Sean Garrette’s impressive professional journey is nothing short of remarkable. Handpicked by Rihanna in 2020, he became Fenty Skin’s first global ambassador. Then, in a stunning career progression, Dior appointed him as its U.S. skincare expert this year. Interestingly, Garrette had previously penned his aspirations of working with both brands back in 2016, proving that manifestation is a powerful tool in achieving one’s dreams.

Based in New York, this renowned aesthetician has cultivated a dedicated following due to his straightforward skincare advice and highly coveted treatments. With an impressive 90.5K followers on Instagram, his influence in the beauty industry continues to grow. However, perhaps the most striking aspect of his appeal is his extraordinarily smooth and luminous skin—an enviable trait that leaves others in awe.

During a recent Zoom call, Garrette’s radiant complexion illuminated my screen, making it difficult for my eyes to adjust to such an extraordinary glow. It took a moment for me to fully comprehend that skin could truly look this flawless. “Tell me everything!” I exclaimed, eagerly seeking his insights. Thankfully, Garrette is accustomed to this type of enthusiasm and generously shares his skincare wisdom, making sure to note that you’ll want to have your notepad ready for this enlightening session.

Could you describe your skincare philosophy and approach?

“My skincare philosophy revolves around the critical concept of the skin barrier. There was a massive surge in popularity surrounding chemical exfoliants, which led many of my clients and followers to unintentionally damage their skin barriers. This experience ignited my passion for educating people about the significance of the skin microbiome and the necessity of nourishing and repairing the skin barrier following treatments. I believe in the principle of ‘less is more,’ but I often find myself contradicting this notion [laughs]. For me, ‘less is more’ refers to the frequency of products used rather than the number of products. It’s essential to strike a balance between resurfacing treatments and hydrating, barrier-strengthening products. Sunscreen is also a non-negotiable aspect of my routine. For many of my clients, simply transitioning to hydrating products and incorporating a sunscreen has dramatically improved their skin. Starting with a basic routine and gradually introducing targeted treatments for specific concerns is key.”

What are some of the most frequent skincare mistakes you observe?

“Over-exfoliating is definitely a common issue. There’s a misconception that we can simply exfoliate our skin troubles away [laughs], but that’s not effective. Additionally, improper cleansing practices are prevalent, particularly when it comes to makeup removal. I often need to guide my clients on the importance of proper cleansing techniques—especially double-cleansing or even triple-cleansing for heavy makeup users. Begin with a micellar water, then follow with an oil or balm cleanser, and finish with a traditional cleanser based on your makeup usage. If you fail to thoroughly cleanse off makeup, residue, and debris, you won’t fully benefit from your treatments. Lastly, proper sunscreen application is crucial. Regardless of skin tone, SPF is essential for everyone, yet many people either don’t apply enough or forget to reapply. Reapplying every two hours is vital, especially if you’re outdoors.”

Your skin is mesmerizing! Could you walk me through your morning and evening skincare routines?

“My current routine is a bit chaotic since I’m testing nearly every Dior skincare product available. While I have favorites, they change almost monthly. In the morning, I aim for simplicity; I skip the traditional cleanse and usually opt for a micellar water like the Dior Purifying Micellar Water. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and soothing. Following that, I apply a hydrating toner or essence, an antioxidant serum, a hydrating serum, a light moisturizer, and of course, sunscreen. That’s essentially my morning regimen. In the evening, I incorporate treatments—twice a week, I use retinol and another couple of times, I apply a peel or exfoliating product. I also include richer creams and serums packed with growth factors and peptides to promote collagen production and enhance skin plumpness.”

When we talk about achieving that coveted glow, what does that mean to you and how can we achieve it?

