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Hilary Duff Looks Exactly Like She Did 20 Years Ago—Here's Why

Maya Ernest DefaultMaya Ernest Default
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Published on Aug 24, 2026 • 3 min read
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Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Hilary Duff is officially having a moment. Between her “Lucky Me” tour and a wave of Y2K beauty nostalgia, everyone's talking about the former “Lizzie McGuire” star again—and we can't stop staring at her glowing skin. Beauty-wise, it's been a great year for millennials: GAP's iconic mall fragrances are back, minty makeup is trending, and everyone is wearing CLINIQUE’s Black Honey lipstick again. The nostalgia is real, but no comeback feels quite as exciting as Duff's. It's her first major tour in nearly 20 years, yet the 38-year-old star looks just as radiant as she did during her “Lizzie McGuire” days. Of course, hits like "So Yesterday," "Why Not," and our personal favorite, "Come Clean," haven't aged a day either.

We might not be hitting the stage anytime soon, but we've definitely been taking notes from Duff's on-tour beauty looks. Like, serious notes. We got the inside scoop on the singer's skincare routine straight from her makeup artist, Kelsey Deenihan. Ahead, she shares Duff's pre-show prep, her favorite products, and the secrets behind the pop star's signature glow.

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

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Kelsey Deenihan is a celebrity makeup artist with clients including Hilary Duff, Cindy Crawford, Reese Witherspoon, and more.

Hilary Duff's Pre-Show Skincare Routine Step by Step

Every good makeup look starts with proper skin prep—but it's extra important before stepping out onto the stage, where sweat, outfit changes, bright lights, and high-def cameras are all in play. With long hours in the spotlight, Deenihan focused on creating a hydrated canvas that would keep Duff’s makeup looking fresh throughout her entire performance. 

“I always like to begin by making sure the skin is perfectly prepped,” says Deenihan. That’s why she kicks off Duff’s routine with the RODAN + FIELDS Redefine Pore Refining Toner, which balances and refreshes skin for a smooth base. Afterwards, she likes to go in with an eye cream to help deliver more hydration and soften the look of fine lines, so the concealer glides on beautifully without looking heavy, cakey or separating, she says. Also, if you’re old enough to remember watching Lizzie McGuire when it aired, you should probably invest in some eye creams anyway. Just saying!

Of course, the secret to radiant skin really lies within a vitamin C serum or moisturizer, which fades dark spots and brightens skin. Deenihan calls the RODAN + FIELDS Pure C Serum a “staple” in her kit because it instantly helps bring life and luminosity back to the complexion. “It gives the skin that healthy, energized look before makeup ever touches the face, while providing antioxidant protection throughout the day,” she says. Making sure the skin is hydrated also makes all the difference in how makeup will wear and perform later, since it’ll prevent any creasing or flaking.

Now, here at IPSY, we know best of all that SPF is a skincare non-negotiable. It helps protect skin from damaging UV rays—which yes, are still around even when you let the rain fall down—and according to Deenihan, a good sunscreen will help lock in moisture too. Whether you prefer a classic mineral sunscreen, a dewy sunscreen, or a sunscreen specifically made to double as a makeup primer, there’s one for every glam routine. 

As Duff’s makeup is never complete without a glossy lip, the last step in her pre-show skincare routine is lip conditioning. Deenihan uses the RODAN + FIELDS Lip Renewing Serum on the singer, which she gives time to absorb while she works on the rest of Duff’s complexion. That extra moisture is key to the perfect popstar pout.

“Good makeup always starts with good skincare,” says Deenihan. “When you’re performing under the bright lights of that MSG stage, your skin works just as hard as you do.” Proper skincare prep keeps makeup from sliding or smudging—even when you’re not putting on a stadium show. “Taking the time to hydrate, smooth, and strengthen the skin beforehand allows makeup to look more natural, wear longer, and maintain that fresh, radiant glow throughout the whole night,” she adds. You heard it here first, folks! Once your skincare prep is down, you'll be one step closer to a glow that's exactly what dreams are made of.

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