5 Beauty Secrets of Audrey Hepburn That Still Work Today

Almost 70 years have passed since Audrey Hepburn's debut in Roman Holiday, yet her flawless style and natural beauty continue to inspire millions of women. The secret isn't in expensive procedures or revolutionary cosmetics — the actress followed surprisingly simple principles, many of which dermatologists still recommend today. We explore what helped the star stay elegant and glowing all her life.

Main points from the article:

• Audrey credited 50% of her beauty to her mother and the other 50% to dermatologist Erno Laszlo;
• Regular facial steam baths and Greek yogurt masks were her main beauty rituals;
• Drinking plenty of water and sun protection — basics that remain relevant today;
• The philosophy 'happy girls are the most beautiful' was central to her approach to beauty;
• Minimalism in makeup and emphasis on naturalness rather than trends.

Secret #1: A Dermatologist as Your Best Friend

'I owe 50% of my beauty to my mother and the other 50% to Erno Laszlo,' said Audrey Hepburn. Dr. Laszlo was a Hungarian dermatologist who also worked with Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Ava Gardner.

'After many years of heavy movie makeup, I met Dr. Erno Laszlo who taught me a lot. Did you know that all this makeup can actually be nourishing and protective?' the actress recalled.

Laszlo created a personalized skincare routine for Hepburn, including special soap, toner, and moisturizer. What's important is that products from this brand are still available today, many retaining their original formulas. The main lesson: find 'your' specialist and approach skincare systematically.

Secret #2: Simple Care and Natural Products

'I've always been a girl who washes her face with soap and water,' Hepburn admitted. Her daily routine was surprisingly simple: in the morning and evening, she washed her face with gentle soap and applied moisturizer.

But the actress had a special trick — she regularly did facial steam baths 1-2 times a week. This helped open pores and deeply cleanse the skin. 'Steam baths are especially beneficial for people with oily skin; they can be done 2-3 times a week. People with dry skin should limit it to once a week.'

Her favorite mask was plain Greek yogurt, which she applied to her face for 30 minutes and then rinsed off. The lactic acid in the yogurt worked as a gentle exfoliant while also moisturizing.

Secret #3: Water, Water and More Water

Audrey's son Luca Dotti wrote in his book 'Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother's Kitchen': 'She took drinking plenty of water very seriously. And it really is important for keeping the whole body in good shape.'

Hepburn maintained her nearly flawless skin through methods dermatologists still recommend today: drinking plenty of water and limiting sun exposure.

The actress was very disciplined when it came to UV protection. In addition to sunscreen, she always wore large hats and took an umbrella when going to the beach. She regularly used hats and umbrellas for skin protection, as well as limiting time in the sun.

Secret #4: Beauty from Within — Literally

Hepburn's diet was simple and healthy. For breakfast, she often had whole grain bread with jam with her partner Robert Walders; for lunch — lean meat or pasta with fresh vegetables from her own garden; and for dinner — chicken soup with vegetables.

This didn't mean Hepburn didn’t allow herself indulgences — Walders remembers: 'She had chocolate after dinner, dark chocolate, and one or two sips of scotch at night.'

'She really made sure to drink plenty of water and eat lots of vegetables,' her son wrote. Hepburn's principles for healthy eating: natural foods, plenty of veggies and fruits, moderation in sweets.

Secret #5: The Philosophy of Beauty

'I believe that happy girls are the most beautiful girls,' one of Hepburn's most famous quotes. She understood that true beauty comes from within.

'For beautiful eyes, look for good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only kind words; for confidence, go with the knowledge that you are never alone' — this philosophy was at the core of her approach to beauty.

When it came to makeup, as she aged, she preferred wearing minimal cosmetics, believing that the key to graceful aging is using less makeup. Instead of heavy makeup, she focused on highlighting her natural features with a light foundation, blushes, and neutral shades of lipstick and eyeshadow.

Movement as a Foundation

Hepburn was a talented ballerina (which explains her natural grace and slender figure) and loved long walks. No grueling workouts — and it worked for her.

Unlike today's celebrities, the only 'intentional' exercise she did was walking outdoors. She also enjoyed swimming and cycling, and took ballet classes for many years.

Professional Hair Care

Hair care expert Philip Kinglsey created a restorative mask specifically for Hepburn after their meeting in 1974. It's called Elasticizer, and the actress loved it so much that she regularly ordered large packs home. The best part: you can still buy it today.

Audrey Hepburn's beauty secrets are remarkably modern and accessible. They don't require huge expenses or complex procedures — just consistency, common sense, and the understanding that true beauty is a harmony between inner well-being and external care. Perhaps precisely for this reason, her style remains relevant and inspiring decades later.

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