When you think about NYFW models, visions of perfect hair and flawless skin may come to mind. The truth is that while it’s literally their job to look beautiful, models are as human as the rest of us. They get frizzy hair, they gain weight around the holidays and, yep, they get zits like the rest of us. Curious about how they deal with pimples — especially when they’ve got a casting call or catwalk to strut down — we asked them straight up. Read on for the best acne treatments these models swear by.
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This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
Here's How 9 NYFW Models Deal With Breakouts
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Skyn Iceland Blemish Dots and Urban Decay Concealer
“My routine is actually very interesting. First, I take hydrogen peroxide and make sure there is no bacteria around the area. Then, Skyn Iceland sells these little stickers that you put directly on top of the pimple and I will wear it overnight,” says Julia Belyakova, who we talked to at Badgley Mischka. “I also make sure that I do a lot of clay masks that clean deeply, and sometimes I’ll put the mask just on the spot and let it dry out. For concealer, I like Urban Decay's Naked Concealer. It’s very light, but it conceals really well and it still keeps my skin moisturized.”
Image: Wendy Gould
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Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Formula
Rachel Sklar says that it’s taken her some time to find the right products since her skin is really sensitive and tends to react quickly. After some experimentation, she discovered that her tried-and-true go-to is Cortizone 10. “They have a stick tube — it almost looks like a Chapstick — and it goes right on really easy. I put it on overnight and in the morning the zit is usually less red and smaller,” she says. I don’t do a lot of concealing but if I absolutely have to, then I really like Chantecaille’s products because they’re super natural and really gentle.”
Image: Wendy Gould
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Budget-Friendly Charcoal Cleansers
For Jay Jankowska, who we spoke with at Tadashi Shoji, treating zits is all about finding inexpensive products that actually work. “Honestly, I just use the cheapest charcoal cleanser from Target that I can find and it really cleans my face and helps keep my skin clear,” she says. “In the day, I just dab some concealer and foundation over it. I don’t have a favorite brand — I just use whatever is inexpensive.”
Try Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser, $5.99 at Target
Image: Wendy Gould
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La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask
“What I usually do is put on a little mask at night that dries out the pimple,” says Olivia Anakwe. “I sleep with it on and in the morning, I get a warm cloth and massage it and it brings the gunk to the surface so it’s easy to push out." Her favorite brand to use is La Mer — try The Intensive Revitalizing Mask, $165 at Net-A-Porter.
Image: Wendy Gould
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Apple Cider Vinegar and Sulfur Masks
“I don’t usually have bad skin but, of course, during the stress of fashion week they make an appearance,” says Jordan Hathaway. “I like pretty natural methods for treatment. I use apple cider vinegar as a toner and I think sulfur masks are just amazing for bringing pimples down. My favorite product is AcneFree Sulfur Mask, and whenever I get a pimple, I just dab a little on at night and it completely shrinks it.”
Image: Wendy Gould
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Let It Be
Sometimes, not messing with your zits at all is the best thing you can do for your skin. That’s the method that Monica Tomas, who we spoke to at Christian Siriano, swears by. “I hardly ever get pimples but if I get one, then I just usually let it be and give it time to run its course,” she says. “It usually takes about two days for it to go away.”
Image: Wendy Gould
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Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
“I will usually use Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion — it actually works. I like to apply it at night before bed and then I sleep on it,” says Amalie Moosgaard. “I do try to conceal it in the morning with whatever products I have on hand. I get so many gifts, so I’m always trying new things.”
Image: Wendy Gould
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Clay Masks and Dermalogica Spot Fix
“Normally, I’ll do a clay-based mask that you smear on, let dry and then wash off. I like clay because it sucks up the oil and dries out pimples,” says Ashanti Hildreth. “For something quick, I’ll sometimes use a spot treatment. I really like Dermalogica’s Breakout Clearing Emergency Spot Fix.”
Image: Wendy Gould
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Tea Tree Oil
“I like to mix tea tree essential oil with coconut oil and apply it directly to the spot with my finger. The tea tree oil has antiseptic properties, so it cleans and gets rid of bacteria. It has to be diluted first, but it usually works really well for me,” says Erin Shea. “I try not to wear makeup when I’m not at work, so usually I just brave up and face the skin bare-skinned even if I do have a pimple.”
Image: Wendy Gould
