Don't Sleep on This Iconic Exfoliator—Hilary Duff's Makeup Artist Says It's #1 For a Flawless Complexion
Plus, 10 more skin-prep and makeup products she swears by.
Hilary Duff is currently on the Lucky Me Tour, her first major headlining tour in almost 20 years. (The unenlightened might call it a comeback, but millennials know that she never really left the collective consciousness...not since her Lizzie McGuire days.) Her set list is a mix of 2000s hits (So Yesterday, Why Not, and Come Clean) and new songs from her latest LP, Luck...Or Something. The vibe is 2026 meets the early-2000s, and her on-tour beauty aesthetic reflects it. Think undone waves, glowing skin, and a hint of playful shimmer. "The sparkly, frosted eye is a playful nod to the Y2K era, while fresh, radiant skin keeps the overall look current and true to Hilary's style now," her makeup artist, Taylor Healey, tells me.
Every good makeup look starts with proper skin prep, but it's paramount before a demanding stage performance, when sweat, outfit changes, bright lights and high-def cameras are in play. "It really starts with the skin prep," Healey says. "Making sure the skin is exfoliated and hydrated makes all the difference in how the makeup wears and performs...Then finishing with a good setting powder and setting spray to help protect the makeup from the elements and transfer during quick-changes!"
Healey starts every session with Dermalogica skincare products, before moving on to a few stage-proof makeup essentials. Fortunately for us, she's sharing all the behind-the-scenes details. Ahead, see a selection of the products she relies on.
The Skin Prep
The first step in Duff's skin prep routine is using Dermalogica's iconic Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator. It's an exfoliating enzyme powder that activates on contact with water to gently slough off dead skin cells, even tone, and clear and minimize pores. "I always start by gently exfoliating with Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant to buff away any dry patches and create the smoothest possible canvas for makeup," Healey says. "I think a lot of people sleep on gentle exfoliation. It's such an important step in ensuring your makeup applies and wears how you want it to."
"Next, I apply Smart Eye Density to plump and hydrate the under-eye area—it's a new step I never skip." This newly launched eye serum uses ingredients like growth factor complex, polyglutamic acid, and two types of hyaluronic acid to visibly plump, firm, and brighten the eye area.
"Next, I apply Phyto Nature E2, an advanced daily leave-on treatment powered by next-generation plant-based exosomes," Healey says. ICYMI, exosomes are powerful anti-inflammatory cell messengers. In this firming serum, they work with antioxidants to protect the skin from stress, sun damage, pollution, and more. "I love using it during skin prep because it leaves the complexion looking fresh, smooth, and naturally radiant, creating the perfect canvas for makeup and helping enhance its overall finish."
Last but not least, Healey applies Dermalogica's Pro-Collagen Banking Water Cream. It's a lightweight water-based formula that hydrates, plumps, and firms with peptides, red algae, white clover, and marine spring water. "[It's] an intensely hydrating yet lightweight formulation that layers beautifully under makeup," she says. "It helps create a smooth, well-hydrated base so complexion products apply seamlessly, leaving the skin looking plump, fresh, and luminous throughout the day or night."
The Makeup
"She's such a dream to glam because she lets me play and do my thing but I always like to ask her what she's feeling that day," Healey says. "She put me onto the Merit Complexion Sticks! They're so good."
While Healey says Duff starts with "amazing skin," she applies the Dior Forever Skin Wear Blurring Natural Matte Foundation ahead of stage performances. It offers a velvety finish, controls shine, and boasts an impressive 24-hour wear.
"I always reach for Prada Pradalines Gliding Waterproof Smudge Proof Eye Pencil," Healey says. I can see why. It's creamy, highly pigmented, and budge-proof.
Remember that playful Y2K sparkle Healey mentioned earlier? This is the exact eye shadow that delivers it. "Patrick Ta Beauty Major Dimension Eye Illusion Eyeshadow Duos are a go-to for dimensional glitter!"
Healey uses this budge-proof lip liner from Australian makeup artist, Tanielle Jai.
Then, she'll apply a swipe of Tom Ford's long-lasting Runway Lipstick Color.
Last but not least, she loves Lawless's Forget the Filler Lip Gloss. FYI: this cushiony, plumping formula is also beloved by multiple Who What Wear editors.