“The desire for glowing skin typically revolves around two aspects: achieving a smoother texture or attaining deeply hydrated, bouncy skin. Both of these goals are fundamentally linked to maintaining a healthy skin barrier. To achieve this glow, it’s important to integrate hydrating components, peptides, growth factors, stem cells, and ceramides into your routine—these are essential for nourishing the skin. It’s not merely about applying a topical oil or illuminating products, which are superficial solutions. Right now, I’m only using a moisturizer, yet my skin appears radiant and healthy because of the consistent care I provide my skin barrier throughout my routine. Additionally, for those struggling with uneven texture, incorporating acids like mandelic or lactic acid can effectively smooth the skin while emphasizing hydration, which starts with your choice of cleanser. If your cleanser strips too much moisture, it can leave the skin feeling dry, so opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser and layer with a super hydrating essence like the Capture Totale Intensive Essence Lotion. Then, sandwiching that hydration with a rich cream will help achieve that sought-after glow.”

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Is achieving a glow more about hydration than intensive peels?

“Absolutely, it’s not solely about peels. While incorporating a good amount of exfoliation is important, achieving a balance is crucial. For texture-related issues, introducing retinol once or twice a week along with exfoliation can significantly improve skin texture. However, hydration plays a vital role in ensuring that natural radiance and plumpness are maintained. Antioxidants are also essential for skin health.”

Many individuals fear that moisturizing excessively will lead to breakouts. How do you address this concern?

“For those with oily skin, a rich cream might actually be a lightweight water cream. For instance, at Dior, we offer the Hydra Life Fresh Sorbet cream, which provides moisture without feeling heavy. On the other hand, a product like Capture Totale would be a richer cream packed with beneficial oils. The key is to identify a product that aligns with your unique skin type.”

What are your thoughts on at-home skincare tools such as gua sha stones and LED masks?

“I’m a huge fan of skincare tools! I use LED devices almost every night; my room is often bathed in red LED light [laughs]. I also utilize high-frequency devices for breakouts, ice rollers to reduce puffiness in the morning or over sheet masks, and microcurrent devices. Consistency is paramount with these tools, and while I’m not always diligent with microcurrent use, my commitment to LED is strong, which contributes to my skin’s glow due to its ability to heal and reduce inflammation.”

Are there any skincare tools that should be left in the hands of professionals?

“I’m not a proponent of at-home lasers, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) devices. Microneedling is another procedure I would recommend only in a clinical setting, as I’ve witnessed some negative outcomes, including serious infections from at-home devices. However, many tools, such as microcurrent devices and LED masks, are safe for home use and can be beneficial between professional treatments.”

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During facials, what are your favorite tools to use?

“I absolutely adore using an ultrasonic tool that emits ultrasonic vibrations into the pores, effectively lifting debris, blackheads, and other impurities. While it can be slightly uncomfortable, the results are impressive. I also enjoy working with radio frequency, LED treatments, and microcurrent devices. In the spa, I replicate the same techniques I use at home, but with more powerful medical-grade equipment. However, my favorite treatment to administer in the spa is peels. I gradually prepare my clients to experience three to four hydrating, lightly resurfacing peels, eventually working them up to deeper peels to address concerns such as acne or hyperpigmentation.”

How significant is lifestyle in influencing skin health?

“I tend to shy away from judging other people’s lifestyles because mine is far from perfect [laughs]. I indulge in sweets, drink more than I probably should, and often find myself going to bed at 3 a.m. Despite this, my skin remains in great condition. What helps me maintain my skin is a deep commitment to antioxidants—I take antioxidant supplements, enjoy green juices, and make sure to take my multivitamins and B12. While drinking water may not directly hydrate the skin, dehydration in the body often manifests visibly in the skin. I strive to maintain a healthy balance internally, but my skincare routine is my real saving grace. Sometimes, I may skip washing my face after a night out—it’s not catastrophic. However, throughout the week, I stay disciplined with my skincare regimen. I dislike when skincare professionals make it feel like a boot camp; beauty should be enjoyable and exploratory, not a chore. Life is too short for that—it’s just skincare!”

Let’s wrap up with some rapid-fire questions. First: Do you recommend cleansing in the morning?

“Yes, but also no [laughs]. I believe in having some sort of morning routine. With Dior, I wouldn’t use La Mousse in the morning; instead, I would opt for our cleansing milk or micellar water. Something gentle and lightweight to remove sweat and any residual skincare from the night before is ideal, without needing a full cleanse.”

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