California-born actress Brenda Song grew up on Disney, literally. She started acting in commercials when she was five years old, and her first big gig was The Ultimate Christmas Present in 2000. She went on to star in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and many more shows. Song hasn't stopped acting, with roles on Scandal and New Girl under her belt, and along the way she's developed a stellar beauty ritual. In the latest episode of Masked and Answered, Song shares her extensive skincare routine while masking with Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial (opens in new tab) ($80).
"I love this mask because one of my biggest skin concerns is resurfacing and exfoliating because I get a lot of clogged pores," Song describes. "I love the smell of this mask and the moment you put it on it starts tingling. Call me crazy, but, I love that it kinda hurts. I feel like it's working, because I can feel it." The reason why Song has a pretty extensive skincare routine, she explains, is because she has combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.
In the morning, she starts with Eve Lom's Morning Time Cleanser (opens in new tab) ($60) because it's really gentle. Then, she applies RéVive's Balancing Toner (opens in new tab) ($65). "Because I use so many exfoliating products, I need to put the moisture back into my skin," Song says. The first step for that is applying La Mer's Treatment Lotion (opens in new tab) ($155), then she goes into her serums, which are Obagi Professional-C Serum (opens in new tab) ($102) and Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum (opens in new tab) ($80). She seals in the moisture with Beautycounter's Glow Oils (opens in new tab) ($30). "They all do different things," Song says describing the oils. "One is brightening, two is plumping, three is balancing—I'll make a cocktail of these three."
"And then, eye creams," she says, approaching the end of her routine. She's loves Obagi's Vitamin C Eye Brightener (opens in new tab)($60) and Tatcha's The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment (opens in new tab) ($48), which is what she opts for on days when she doesn't want to wear much makeup but likes under-eye concealer coverage. For moisturizer, if she needs something heavy she'll use Sunday Riley's C.E.O Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream (opens in new tab) ($65), and if she's looking for something a little more lightweight she'll use Drunk Elephant's Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer (opens in new tab) ($68). Last but not least, she applies Obagi's Vitamin C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen (opens in new tab). Here's a fun kicker: She listens to true crimes podcasts when she's getting ready or masking. "I'm usually watching something crazy and dark when I do my makeup or when I'm masking," she says, laughing.
Shop Brenda Song's Skincare Routine
Watch Song's full video above for more details on her skincare routine. Don't forget to subscribe to Marie Claire's YouTube Channel (opens in new tab) to catch up on the latest episodes of Masked and Answered and share your favorite mask in the comments.
•••
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Maya Allen is the former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covered makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it! She has a 15-step skincare routine, owns over 200 red lipsticks, and enjoys testing the latest and greatest in beauty. On most weekends, you can find her at her happy place, which is her makeup vanity. There, she’s usually blasting her speakers while singing along to lyrics at the top of her lungs, and making sure her highlighter is on point.
-
James Middleton Reveals That Sister Kate Went to Therapy with Him
The third Middleton child, Pippa, also attended therapy to support her brother.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Are Banned from Doing This at Home
It’s a non-negotiable in the Wales’ house.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Diana’s Personal Letters to Friends During Her Divorce Are Being Auctioned for Charity
The 32-letter collection is both “astonishing” and “confidential.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Microcurrent Facial Devices: How They Work and Which to Use
Give your face a workout with these editor-approved microcurrent gadgets.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 9 Best Bronzers for Dark Skin Tones, According to Makeup Pros
Because Black and Brown girls like to look tan, too.
By Maya Allen
-
The 14 Best LED Face Masks for Light Therapy At Home, According to Beauty Editors and Experts
Masking at home: So hot rn.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 17 Best Acne Spot Treatments to Shrink Pimples, Stat
Smaller zits in 24 hours? Count us in.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 12 Best Face Creams for Eczema in 2023
An application a day keeps the itching away.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 12 Best Face Washes for Acne in 2023
Bring on the benzoyl peroxide.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Best Hyperpigmentation Treatments, According to Dermatologists
From easy-to-incorporate products to heavy-duty lasers.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 15 Best Eye Creams for Puffiness in 2023, According to Editors and Experts
Who says you didn’t get eight hours of sleep?
By Samantha Holender