Drew Barrymore Shares Her “Less Is More” Skincare Routine

Drew Barrymore likes to keep it real. As an actress and talk show host, Barrymore never shies away from using her platform to foster unfiltered conversations. Having grown up surrounded by the glitz and glam of Hollywood, Barrymore is particularly passionate about discussing the harmful effects of societal beauty standards. “I was raised in Hollywood and later got into the fashion and beauty industry,” she shares. “I’ve been at the epicenter of three of the most image-focused and standard-riddled industries. When I was young, I had to figure out how to process everything. It wasn’t overnight, but I decided I wouldn’t be a prisoner to unrealistic beauty expectations.”

Barrymore’s commitment to championing authenticity and self-confidence is why she recently joined forces with Dove. This year, the brand is celebrating 20 years of its “Real Beauty” campaign, an initiative focused on breaking beauty stereotypes and advocating for better representation of women and girls. To mark two decades of work, Dove recently released a global report on the state of beauty, with one of the most illuminating data points being that nine in 10 women and girls say they have been exposed to harmful beauty content online. 

As a mom to two young daughters, Barrymore is adamant about creating a digital and IRL world that makes her girls and other young women feel confident in their skin. Part of this mission involves partnering with brands like Dove, of course. However, on a personal level, Barrymore strives to lead by example by appreciating her ever-changing skin and caring for herself from head to toe. Ahead, Barrymore shares more about how she embraces her real beauty through her day-to-day skincare routine.

About Her Skin 

“I’ve started noticing how my skin is becoming crepey on my face, and that’s brand new for me. But I’m just going to see where things go. It is important to me to have a positive relationship with beauty and my skin. I’ve worked in the industry for a long time, requiring my skin to go through a lot for various roles and projects. Given this, it’s important that I remain diligent with my skincare routine. I like to keep it minimal and focus only on the essentials. ” 

How She Got Into Skincare

“I grew up in the makeup chair, so skincare has always been a part of that. I fell into it, and I learned to love taking care of my skin and the confidence that comes with it. Skincare is all I have in my arsenal, so it remains my priority. I never go to bed with makeup on. I try to wash my face twice daily to keep it healthy. I also work on my mind and skin, which helps me with my confidence. It radiates to others if you feel confident in your skin.”

Her Morning Versus Nighttime Routine

“I keep my routine simple and use a ‘less is more’ approach. One of my favorite products is the Dove Original Beauty Bar ($2). This bar is great for skin cleansing and washing away any [dirt] from the day. Using this product morning and night keeps [my skin] clean. It’s also the perfect product to prep [my skin] for the rest of my products. After cleansing, I use toner and moisturizer.” 

One Skincare Step She Never Skips

“I try to remember how important sunscreen is. So, when I know I’m out in the sun, I wear it. It’s the daily use that I have to be better about. I’m well aware of how important consistency is with sunscreen. It’s important to prioritize your skin health and incorporate it into your routine.”

One Product That Has Made the Biggest Difference

“Keeping it simple has made a big difference as I age.  I sometimes slather on pure vitamin E oil when I need a moisture boost.” 

Her Skincare Pet Peeve

“Looking in the mirror and saying negative things [is my pet peeve]. That has to stop because it can affect us in a way that matters over the years. Working with what we have is key. Doing what we need to do to [have a healthy relationship with our reflection in] the mirror is something I care about. We don’t have to criticize ourselves. We can always boost our confidence with a more empowering approach.” 

Her Newest Product

“I love an exfoliating body scrub like the Dove Body Polish ($7). I use these types of products when taking an ‘everything’ shower. This added step keeps my skin smooth and moisturized. It also helps to keep [my skin moisturized] because I’m not always the best at full body care. I’m always running around and don’t stop to indulge enough.”

Her Most-Used Product

“A giant smile. That is always in my beauty routine because it makes me feel good.”