by A symbol of the sartorial zeitgeist, over the past 12 months Sofia Richie Grainge’s profile has risen, and resonates with her ‘quiet luxury’ look and off-duty ‘clean’ aesthetic as well as the contemporary bridal glam worn for her nuptials to Elliott Grainge . . This year, the model and entrepreneur’s life – and wardrobe – looks a little different as she prepares to welcome a child with her music producer husband. As any mother will know, hormones have their fair share of obstacles. “There are many things that come with pregnancy,” she tells us about the changes she is experiencing. “It was tough, for sure.”
In one case, her acne and rosacea returned – “like I was back in high school”, but the skincare enthusiast consulted her dermatologist, Dr. Mamina Turegano, to identify the best strategy for her. “My main priority with my beauty routine at the moment is trying to have the healthiest skin possible. And making sure I have the right products to achieve that, whether it’s skincare or make-up,” she says. After becoming a trusted voice for a new generation of skin-savvy audiences herself, Richie Grainge has today been announced as the new global brand partner of SkinCeuticals, reflecting her science-backed approach to skincare . (Of course, she’s regimented about her routine, and loves a household gadget instead of her usual laser facial—something that can’t be done during pregnancy).
But aside from her current day rituals, Richie Grainge is keen to reflect on her beauty evolution too – and her influences that have made an impact. Below, read all about the star’s beauty philosophy and product choices, as told exclusively to Bazaar:
On her beauty journey…
“I feel like anyone in their teens to mid-20s goes through a big evolution in beauty. You know, figuring out their lane and what they’re comfortable with. I’ve tried everything from heavy make-up to where I am today; it’s important to experiment as you discover what makes you comfortable in your own skin. So, yes, I’ve done a lot of trials in my day, to be confident in the beauty routine I do now.”
On her teenage skin struggling to return during pregnancy…
“I suffered a lot in my teenage years with acne and rosacea, and when I found out I was pregnant, it came back like I was back in high school. I didn’t really expect it; there are so many things that come with pregnancy and it’s not just something that I have taken into account. It was tough, for sure.”
On her current beauty priorities…
“I definitely had to pivot. My main priority with my beauty routine right now is trying to have the healthiest skin possible. And making sure I have the right products to achieve that, whether it’s skincare or make-up.
“I follow a very strict regime. My dermatologist put me on the Simply Clean Cleanser by SkinCeuticals which is really good at removing oil and make-up effectively. During my pregnancy I started to overproduce oil and that cleanser really helped me maintain and control my oil production. Everything is just so high and sensitive right now, so at night, I use a light moisturizer because I don’t want to clog my pores.
“In the morning, I’ll use the SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50. When I found out I was pregnant, my doctor said ‘don’t go out in the sun because you had to be careful with hyperpigmentation’. There are so many things you have to take into account!”
On the laser tool that changed her skin…
“I found a tool that really changed my skin, called the Lyma laser. My makeup artist Emily Cheng recommended it when I really needed it during my first trimester when my hormones were going crazy. I use it every night before I go to bed. I have nothing to do with the brand, but it has really changed my life – it is a concealer for controlling acne and redness.
“Normally, before I was pregnant, I did a treatment once a month called Laser Genesis which really helps kill bacteria on the skin and really helped with breakouts. Now Lyma is the only laser I can do myself – and it’s not harmful during pregnancy.”
On her signature beauty look…
“I try to have clear skin if I can, and with that I’m not too heavy on the foundation. I love like a contour, bronze look with a simple bronze eye.
“I’m really into blush at the moment and love the Chanel powder blush in a very bright pink. I still use the Nudestix contour stick – it’s just undeniably good. And the Prada foundation is really nice. I don’t normally wear foundation, but as I need more coverage with my skin breaking out I’ve been using this as the finish still looks like skin but it gives some coverage.
“I always have to have eyebrow gel no matter where I go. I use the Anastasia one which is almost like a mascara. And right now I’m always carrying blotting paper with me; I’d rather use powder on my face all the time.
“I color my hair so I try to do as many masks and oil treatments as possible when I’m not on duty. That kind of ties into my slick bun – I look all purposeful, but really I’m just a greasy mess!”
On what its beauty inspires to taste…
“I have a lot to do with the European style and with France in particular – an effortless ‘less is more’ approach. I do Pinterest a lot and follow cute influencers and pick up on things that I feel relate to me. But my husband also encouraged me a lot, which is interesting. When we started chatting, he would say ‘you’re so beautiful, you don’t need to do much or wear that make-up’ and I think it really boosted my confidence in that way. So I’m really trying to accept myself, I guess.”
On sharing tutorials on TikTok…
“I started my TikTok so I could connect with people and learn from people. I learned so many beauty tricks from watching TikToks. Also – for the first five months after I was pregnant, very few of my friends knew, so it was great to be able to type ’11 weeks pregnant’ and seeing others talking about their symptoms. That’s why I use these platforms; pertaining to a person.
“If I ever feel that judgment is coming, I won’t do it. I want to have fun with social media – I try to be myself; I’m being honest. So if I ever feel like it’s making me uncomfortable, I won’t do it.”
On when she feels most beautiful…
“I feel my most beautiful when I get lots of sunlight – spending time in the ocean and getting vitamin D from the sun.
“But also when I stick to a routine that makes me feel good, which includes movement, food and hydration as well as skin care and hair care. You know, beauty really starts with taking care of yourself. That is definitely something I will pass on to my daughter.”
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