days where you keep it as minimal as possible.
9. Invest in basic haircare products that work for you
Zendaya washes her hair every third day using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Her mainstays are the CHI Argan Oil Plus Moringa Oil Shampoo alongside the CHI Argan Oil Plus Maringa Oil Conditioner.
The actress also embraces her natural hair when she can and has learned to care for her hair using certain products, such as Miss Jessie’s Multi-Cultural Curls Styling Lotion, Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control Smoother and the CHI Finishing Pomade.
For her current long bob hairstyle, Zendaya uses blowout products such as OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Hair Spray, OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse, and OGX Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum. The moose can make hair fuller and add volume, whereas the serum will protect from heat used to achieve the blowout style.
The star’s hairstylist, Kim Kimble, also suggests sleeping on a silk pillowcase to maintain frizz and protect your hair. Additionally, she considers doing a monthly hot oil hair treatment an effective way to protect your hair from damage and encourage healthier hair.
You can’t go wrong with a signature fragrance
Selecting a fragrance that suits your personality and style is the final touch to completing your routine. Zendaya’s go-to is the Lancôme Idôle de Parfumis – a perfume that she is also the face of.
There is no need to have lots of fragrances, and investing in one good quality, long-lasting scent is a better than buying lots of different products. However, it can be a nice idea to have seasonal fragrances that you switch out according to the time of year.
