The backstage of Fashion Week is chaos in the most glamorous form — a whirlwind of makeup brushes, flashbulbs, steaming clothes, and the quiet determination of models who know that their face is their canvas. Amid the creative frenzy, one thing remains constant: great skin is always in.
For the models walking for Chanel, Prada, or Dior, flawless skin isn’t just about genetics — it’s a ritual, a discipline, a kind of backstage religion. Under the blinding lights, after hours of heavy makeup and little sleep, their skin somehow manages to glow. How? It turns out the secret isn’t as mysterious as it seems — but it is deliberate, consistent, and surprisingly simple.
Let’s step behind the runway curtain and explore the skincare philosophies that keep Fashion Week’s busiest faces fresh, radiant, and runway-ready.
The Calm Before the Catwalk: Preparation Over Perfection
Before the world sees the shimmer and spectacle of a show, models are preparing their skin like athletes before a marathon. In the days leading up to Fashion Week, skincare becomes a non-negotiable ritual — less about indulgence and more about maintenance.
Top models swear by a minimalist, consistent approach: cleanse, hydrate, protect, repeat. Their pre-show mantra is to let the skin breathe. Heavy exfoliants or new products are avoided — the last thing anyone wants is a reaction right before call time.
Many start their mornings with a gentle cleanser, followed by a lightweight essence or mist to awaken the skin. Hydration is key — both inside and out. It’s not uncommon to find models backstage sipping coconut water or green tea between fittings, hydrating from within while misting their faces with thermal spring water.
As one model famously said, “You can’t fake good skin under high-definition lighting. You have to care for it long before the makeup goes on.”
Cleansing Like a Ritual
If there’s one universal backstage rule, it’s this: never sleep in your makeup. Fashion Week schedules often stretch late into the night, and yet, no matter how tired they are, models know cleansing is sacred.
Many rely on the double cleanse method — an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, followed by a gentle foaming or cream cleanser to remove residue. The oil phase breaks down waterproof formulas and sebum, while the second cleanse purifies without stripping.
Micellar water is another backstage staple — quick, portable, and perfect for in-between looks. Makeup artists often use it to wipe away foundation between shows without disrupting the skin barrier.
The key, however, isn’t just cleansing — it’s being gentle. Over-washing can lead to dryness or irritation, which shows immediately under makeup. Models treat their faces with care, not friction.
Hydration: The True Backstage Hero
If there’s one secret that unites every Fashion Week veteran, it’s hydration. Between long flights, late nights, and constant makeup application, skin can quickly become parched. That’s why moisturizers, mists, and masks are practically part of the model uniform.
Sheet masks, in particular, are a backstage obsession. Before a show, you’ll see models sitting patiently with hydrating masks on — like a pre-performance ritual. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and ceramides dominate the lineup.
Lightweight serums are another go-to. Instead of slathering on thick creams that might interfere with foundation, models favor water-based serums that absorb instantly and plump the skin without shine.
And hydration doesn’t stop at the skin’s surface. Staying hydrated internally — through water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-infused drinks — is crucial. As one makeup artist joked, “Good skin starts with a full water bottle.”
Less is More: The Power of Simplicity
One of the biggest misconceptions about models’ skincare routines is that they’re complex or product-heavy. In reality, most of them follow a less-is-more philosophy.
When your skin is exposed to layer after layer of professional makeup and countless cleanses, overdoing skincare can cause more harm than good. Instead of chasing the latest miracle serum, models focus on products that strengthen the skin barrier — gentle cleansers, nourishing oils, and fragrance-free moisturizers.
Consistency beats novelty. Rather than switching products weekly, they stay loyal to formulas that work. Their skin is already under enough stress; introducing something new before a show is too risky.
A common backstage tip? Always patch-test new products weeks in advance, never during show season. Skin doesn’t like surprises.
The Role of Sleep and Lifestyle
Even the best serum can’t compete with rest. Fashion Week, however, is notoriously unforgiving on sleep schedules — early call times, late parties, and travel between cities. Models learn to make the most of rest, even if it comes in short bursts.
That’s where sleep hygiene becomes essential. Eye masks, silk pillowcases, and calming rituals like chamomile tea or lavender oil help maximize quality rest. Some even use humidifiers to combat dry hotel air, ensuring their skin stays plump overnight.
Diet also plays a role. Backstage catering may tempt with pastries and caffeine, but most models know their skin thrives on balance. They load up on fruits, vegetables, and omega-rich foods to support collagen and fight inflammation. “What you eat shows up on your face,” one veteran model shared. “If I eat too much sugar, I’ll see it in my skin the next day.”
The Ice Trick and Other Backstage Hacks
Fashion Week moves fast, and sometimes there’s no time for a full spa day. That’s where model hacks come in — the quick fixes that keep skin fresh between shows.
One of the oldest and most beloved is the ice cube trick. Rubbing an ice cube gently over the face before makeup reduces puffiness, tightens pores, and boosts circulation. Some makeup artists even use cold spoons on tired eyes for a similar effect.
Another favorite: a drop of facial oil mixed into moisturizer for extra glow. The key is using lightweight oils — like rosehip or squalane — that absorb quickly. This creates a healthy, dewy base that makeup glides over effortlessly.
And let’s not forget the facial massage — models often use their fingers or jade rollers to stimulate lymphatic drainage. This not only sculpts the face but also revives dull skin after long nights.
It’s not about perfection, but preparation — little rituals that make a big difference.
Makeup Removal as Self-Care
At the end of a long runway day, removing makeup becomes more than routine — it’s a reset. Models often describe it as a small act of self-care, a moment of stillness after hours of lights and lenses.
Many swear by gentle balms or oils, massaging them slowly into the skin to melt away layers of foundation and powder. This act isn’t rushed; it’s almost meditative. Following up with hydrating toners and light serums restores balance before another demanding day.
One recurring tip? Never underestimate the power of a clean pillowcase. No matter how diligent your routine, dirty linens can undo all your work. For models constantly on the move, carrying a travel pillowcase is a quiet but genius habit.
The Bare-Faced Movement
Interestingly, more models today are embracing bare-faced confidence off-duty. Social media may glorify glowing, “no-makeup” looks, but behind the filter is a real shift in beauty culture — toward authenticity and health over perfection.
Walking out of the hotel lobby with nothing but sunscreen and lip balm has become a quiet act of rebellion against unrealistic beauty standards. The new luxury isn’t flawless skin — it’s healthy skin.
Many models credit this change to understanding their own skin better. They’ve learned what works, what irritates, and what truly matters. And that, perhaps, is the most important secret of all: listening to your skin.
What We Can Learn from the Runway Glow
You don’t have to be walking for Versace to borrow a few lessons from the pros. Model-approved skincare isn’t about spending a fortune; it’s about consistency, simplicity, and awareness.
Stick to a routine. Morning and night, no matter how busy you are.
Prioritize hydration. Inside and out.
Be gentle. Skin doesn’t like harsh scrubbing or over-cleansing.
Sleep and eat well. Beauty truly begins with wellness.
Listen to your skin. It tells you what it needs — less product, more care.
Because ultimately, runway glow isn’t created backstage. It’s cultivated every day, quietly, through small, mindful choices.
