Lucy Hale's 2026 Beauty Routine? Straightforward, skin-centric, and nothing like Aria Montgomery's style.

      It has been five years since our last conversation with Lucy Hale regarding her beauty routine, and I can confirm that the actress's skin remains as clear and radiant as it was in 2021. In fact, I would argue that her complexion has hardly changed since we first saw her as Aria Montgomery in the 2010 pilot of Pretty Little Liars. However, as we sit in a softly lit treatment room at NYC's Sage + Sound, she shares that her skin has undergone several changes beneath the surface—so much so that she has completely revised her approach.

      "In 2021, I was likely still in my 'more is more' phase," she explains. This was around the time her Vogue Beauty Secrets video, which featured a 25-step skincare and makeup routine, went viral online. Today, it's clear that she has streamlined that routine by more than half. "I'm five years older, so my priorities have shifted. I need to adapt my skincare routine to my skin type," she mentions. Currently, hyperpigmentation and fine lines are her primary concerns ("It's all happening," she jokes), making her collaboration with Shiseido—a brand that has just introduced two new products to its Benefiance brightening and smoothing line—seem almost fated. "I've always loved Shiseido’s products. To me, it feels classic, and the Benefiance line is gorgeous," she states. "Once I discover a product I like, I appreciate when it comes in a trio or package because that means it will address multiple concerns."

      The Benefiance collection indeed provides a complete solution, featuring a serum, moisturizer, and eye cream with exceptional line-smoothing and dark spot-fading properties. The serum and moisturizer are also infused with picão preto, a plant-based retinol alternative known to boost collagen and smooth wrinkles—plus, since they are retinol-free, they can be used both day and night without worrying about photosensitivity. Hale emphasizes the importance of daily sunscreen, praising Shiseido’s Urban Environment line for its enjoyable texture. "It's so lightweight, and you can mix it into your foundation. It's wonderful," she remarks. Among her essential skincare items is a gua sha tool ("In the morning, I just need to awaken my skin a bit," she shares) and an LED mask from Jovs. "LED light really works wonders for my skin," she adds.

      Her makeup routine also adopts a "less is more" philosophy. While Hale still enjoys highlighting her large, hazel-green eyes, she now prefers to enhance them subtly with eyeshadow rather than heavy layers of mascara and eyeliner. "I really like the no-mascara look. Somehow that makes my eyes stand out more," she explains. "Sometimes, I’ll use clear brow gel on my lashes just to separate them, but it doesn’t add any color." Charlotte Tilbury's Brow Fix is her favorite, featuring a clump-free formula and a small, precise brush. This approach is quite different from her Aria Montgomery days, particularly the smoky eye looks that were popular in the 2010s. "Back in 2016, I used to load on mascara and loved my eyeliner," Hale reflects on her time in Pretty Little Liars. "I don’t think I even have an eyeliner anymore." Nowadays, she prefers to define her eyes with a soft shadow—specifically, Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo, which she applies along her lash line for a hint of dimension. "It highlights the green in my eyes," she notes.

      However, that doesn’t mean Hale avoids the occasional dramatic look. She did sport rose gold hair in 2018, after all. "I adore a bold haircut. I'm currently growing out my hair, but my go-to look was always a blunt, short bob," she shares. "I like to switch it up with each acting role I take." Naturally, I had to ask if we can anticipate a significant change or any new beauty experiment for spring and summer. "No big surprises yet," she smiles. "But if I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise." Who knows? In another five years, we might look back on this talk as the beginning of Hale's next beauty chapter.