The Facial Toner Jackie Kennedy (And JFK!) Used Every Day Is Available Online
If it works for Jackie O., it works for us.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wasn’t just a fashion icon, she was also revered as a fierce First Lady, dedicated mother, and pillar of grace during even the most seemingly unladylike of circumstances. But superficially, she is still considered one of the most beautiful women in the world, with millions of women inspired by her perfectly-styled tresses, classic wide-eyed look, glowing skin, and her penchant for natural makeup.
For decades, many have speculated about the beauty regimen behind her “look.” Now thanks to a recently unearthed document from the Makeup Museum dated May 1, 1963, we have real insight into the former First Lady’s beauty routine, including her most-used products — many of which can still be found today.
The document was pulled from the archives of the Dr. Erno Laszlo Institute. It’s namesake, NYC-based, Hungarian dermatologist Erno Laszlo, was Jackie’s skincare guru (fun fact: he also treated Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe). Laszlo provided his expert recommendations based on Jackie’s lifestyle and skin impurities.
Based on Laszlo’s notes, it’s clear Jackie had concerns about blackheads and may have suffered from acne. He suggested not overdoing it with the skin oils — especially in the summer. “Dr. stresses upon the importance of never applying more oil or creams on the face than what he has advised in his Instructions,” the note reads. “Otherwise, the ‘bumps’ will never disappear, and blackheads and pimples will reappear.”
Laszlo suggested Jackie use two products regularly to prevent clogged pores and keep her skin hydrated: Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion and Erno Laszlo Phelityl Oil (both of which can still be purchased today at ErnoLaszlo.com.)
The Phelityl Oil was also recommended to JFK for his dry skin and breakouts, but Jackie humorously responded as any wife would, that she would do her best to get him to use it, but “she was not sure whether he would do all this.”
Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion
$68, Erno Laszlo
How to use it:
- Immediately after cleansing, sweep over skin with a cotton pad.
- Avoid the eyes.
- Use during your day and night ritual to balance your skins pH.
One reviewer wrote, “Best stuff on the market, and I’ve been preaching about it for three decades! Sure, it takes a true commitment, but the end results are SO worth it! Tried everything that comes out, and I always end up back to the Laszlo basics.”
Erno Laszlo Phelityl Oil
$58, Erno Laszlo
How to use it:
- Gently massage a generous amount in small circular motions on dry skin.
- Massage over face and jawline to open pores and trap dirt and makeup on the face.
- Follow with your Cleansing Bar to complete your bespoke Double Cleanse Ritual, for clear, balanced skin.
One reviewer wrote, “I used other skincare lines over the years, but nothing that I liked as much as Erno Laszlo. I am so delighted to have rediscovered this line. I have been using faithfully for one week and my skin already looks so much better. It is brighter, my pores are shrinking and my skin appears firmer. My eleven is diminished and I have an improvement in my neck and décolleté.”
If you want to peek into Jackie’s beauty world (and get a few chuckles out of the doctor’s notes), read the entire document below:
