Lucy Hale's 2026 Beauty Regimen? Straightforward, Skincare-Centric, and Definitely Not in the Style of Aria Montgomery.

      It has been five years since we last chatted with Lucy Hale regarding her beauty regimen, and I can affirm that the actress's skin appears just as clear and radiant as it did in 2021. (In fact, I would assert that her complexion has stayed nearly identical since her introduction as Aria Montgomery in the 2010 pilot of Pretty Little Liars.) However, during our time together in a softly illuminated treatment room at NYC's Sage + Sound, she shares that her skin has gone through significant changes beneath the surface—enough for her to completely alter her approach.

      "In 2021, I was likely still in my 'more is more' phase," she admits. This was around the time her Vogue Beauty Secrets video, featuring a 25-step skincare and makeup routine, gained tremendous popularity online. Now, she has reduced that routine by more than half. "I'm five years older, so my priorities have shifted a bit. I need to treat my skin type differently," she explains. Currently, her primary concerns include hyperpigmentation and fine lines ("It's all happening," she jokes), making her collaboration with Shiseido, which recently launched two new products in its Benefiance brightening and smoothing line, feel almost destined. "I've always loved Shiseido's products. To me, they're classic, and the Benefiance line is lovely," she says. "Once I discover a product I like, I prefer it to come in a set or package because that way I know it will target all issues."

      The Benefiance collection delivers just that, featuring a serum, moisturizer, and eye cream designed to effectively smooth lines and reduce dark spots. The serum and moisturizer contain picão preto, a plant-based retinol alternative known to boost collagen and smooth wrinkles, and since there is no real retinol in the formulas, they can be used day and night without fear of photosensitivity. Of course, Hale emphasizes the necessity of wearing sunscreen daily, commending Shiseido's Urban Environment line for its feel. "It's incredibly lightweight, and you can blend it with your foundation. It's lovely," she shares. Among her skincare essentials are a gua sha tool ("In the morning, I just need to wake my skin up a little bit," she shares) and an LED mask from Jovs. "LED light truly works wonders for my skin," she adds.

      Her makeup routine mirrors a similar "less is more" philosophy. While Hale still enjoys highlighting her wide hazel-green eyes, she prefers to enhance them strategically with shadow rather than heavy mascara and eyeliner. "I'm really into the no-mascara [look]. Somehow that makes my eyes stand out more," she reveals. "Sometimes I'll apply a clear brow gel on my lashes just to make them fan out, but it doesn’t add any pigment." Charlotte Tilbury's Brow Fix is her top choice, featuring a clump-free formula and a small, precise brush. This approach seems quite different from Aria Montgomery, especially her daytime smoky eye that was favored in beauty trends during the 2010s. "In 2016, I was piling on mascara. I loved eyeliner," Hale reminisces about her Pretty Little Liars days. "I don’t even think I own an eyeliner now." Nowadays, she prefers to define her eyes with a soft shadow—particularly Charlotte Tilbury's Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo, which she applies along her lash line for subtle dimension. "It accentuates the green [in my eyes]," she points out.

      Don’t think for a moment that Hale avoids the occasional bold glam, as she did sport rose gold hair back in 2018. "I enjoy a dramatic haircut. I'm currently growing my hair out, but my prime Lucy look is a blunt, short bob," she reveals. "I like to mix it up with each acting role." Naturally, I couldn't resist asking if we might see a major haircut—or any beauty experiment—during the spring and summer. "No big surprises yet," she smiles. "But if I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise." Who knows? In five years, we might look back on this discussion as the catalyst for Hale's next beauty era.