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Kristyn Smith may be known for treating the faces of the rich and famous, but when it comes to skincare, she’s not above a drugstore run.
The celebrity esthetician — whose A-list clientele includes models Bella Hadid, Jacquelyn Jablonski and Paige Reifler — told The Post she relies heavily on “supportive, accessible products.”
“Price point matters far less than formulation quality and how products are used together,” Smith said, explaining that effectiveness often comes down to strategy, not cost.
That philosophy extends to tools, too. The one she’s most excited about is surprisingly inexpensive and rooted in old-world practices.
“I feel strongly about lymphatic face brushing as an at-home practice,” said Smith, the founder of Practise NYC in Tribeca.
The technique targets the lymphatic system, which helps clear waste and excess fluid from the body. Unlike the circulatory system, it doesn’t have a pump, meaning it relies on movement and manual stimulation to function properly.
Lymphatic face brushing involves using a firm-bristled brush and gently sweeping upward along the facial contours, guiding fluid toward lymph nodes in the neck, jawline and collarbones to encourage drainage.
Fans of the practice say it can help reduce puffiness, improve circulation, ease inflammation and lightly exfoliate the skin.
Brushes designed specifically for lymphatic stimulation “remain one of my favorite recommendations because they encourage drainage and circulation without disrupting the skin barrier.”
Basic versions sell for about $6 on Amazon, while higher-end options like those from Cecily Braden start at $78.
For Smith, face brushing aligns with her broader focus on new tools that minimize damage and prioritize smarter delivery.
“We’re seeing technology that helps guide specific ingredients into the layers of skin where they’re most effective, without unnecessary inflammation or tissue trauma,” she explained.
“When paired thoughtfully with advanced topicals — such as peptides or exosome-based formulations — these approaches feel far more supportive and regenerative than aggressive.”
Smith’s skin care staples
That same mindset shapes how Smith builds a skincare routine. Instead of chasing universal must-haves, she focuses on developing a personalized strategy.
“Skin responds best when products are chosen intentionally and layered with purpose,” she said.
“That said, I do think it’s important to include at least one stimulating, cell-communicating formulation in a routine, something that actively engages the skin rather than just maintaining it.”
She often turns to professional-grade lines like Environ, which she said takes a “specific, methodical approach” to incorporating vitamin A into its products.
“When done correctly, actives such as vitamin A, vitamin C and peptides play an important role in supporting cellular function, renewal, and long-term skin resilience,” she said.
Still, she emphasized that effective skincare doesn’t have to come with a high price tag — and recommends The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid and their squalane for hydration. Both products are widely available at retailers like Amazon and Sephora, as well as on The Ordinary’s website.
For cleansers and moisturizers, Smith said she often turns to the drugstore. There, she heads straight for Vanicream section.
“Its cleansers and moisturizers are excellent finishing layers, especially when you’re layering more active serums underneath,” she said.
