Onscreen, Xochitl Gomez has become known for fighting villains. But in real life, there’s something she doesn’t resist: a targeted skincare routine.
The Marvel star, 18, learned the importance of taking care of her skin early on. “My grandma was super into skincare and I’d be looking at all creams, all her lotions, all her moisturizers,” Gomez tells PEOPLE exclusively.
Now that she’s in her late teens, the Dancing with the Stars champ is prioritizing her routine now more than ever — and picking up new habits along the way. “I’ve become very aware of how important it is to exfoliate. I’ve also been on my grind with the facials,” she shares of her current obsessions.
“Having clear skin, it makes me feel really confident because when you know that your skin is doing well, you feel better,” she adds.
Today, Gomez’s skincare journey continues with CeraVe.
The actress stars in the brand’s soap opera-inspired campaign, “Cleanse Like a Derm,” as Xochitl Cleansington, to spread awareness around the importance of face washing and debunk misconceptions — in a fun way.
“CeraVe is about educating people on taking care of your skin,” she says of why she’s been a longtime fan of the company and its products — including the Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, one of her daily essentials.
Scroll down to see what other beauty game-changers Gomez can’t get enough of.
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
No matter what time it is, Gomez will never (ever) go to sleep with her makeup on. CeraVe’s Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, gently removes dirt, excess oil, plus makeup and SPF, and leaves her skin feeling “moisturized,” especially when she uses it with an exfoliating facial sponge (a hack she learned from her mom).
She follows this step with CeraVe’s sensitive skin-friendly cleansing balm, a savior during her Dancing with the Stars days, when her face would be hit with “layers and layers of foundation, glitter, gems and rhinestones.”
Buy It! CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, $16; amazon.com
Frizz-Taming Hair Serums
Gomez remembers her mom using Garnier’s Fructis hair products to tame her frizz when she was a kid. Nowadays, Gomez uses the brand’s argan oil-infused serum (right) at home and packs the on-the-go version (left) with a nifty wand applicator to make red carpet touch-ups a breeze.
Buy It! Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Frizz Tamer ($10) and Anti-Frizz Serum ($8); garnierusa.com
Volumizing Mascara
“I go from the roots and then brush up,” Gomez explains of her technique for statement-making lashes. And when she’s wearing falsies, her makeup artist amplifies them with this bold mascara, too. “She’ll use a wand that’s very fine and brush the [faux] lashes so that they look more natural.”
Buy It! Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Firework Mascara, $11; amazon.com
Illuminating Lotion
“I use it for red carpets because your body needs to glow,” she says of the liquid she smooths on her shoulders and collarbones.
Buy It! L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion in shade 902 Light, $17; ulta.com
Multiuse Concealer
This concealer by Armani beauty has a buildable coverage and airbrushed finish that Gomez loves. “It’s really good if you want to layer. I’ve actually done a full glam look using their concealer.”
Buy It! Armani beauty Luminous Silk Concealer in shade 5.5, $42; sephora.com
Shimmery Shadows
Gomez says her favorite eyeshadow palette has both natural shades that “blend really nicely” as well as a sparkly rosy mauve option that makes eyes shimmer and shine.
Buy It! YSL Beauty Couture Mini Clutch Eyeshadow Palette in 200 Gueliz Dream, $68; sephora.com
Skin-Plumping Serum
“Youth-activating — can confirm,” Gomez says of Lancôme’s serum, made with hyaluronic acid and a Vitamin C derivative to strengthen the skin’s barrier and increase elasticity.
She pairs the formula with its coordinating night cream. “It literally leaves me feeling like, ‘Ooh, my skin and my makeup are going to look so good tomorrow.’ ”
Buy It! Lancôme Advanced Génifique Face Serum, $135; lancome-usa.com