Sydney Sweeney on the power of scent, being fearless and why acne is like a bad relationship (2024)

When asked if she can, therefore, identify with Cassie’s insecurities, she says: “We're both girls and so I think that we both relate to multiple of her insecurities, whether it's how we look through other people's eyes or just how we're growing up and who we wanna be. I've definitely learned a lot and I'm growing as a person. I really hope that Cassie does, too.”

Sydney is also refreshingly honest about her cystic acne, a skin condition she likens to “one of those bad relationships that like kept coming back. They would just keep calling and keep calling and not hang up. I thought that magically for whatever reason, when I went to college, it was gonna disappear and I was gonna be a grown up and grown ups don't get acne. But I was very wrong and I still battle with it today.”

While Sydney worries less about breakouts now than before – “no one actually cares about a zit or something on your face” – she has also found ways to control them. “Whenever I break out, it's like one or two big zits and I'm a terrible picker. My number one ritual is to always wash my face. No matter how tired I am or where I am, I always wash my face before I go to bed.”

Sydney previously revealed to GLAMOUR that Avène cleansing gel is her go-to face wash. “I like this one because I’ve found different cleansers are either too strong or not strong enough, but this one is nice and gentle. Sometimes I’ll mix in an exfoliator, just to help, because I do have combination skin. If I don’t exfoliate the dry skin off, then my makeup will sit weird on my face, and my face will break out.”

Likewise, she revealed that when it comes to hydrating her skin, she leans on the SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier. “My skin does get dry, so it helps soak everything in. I use it every day and night.” While Elta MD sunscreenis perfectly suited to her sensitive skin and doesn’t give her spots.

Ice, it seems is her acne secret and a way of dialling down the inflammation from a spot, as well as reducing general early morning face puff. And she uses her JYTOP Ice Roller with the same gusto as Cassie does during her 4am skincare routine. “The ice roller that Cassie uses is actually my roller that I brought to the set. I have an ice roller everywhere I go. I put it in my freezer and I use it every morning.” She also swears by aloe vera if she picks a spot.

Makeup-wise Sydney’s a self-confessed minimalist. She was introduced to the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation by a makeup artist six years ago and credits it with changing her life. "I’m so grateful she did, because it was the start of me being able to figure out what worked for my skin.” She will often just “put a little under my eyes” in place of concealer. Mascara, blusher on the apples of her cheeks and brushed up eyebrows is her everyday makeup uniform. “I don’t really do much,” she admits.

With so much life experience under her belt, it’s easy to forget that Sydney is still only 25 years old. While she defines herself as “adventurous and I’m determined and I’m a free spirit,” she is also still learning to trust her instincts as a woman, a producer, an actress and a celebrity. “I always believe that you should trust your own gut," she says. "Women are so powerful and strong, and I think it is super important to listen to your own voice. So many people around you will try to influence your decisions. I think if you just stay true to yourself and follow your own path, that’s probably the best thing to do."

Giorgio Armani My Way Parfum, £102 for 50ml, will be available at Look Fantastic from 1^st February and retailers nationwide from 1^st March 2023.

For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.