Below, former Vogue Scandinavia cover star and Norwegian multi-hyphenate style savant Janka Polliani walks us through the bedrock of her beauty philosophy. Offering practical tips on everything from her handbag essentials to explaining why a good cleansing balm is a “game changer,” she relies on a pared-back routine and always keeps a strategic concealer at the ready — proving that true beauty radiates from within
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Could you share your daily beauty routine with us, from morning prep to evening wind-down?
“I start my day with a gentle cleanser from Dermalogica — nothing too stripping, just something refreshing to wake my skin up. If I feel like my skin needs a little extra love, I’ll use a hydrating toner or a vitamin C serum from The Ordinary or SkinCeuticals for that glow. A good moisturiser is a must, and I never leave the house without SPF. Seriously, sunscreen is non-negotiable.
“In the evening, taking off my makeup at the end of the day is such a satisfying step. I always double cleanse: first with an oil or balm cleanser from Dermalogica or The Ordinary to break down makeup, then a gentle second cleanse to really get my skin clean. Depending on the night, I’ll either use a retinol, an exfoliating serum, or just something deeply hydrating. Eye cream from Shiseido and a rich moisturiser seal everything in. If my skin needs extra love, I’ll do a face mask or gua sha to de-puff.”
Related: The expert guide on how to gua sha
Photo: Janka Polliani
Photo: Marie Reiert
Photo: Janka Polliani
How do you transition your look from daytime to evening? Are there specific products or techniques you find indispensable?
“If I’m heading out in the evening, I keep it simple. I’ll freshen up my base with a little Armani Fluid Sheer for a glow boost, add a deeper eyeshadow or a quick smoky liner, and switch to a bold lip. Usually, it's something from Charlotte Tilbury. A spritz of setting spray from Caia, and I’m good to go.”
What products do you always have in your handbag – whether headed for a night out or for a red-eye flight?
“Whether I’m out for the night or on a long-haul flight, my bag always has lip balm and a lipstick (one neutral, one bold), plus a mini hydrating mist, because my skin gets dry everywhere. I also keep a little concealer from Lancôme for touch-ups, along with hand cream and a small fragrance because details matter.”
Photo: Janka Polliani
What is your holy grail beauty product that you would recommend to anyone, and why?
“If I could recommend just one thing, it would be a really good cleansing balm. It’s a game-changer. It melts away makeup effortlessly, prevents clogged pores, and just makes my skin feel amazing. I love The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser or a rich oil-based option. If you’re not double cleansing yet, start now. Your skin will thank you!”
Related: For red-eye flights, Emilie Tømmerberg swears by a travel-sized face mist and hydrating eye patches
If you could give your younger self one piece of beauty advice, what would it be?
“Take your makeup off no matter how tired you are because your skin needs to breathe. Hydration is key. Drink water, use hydrating skincare, and never skip moisturiser. Less is more. You don’t need to wear heavy makeup every day. Healthy skin is the best foundation. Beauty should feel effortless and fun, not like a chore. When you find what works for you, it becomes second nature.”
