We *Do* Know How She Does It: The Secrets Behind Kim Kardashian’s Elaborate Skincare Routine

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Including the products she wishes she’d used earlier in life and the skincare step she never skips.

We don’t have to tell you that the Kardashians are a constant topic of discussion. If you scroll through social media or read the news you’re almost automatically privy to their Met Gala hijinks, partnerships with major fashion brands, and sometimes sketchy endorsements (crypto, anyone?).

Yet, regardless of the consistent flares of drama, the Kardashians are fairly committed business people. Brands like Skims and Good American receive glowing reviews for churning out high-quality and size-inclusive products.

Plus, regardless of your Kardashian opinions, you have to admit that they know a thing or two about beauty. Since they get glam for huge events (or conversations with their siblings on the couch) on a regular basis, they work closely with skin experts and makeup artists to achieve a flawless glow.

Kim Kardashian’s latest beauty venture, SKKN, is an effort to bridge the gap between the celebrity skincare experience and the skincare the rest of us can reasonably afford. It’s actually modeled almost exactly on Kardashian’s own skincare routine, too. Keep in mind that SKKN is still a splurge; a bottle of Oil Drops will set you back $95, for instance. But hey, it’s not as expensive as hiring a personal aesthetician.

To promote SKKN, Kardashian spoke to Byrdie about her personal skincare routine — and the results were illuminating. First, she says that even though her own routine is intensive, it may not be ideal for everyone: “The best skincare routine is one you’ll actually do every day. While I find my nine-step skincare routine necessary, I know there are people who may think it is overwhelming.” She also explains why her routine is so intricate: “I’ve always had a passion for skincare and makeup, but my psoriasis diagnosis really inspired me to learn more about my skin and the best ways to take care of it.”

In the interview, Kardashian sounds off on some major beauty regrets. If she had a time machine, apparently she’d go back and urge her younger self to invest in toner: “I wish I had started using a toner earlier in life. I used to think toners were just water on your face, but I’ve realized they really help balance out your skin and even out your skin tone.” She also says that using eye cream “will save you later in life!” And if you’re seeking more solid advice, she also recommends a tried-and-true beauty rule: “Skincare isn’t just for your face! I always go down to my chest.”

Talking about skincare is all fun and games when you’ve had your coffee and are fully awake, but at night it can be a little too easy to skip a step. In Kardashian’s opinion, there’s one product you should always apply: Cleanser. “Cleansing my face is something I always make sure to do before applying the rest of my products.”

OK, now for the details: Surprise, surprise, she claims she uses the nine-step skincare routine that she launched with SKKN. “I really created it to be true to exactly what I use,” she told Byrdie. And in case you’re curious about the routine that she supposedly uses, here are the products: Cleanser, exfoliator, toner, hyaluronic acid serum, vitamin C8 serum, eye cream, face cream, oil drops, and night oil. You can bundle for convenience or just look for similar products from your favorite (and likely more affordable) skincare lines.

One last tip: Kardashian says that she’s obsessed with one product that’s had massive results. “Hyaluronic acid has made such a difference in my skin,” Kardashian says. “I started using it a few years ago, and it plumped up my skin and kept it hydrated.”

There’s no pressure to indulge in a nine-step routine (though if that’s your jam, we’re happy for you) but we hope you’ll at least use this as a jumping-off point for your own experimentation (whether that’s with SKKN or another brand).