Kelsey Merritt, a runway regular known for her clean aesthetic, treats her daily regimen like an extension of her off-duty wardrobe: effortless, breathable, and never over-styled. When she isn’t walking the catwalk, she focuses on a streamlined approach that lets her natural complexion shine through, reserving colour only for the moments that truly call for it.
In contrast, the celebration of her 30th birthday in Los Angeles became a showcase for understated glamour, highlighted by fellow model Jasmine Tookes. The evening’s look leaned on a sleek silhouette rather than flash-heavy embellishments, proving that subtlety can still dominate a high-profile event.
Off-duty beauty philosophy of Kelsey Merritt
Skincare as the foundation
The first step in Merritt’s routine is skin health. She prefers products that honor the skin’s natural barrier, opting for gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and lightweight moisturisers. A favourite she recently promoted is Fresh’s Soy Cleansing Jelly Balm, a gel-to-oil formula that melts away makeup while preserving moisture. Merritt describes it as an innovative approach that leaves her complexion feeling “like skin, but better.”
Minimal makeup for a natural glow
After her skin is prepped, the model reaches for just a touch of concealer where needed, a quick brush-up of brows, mascara, and a swipe of lip balm. She stresses that the goal is to enhance, not mask, the natural radiance. This philosophy mirrors the ’90s supermodel aesthetic she admires—glowing skin paired with makeup that accentuates rather than overwhelms.
Hair care in its simplest form
For her tresses, Merritt lets them air-dry and finishes with a dab of hair oil at the ends to lock in softness. The routine is deliberately low-maintenance, recognizing that she spends most of her professional life already camera-ready.
Product favourites split by price
Luxury picks (over $25)
- Fresh Soy Cleansing Jelly Balm – gentle gel-oil cleanser.
- Sunday Riley Good Genes – brightening serum for a luminous finish.
- Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation – lightweight coverage.
Budget gems (under $25)
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – pore-refining serum.
- e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer – pre-makeup smoothness.
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara – lengthens without clumping.
Jasmine Tookes’s sleek ensemble at Merritt’s birthday
When Merritt turned thirty at Bar Marmont on October 10, 2026, the guest list glittered with industry elites, but the outfit that drew most murmurs belonged to Jasmine Tookes. She arrived in a fitted, sheer black turtleneck maxi dress that exemplified restraint paired with sophisticated tailoring.
The dress features a high neckline and long sleeves crafted from a lightly translucent fabric, revealing a darker underlayer that adds depth without sacrificing modesty. Its silhouette hugs the waist before narrowing through the hips and down to the ankles, creating a fluid line that elongates the figure. The material’s soft drape prevents the look from appearing stiff, maintaining a comfortable, body-skimming feel.
Complementing the dress, Tookes slipped on black pointed-toe pumps that extended the vertical line, while a compact, textured clutch in the same hue introduced a subtle contrast. The bag’s rectangular shape broke the dress’s smoothness just enough to keep the monochrome palette interesting.
Hair and makeup were intentionally muted: long dark hair was straightened with a centre part, the complexion featured a natural base with soft contour, and accessories were limited to delicate rings and a pale manicure. This restraint ensured that the dress’s transparent quality and sleek cut remained the focal points.
Style analysts noted that the look represented a quieter take on celebrity party attire—where precision in silhouette outweighed the need for overt sparkle. The ensemble earned an 8/10 rating for its disciplined proportioning and cohesive accessory choices, even though the all-black palette offered limited visual variety.
