There’s this thing about old money elegance—it never tries too hard. It doesn’t scream with glitter or shout with color. Instead, it whispers with satin-finished skin, a hint of rose on the cheeks, and brows that look brushed by generational wealth. If you’ve ever flipped through a Vogue archive or caught a glimpse of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s effortless glow, you’ll know what I mean.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need a Park Avenue zip code or a La Mer facial to look like you have one.
So, if you’re like me—25, wildly obsessed with style, and always curating a lifestyle that’s equal parts minimalist and aspirational—this is the daily routine I swear by. And yes, it costs under $100 total. That’s like, one dinner at Cipriani. But the results? Quiet luxury.
Let’s break down the model-approved old money beauty ritual, one step at a time.
Step 1: The Clean Base – A Gentle Start ($9)
Forget those aggressive, squeaky-clean formulas. The old money look starts with skin that’s respected.
My pick: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (travel size, ~$9)
This creamy cleanser is fragrance-free, non-stripping, and has ceramides—basically the Hermès scarf of skincare ingredients. It’s subtle, classic, and works with your skin barrier, not against it.
Pro tip: Massage for a full minute. That’s how you wake up like you own a vineyard in Tuscany.
Step 2: Toned Without the Drama ($8)
Toner sounds outdated, but hear me out. A modern, alcohol-free toner preps your skin and gives that dew-drop glow—not shine.
My pick: Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner with Rose Petal (~$8 for a mini)
This one has aloe vera and smells faintly like a vintage garden party. I use a cotton pad and press it in like I’m Marie Antoinette, but on a budget.
Step 3: The Rich Girl Serum ($12)
You want glow—not glitter. Think healthy, radiant, walked-into-a-Pilates-class-at-9am-with-perfect-skin energy.
My pick: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (~$12)
It’s the under-$15 secret to skin that looks like it drinks spa water. I apply two drops to damp skin. Always damp. Otherwise, hyaluronic acid is like a thirsty guest at a dry party.
Step 4: Moisturizer That Feels Expensive ($10)
Hydration is the foundation of old money beauty. Think of your skin like cashmere—it should never feel dry or tight.
My pick: Nivea Soft Cream (~$10)
This iconic white tub is creamy, sinks in, and leaves skin plump, not greasy. Bonus? It’s French-girl approved and you can use it on hands and body too.
Step 5: Subtle SPF, Always ($13)
Old money girls don’t bake in the sun. They wear sunscreen like a silk slip—always, but never flashy.
My pick: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ (~$13)
It’s Japanese, lightweight, and totally invisible. No white cast. No oil-slick finish. It gives that glow-from-within look that screams trust fund (even if you’re hustling rent money).
Step 6: Minimal Makeup, Maximum Aura
Let’s be real. The “I just woke up like this” look takes a little something—but not too much. Here’s what I use for that Monaco yacht-but-minimalist aesthetic.
Tinted Moisturizer or Skin Tint ($8)
My pick: Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator (~$8)
It’s breathable, blends beautifully with fingers, and makes your skin look like you drink green juice and don’t check your bank account.
Dot it, blend it. Let freckles show. Let your skin speak.
Concealer That Disappears In ($6)
Only where needed: inner corners, under eyes, around the nose.
My pick: e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer (~$6)
Hydrating, brightening, and somehow blends into your skin like it was always meant to be there.
Brows That Whisper, Not Shout ($7)
No 2016 block brows here. Old money brows are feathered, natural, and brushed upward.
My pick: NYX The Brow Glue (~$7)
This stuff has hold without crust. I use it alone most days, or over a bit of pencil if I’m seeing people I want to impress (or intimidate).
Blush: The “I Just Got Back from Pilates” Flush ($6)
Old money girls don’t contour. They flush. Like they just came in from a chilly countryside walk or a quiet scandal.
My pick: Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush in Nude Kiss (~$6)
Dabbed on with fingers, it melts like soft cashmere. You don’t see the blush. You see the effect.
Lashes Like You Were Born With Them ($5)
No falsies. No drama. Just fluttery, soft lashes that whisper secrets.
My pick: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara (~$5)
The wand is elite. The formula doesn’t clump. And it holds the curl like a gossip circle at the country club.
Lip Balm or a Slight Tint ($6)
Think ChapStick, but with a degree from Brown.
My pick: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose (~$6)
Hydrating. Rosy. Effortless. It feels like a kiss from a novel. No liner. No overdrawn anything. Just you, but elevated.
Final Touch: The Glow Setter ($10)
This is optional, but when I’m heading out, I finish with a mist that adds a barely-there sheen.
My pick: Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater (~$10)
A spritz on cheekbones, collarbone, even hair—it ties the whole look together with a bow of understated elegance.
The Vibe Checklist: Did You Pass the Quiet Luxury Test?
- Skin is hydrated, not cakey
- Makeup looks barely there but strategic
- You look like you’ve never heard of TikTok contour
- There’s no sparkle—just luminosity
- Every product under $100, total? Check.
Total Cost: $100 or Less
You can absolutely swap some items or use travel sizes. The key isn’t the brand—it’s the intention. You’re curating calm, elegance, and ease.
This routine is for girls who romanticize their morning walks, take their coffee slowly, and wear linen with pride. It’s a lifestyle, not a trend. Old money beauty doesn’t age. It becomes iconic.
So go glow, quietly.
Let your skin speak volumes in a whisper.
a Models Secrets 