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Jen Atkin needs no introduction, but just to be safe, she is every bold-faced name’s hair guru, from all of the Kardashians and Jenners, to Chrissy Teigen and Bella Hadid—so, basically everyone with #hairgoals.
Oh, and she is the founder of the incredible Ouai haircare line. So, yeah, you could say Atkin knows a bit about hair and beauty.
We got a look at New York Times beauty writer Bee Shapiro’s brand new book Skin Deep, where Atkin—and an impressive and lengthy list of other bold names—divulged her everyday tips about skin care regimens, makeup, haircare, diet and exercise.
Atkin’s section is excerpted here, but pick up the book for more tips from the likes of Bobbi Brown,
, Pat McGrath, and more.
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Skin Care
When I wake up, I usually make English Breakfast tea, a Dr. Lipman shake, and then try to get a quick workout in before I start my meetings and emails. Then I use the same products for day and night. I wash with AyurMedic orange blossom scrub. I like the Active Serum and a Hydra-Cool Serum by Clinical Innovative Skincare. Every other day, I use retinol, which is so good. I also use the Dr. Dennis Gross pads once a week. It’s a routine I got from my facialist, Shani Darden. If I need it for night, I’ll use the Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes. And during the day, I’ll wear Epionce SPF 30 daily under my makeup.
I’m also traveling a lot and then I have a bunch I take with me. I love the Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask, SK-II sheet masks, Glossier Balm Dotcom, and Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets. The Tatcha hydrating mist is also great for flights.
Makeup
I usually do my makeup in the car as I am always on the go. I use Kiss EZ Trio Lashes and a dash of Hoola Benefit bronzer and the Tarte x Hrush eyeshadow palette. For mascara, I use one by Fiona Stiles and then the Troy Surratt liquid liner. For lips, it’s either the Lorac lipstick in Flower Child or Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit in Kristen. For brows, they’ve been such a thing lately. I get them shaped by Anastasia then lightly fill them with her pencil and swipe Glossier Boy Brow for hold.
Otherwise, I don’t feel like I always need to be “photo ready.” That’s what a pretty filter and Dr. Ourian are for!
I definitely like to put on more makeup—like contour, highlight, and extra lashes—if I’m going out at night. The Glossier Haloscope highlighter is really good. I also have always loved Sade growing up, and her red lip is a huge inspiration for me. I think that once you reach a certain age, you find your “look,” and mine is a cat eye with a red lip. I like to look a bit Spanish.
I’ve learned so much by working with such talented makeup artists like Joyce Bonelli, Mary Phillips, Mario Dedivanovic, and Hrush. I wouldn’t know a thing about contour if it wasn’t for them.
Hair
My hair is naturally dark brown and wavy. I usually get a Brazilian blowout by Anthony French at Andy Lecompte Salon to control the frizz and wave pattern. Then I’ll go to Cassondra Kaeding at Sally Hershberger for chocolate-brown color to add dimension. For cut, Gregory Russell, Renato Campora, or Kevin Murphy usually cuts it. I like to keep it in a piece-y bob that hits right around the shoulders.
If I had to pick one product, I couldn’t live without my Ouai Wave Spray. I literally use it before almost every blow dry to add volume and texture, and I love spraying it in my own hair for a natural wave. I also love the Christophe Robin Volumizing Mist and Kevin Murphy’s powder duster, and of course the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer.
Fragrance
I love the Juliette Has a Gun fragrance Another Oud for the musky scent. I discovered it from my travels in the Middle East. All the women there smell so good.
Other Services
I love getting massages at The NOW in L.A., which is a massage boutique. I also love Silk Day Spa in NYC, and Ban Sabaï in Paris. When in L.A., I get my nails done at Olive & June.
Diet and Fitness
Khloe Kardashian and Jenna Dewan Tatum have really inspired me to get my work out on. I recently did a Danskin shoot with Jenna and had to hit the gym immediately after. I’ve been obsessed with ClassPass for Pilates Plus and Barry’s Bootcamp workouts. I love that they offer classes throughout the day so I can squeeze something in with my crazy schedule. I always bring my workout clothes with me when I travel and try to go to a Barry’s class or hit the hotel gym.
I try to eat healthy most of the time, but when you’re traveling and on set, it’s hard to be consistent. I usually do a Dr. Lipman cleanse a couple times a year to reset my system though.
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Out now, Skin Deep takes an intriguing look at contemporary beauty with in-depth guidance by beauty experts. Bee Shapiro is a columnist for the New York Times and the founder of Ellis Brooklyn, a luxury natural fragrance and bodycare line.
For more hair and beauty tips:
See How This Celebrity Trainer Spends Her Weekends The Right (French!) Way to Wash Your Hair The Best Hair Products, According to Our Editors