Scarlett Johansson's Must Haves: From a Prada Purse to a Niacinamide Cream
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Scarlett Johansson knows that the celebrity-turned-beauty-founder arc is a little played out — especially in the industry's current state. As someone who has sat in countless makeup chairs and served as the face of several major brands (often while quietly navigating her own skin-care woes), Johansson's also witnessed the beauty space evolve pretty drastically throughout her career — which is why at this stage in her life, she's much more interested in finding ways to cut through all the noise rather than adding to it.
"I worked as an ambassador for brands for a very long time, and eventually I just felt like I didn't want to represent other people's beauty standards; I'd outgrown that as a person. But I didn't know how to begin. It's such a completely different industry than what I do in entertainment," Johansson says. "I started this deep dive, trying to understand if what I was looking for was also what the consumer was looking for, so it didn't just feel like I was making something for myself."
After five years of meticulous research and brand-building, that "something" in question later evolved into The Outset, Johansson's skin-care label that she formally launched in the spring of 2022 alongside her cofounder, Kate Foster Lengyel.
Unlike other beauty brands, The Outset's ethos is rooted in a "less is more" approach, with a refined product assortment that's designed to support even the most sensitive skin types thanks to its "radically gentle" ingredient base.
Now, with a couple years of market experience under her belt, Johansson's working to make The Outset's skin-care products more accessible to consumers. Just recently, it expanded to Amazon and QVC after previously only being available at retailers like Sephora and Nordstrom.
"Connecting with an audience through different retail avenues and amazing products has always been a goal of mine, and we're really getting to do that this year as we continue to expand with QVC and Amazon. It's such an exciting time for the brand," Johansson says.
Ahead, we spoke with Johansson about her relationship with beauty, how she drew inspiration from her own skin-care journey in order to build her brand, and all of the product essentials she can't live without. From a luxury designer handbag to a hydrating foundation stick and slanted tweezers, shop Scarlett Johansson's must haves below.
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Scarlett Johansson's Affordable Must Have
To ensure her eyebrows are clean and shapely 24/7, Johansson relies on this Tweezerman Slant Tweezer ($24), which is a staple in her everyday beauty bag. It boasts an unbeatable price tag to boot.
Pro Tip: Unlike other tweezers, this set is designed with a 25° slant tip that's optimized to work better with the shape of the brow bone. To preserve the product's quality, the brand recommends cleaning the tweezer tips with alcohol wipes or peroxide after each use.
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Scarlett Johansson's Morning-Routine Must Have
Johansson is known for her stripped back, minimalistic beauty looks, so it's no surprise that she likes to keep her morning routine on the simpler side with just a few staple products — including this Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick ($68). "I do a five-minute makeup routine to help get me out the door. If I'm going for a light coverage day, I'll mix our Vegan Firming Prep Serum with my concealer, and if I need a bit more coverage, I love Westman Atelier's Vital Skin Foundation Stick for its clean formulation and even coverage. I use a Dior mascara and I'm out the door," Johansson says.
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Scarlett Johansson's Nighttime Must Have
Although her schedule is ever-changing, Johansson knows the value in having a consistent evening routine — especially for her skin's sake. She'll start by washing her face with a gentle cleanser and then follow it up with this The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream ($54), which works to reduce redness and improve the skin's barrier. "If I have a few extra minutes, I'll [also] apply the Purifying Clay Mask for 10 minutes as a nice detox at the end of the day," she adds.
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Scarlett Johansson's Travel Must Have
Whether she's jet-setting to a red carpet premiere, traveling for her next film project, or vacationing for fun — the actress just recently visited Morocco and loved its "vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes" — Johansson likes to have this Prada Black Medium Prada Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag ($4,600) in tow. This designer accessory is a worthwhile investment thanks to its timeless silhouette, calf leather composition, and detachable leather shoulder strap, which can be adjusted for a more comfortable fit.
Pro Tip: As for what she likes to keep handy in this bag whenever she's traveling? "The Outset Barrier Balm, which started out as a lip balm, and I found myself using it for my cuticles, knuckles, etc. You can use it to smooth your flyaways, your elbows, everywhere, anywhere — I take it everywhere with me," she explains.
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Scarlett Johansson's Investment Must Have
After struggling with acne well into adulthood, Johansson has learned that building the perfect skin-care routine "doesn't have to be complicated" — but it is a worthwhile investment for your own health. She swears by The Outset Daily Essentials Regimen Bundle ($105), which encapsulates some of the brand's bestsellers within one seamless set.
"Consistency and good products can be the key to your healthiest skin ever," Johansson explains. "When I wake up in the morning, I'll wash my face using the Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser and follow up with the Vegan Collagen Prep Serum. Then, I'll use the Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer and the Smoothing Vitamin C Eye + Expression Lines Cream, and I'm ready to go. Around the middle of the day, I sometimes even reapply the serum — my skin is addicted."
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Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.