Step backstage into the glamorous world of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and uncover the meticulously crafted beauty routines that give models like Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, and Alessandra Ambrosio their ethereal runway radiance, from intensive skincare to perfectly styled hair and signature makeup.
For decades, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has captivated audiences worldwide, not just with its dazzling lingerie and elaborate wings, but with the undeniable, radiant glow of its Angels. This iconic look, characterized by luminous skin, voluminous hair, and a fresh yet impactful makeup aesthetic, is the result of a comprehensive beauty regimen that begins long before the models hit the runway.
From the intensive skincare treatments administered by celebrity facialists to the precise application of high-end makeup and expert hair styling, every detail contributes to the Angels’ signature bombshell allure. This guide delves into the coveted beauty secrets, products, and professional techniques that define the Victoria’s Secret Angel glow, offering insights for enthusiasts eager to replicate a touch of that runway magic.
The Foundational Glow: Skincare Secrets Revealed
The luminous complexion of a Victoria’s Secret Angel is no accident. It’s the product of rigorous, strategic skincare, often beginning days or even weeks before the show. Models understand that truly radiant skin is the ultimate canvas for makeup, and they prioritize hydration, exfoliation, and specialized treatments.
Pre-Show Prep: Oxygen Facials and Masks
A consistent staple in the Angels’ pre-show routine is the oxygen-infused facial. Renowned facialist Mzia Shiman, whose expertise has graced the faces of models like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Lily Aldridge, swears by this treatment. Shiman notes that oxygen facials make “the pores look beautiful. Everything just looks fresh and plump,” as reported by Allure. This crucial step ensures a smooth and revitalized base.
Face masks are another non-negotiable. Models like Doutzen Kroes have been seen perfecting their glow with beauty masks. In recent years, models have sported luxurious 24K gold masks, such as the Mimi Luzon Gold Mask, as a high-impact treatment for ultimate radiance, as observed by Harper’s Bazaar. This trend highlights the models’ commitment to intense skin nourishment and preparation.
Essential Skincare Steps for Everyday Radiance
Beyond specialized treatments, the Angels adhere to fundamental skincare practices:
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is paramount not only for general health but also for plumping the skin and achieving that classic VS glow.
- Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation, both for the face and body, is crucial for achieving smooth, flawless skin. Popular choices include Origins Modern Friction and Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub.
- Moisturizing: A high-quality moisturizer is key. Model Romee Strijd, for instance, has praised Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè, noting its versatility as a moisturizer, cleanser, and face mask in one.
Even during travel, Angels maintain their routines. Lindsay Ellingson’s in-flight essentials have included I Pekar moisturizer and eye cream, an Earth Tu Face skin stick, and Bioderma Crealine cleanser, ensuring her skin remains fresh and hydrated.
The Iconic Bombshell: Hair Styling Secrets
The Victoria’s Secret Angels’ hair is as famous as their wings – effortlessly voluminous, wavy, and full of bounce. This “bed head, beach babe” look is meticulously crafted by top hairstylists, blending classic bombshell glamour with a modern, softer edge.
For the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, celebrity hairstylist Jawara Wauchope led the charge, aiming for a “hot, big blowout” modernized with “sleek gloss with a little bit of volume.” Wauchope and his team utilized a range of extensions to enhance fullness and versatility, embracing diverse textures for models like Suni Lee, Angel Reese, and Quen Blackwell, alongside veterans such as Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima.
Key techniques for achieving this signature look include:
- Partial Curling: When curling hair, leaving out the last inch or so of the ends helps create more natural waves rather than tight spirals.
- Texturizing Sprays: These are vital for adding grit and volume without stiffness. Favorites include Dry Bar Triple Sec 3-in-1, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, and IGK Down & Out Dirty Spray.
- Strategic Fluffing: Applying texturizing spray at the roots and gently fluffing the hair ensures maximum volume and that desirable “kittenish, bombshell” appearance.
The Pat McGrath Touch: Flawless Makeup Mastery
The makeup look for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is all about enhancing natural beauty, creating a fresh, flawless, and radiant finish without appearing heavy or “cakey.” Leading this artistry, especially for the 2025 show, was legendary makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath, who aimed for a “soft yet impactful glam” where “the girls just glow and be themselves.”
Creating the Ethereal Glow
McGrath’s approach emphasizes glowing skin as the centerpiece. Her team utilized staples from Pat McGrath Labs, including:
- Skin Prep: Starting with Divine Skin Essence and Hydrating Glow Cream to create a dewy, plump canvas.
- Foundation: Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection foundation was applied all over the face to deliver a “real serum glow.”
- Concealer & Setting: After concealer, a blurring under-eye powder was used to set, followed by limited-edition Divine Cream Blush: Legendary Glow color balms to enhance the dewy look.
Eyes and Lips: Subtle Definition
The Angels’ eyes are given a subtle yet captivating twinkle. For definition, the PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil in BLK Coffee was used. Eye shimmer came courtesy of Mothership palettes, notably the new Gilded Nirvana: Mega Eyeshadow Palette, with a special emphasis on the shade Moonlit Mauve.
The overall makeup philosophy ensures a harmonious balance: beautiful bronzed cheeks, subtly smudged smokey eyes, and soft, pillowy lips that complement the skin’s luminosity rather than overpowering it.
Beyond the Runway: The Angels’ Holistic Approach
The Victoria’s Secret Angel glow extends far beyond makeup and hair; it encompasses a holistic lifestyle that prioritizes health, fitness, and mental well-being. These elements are integral to the models’ ability to exude confidence and radiance on such a grand stage.
Fitness and Nutrition
Angels are known for their dedication to fitness. Rather than focusing on bulking, many models opt for exercises that promote lean muscle and lengthening, such as yoga, Pilates, and Barre. These routines build strength using bodyweight and resistance, resulting in a toned and admirable physique. Eating healthy is equally important, emphasizing moderation and nutritional awareness without extreme diets or starvation.
The Power of Confidence
Perhaps the most vital secret to the Angels’ allure is their unwavering confidence. Walking the runway demands a powerful belief in oneself. As often highlighted, true radiance shines from within, and the models embody this by embracing their bodies and projecting an undeniable sense of self-assurance. This inner glow is what truly crowns their angelic presence.
Achieving Your Own Angelic Radiance
While the full backstage experience of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is unique, many of the Angels’ beauty secrets are accessible. By incorporating disciplined skincare, mindful hair styling, balanced makeup application, and a healthy lifestyle, anyone can cultivate a radiant glow that mirrors the confidence and beauty seen on the world’s most famous runway.
Whether it’s investing in an oxygen facial, experimenting with luxurious face masks, mastering the art of the voluminous wave, or simply focusing on hydration and self-care, the path to an Angel-like glow is one that combines dedicated effort with a touch of inner sparkle.
