Believe it when Olivia Palermo says, "I'm religious about my manicures." The native New Yorker takes her piety seriously: "I get my hair trimmed every three weeks and my nails done every four days." That dedication—not to mention her impeccable style and flawless good looks—has inspired Palermo's audience (3.6 million devotees follow her every outfit and braid on Instagram) and earned her the role of guest creative director for Ciaté London as well as designing gigs for Nordstrom and BaubleBar. "Beauty can transform you, but it shouldn't mask who you are," says Palermo. "It should bring out the best of who you are." Here, lessons from one of beauty's biggest stars.
On the beauty rule she never breaks: "There's no excuse for not taking off your makeup—ever. I don't use a fancy product. I just wipe my face with Vaseline and a cotton pad every night before bed."
On the secret to glowing skin: "Besides having a great dermatologist—I've been seeing Dr. Dennis Gross since I was a teen—and facialist—I see Fere at Fere & Hasti in London—I think working out is the key to good skin. I like to sweat it out five days a week with trainer Tracy Anderson."
On handbag inventory: "Mascara, eyeliner, hair spray, an extra bottle of red nail polish—in case I need to do a last-minute touch-up—double-sided tape, dry shampoo, and a comb."
On her New York state of mind: "New York girls always have to look our best. Of all the cities I've traveled to, we're really diligent when it comes to our beauty—it's in our DNA and built into our day-to-day. We have standing appointments."
On a wintertime secret: "I hate chipped polish. Red is my signature color, and I always have my fingers match my toes. Even in the fall and winter, when no one sees my toes, I maintain my pedicure—it makes me feel put together."
On never crossing the line: "I know some people go a day or two without washing their hair, but I never would. I probably get that from my mom because she washes her hair every day, and it seems to be the recipe for beautiful hair. I swear by L'Oréal Professionnel and Kérastase hair products, and I use a Hershesons hair-dryer and Harry Josh curling iron. I've been going to Andre Davis at Julien Farel salon for over 11 years, and for events, Lacy Redway is one of the most talented hairstylists I've worked with."
On finding inspiration: "Mostly from my travels and seeing street style in different cities, but also in editorials and on runways. There are a lot of talented makeup artists on Instagram, like Daniel Martin [@dmartnyc]."
On sharing secrets with her husband, model-entrepreneur Johannes Huebl: "I got him a
, which was a game changer for my skin, and he loves it very much. He introduced me to Marley Natural Hemp Seed Body Lotion, which is supernourishing and natural."
On hotel-room etiquette: "It's important to bring things that make your hotel room feel comfortable, and for me, that's Jo Malone or Diptyque travel candles. The scents give me a lift and make me feel at home and at peace. Also: The water in London and Paris is really drying, so always pack extra moisturizer."
On editing her vanity: "I don't like to hoard products. I like things very tidy, including my bathroom. I always say, if your things are in chaos, then your life will feel chaotic. I can't live like that."
And the advice she would give her younger self: "Don't overpluck your brows!"
