Bette Davis’s beauty routine was surprisingly simple, built around products that soothed and refreshed rather than masked. One of her staples was witch hazel, used as a skin freshener after cleansing. Witch hazel’s cooling, toning properties helped calm the skin after long days under hot studio lights, keeping her complexion clear and tight.
She paired this with cold cream, often applied under her eyes between takes to protect the delicate skin from dryness and irritation. These rituals supported the expressive power of her eyes—her most famous feature.
Davis’s approach shows how Old Hollywood beauty wasn’t always about excess. Sometimes, it was about protecting the face that carried the story.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?
