Jennifer Garner’s Must-Have 3-in-1 Sunscreen Is Her Essential Beauty Product—and It Costs Less Than $15

In my 17 years in the beauty industry, I've spoken to countless celebrities. I've learned that many have elaborate skincare routines filled with expensive creams and high-end treatments (it's no surprise). I expected the sweet and down-to-earth Jennifer Garner to have some simple beauty tricks, but I was surprised when she revealed that her morning skincare regimen only involves two steps.

Her simple and easy morning routine kicks off with Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser Fragrance-Free, which she keeps in the shower. Then, she applies her go-to sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Serum. 'It does it all—it’s a primer, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen—we love multitasking,' she says.

Why does sunscreen hold such a high spot in her routine? 'This has been my anthem every May for the last 15 years, and you absolutely need sunscreen if you're stepping outside,' she says. 'No hat will do the trick. It's not just about avoiding wrinkles—whatever benefits come from it are great, but ultimately, it’s about protecting your health.' Her commitment to skincare is so strong that she regularly gives away sunscreen. 'I'm always handing out sunscreen,' she shares. 'I keep these travel-size Neutrogena sunscreen kits in my car, and I give them to people who are unhoused when I see them. My kids and I made them.' (Yes, Jennifer Garner really is the kind-hearted person you imagine.)

Her evening skincare routine is just as simple. She starts with double cleansing—first a makeup wipe, followed by the gel cleanser, and finishes with the brand’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair. 'It’s amazing,' she gushes, adding, 'I even use it down my chest because it’s affordable.' Though she’s grown accustomed to using retinol every night, she alternates with the Hydro Boost Water Cream. 'I believe hyaluronic acid and retinol are key for aging skin—helping to hydrate and stimulate cell turnover for fresher skin,' she explains.

She, too, appreciates a good deal. 'I firmly believe you can achieve great skin with drugstore products,' Jennifer says. 'We’ve been sold the idea that skincare has to come from fancy department stores or dermatologists at outrageous prices, but the truth is, the products you’re paying top dollar for may not be as researched as Neutrogena. Their labs are incredible; I’ve seen them firsthand and met the brilliant minds behind these groundbreaking products, constantly testing and improving them. Plus, the company has donated over a million dollars to the Melanoma Research Foundation.'

Then, we dove into a fun round of 'What’s your favorite...'

Makeup product

'At this point in my life, it would definitely be an eyebrow pencil,' she shares. 'They start to thin out, so I just fill them in to make sure I have eyebrows.' Her favorite: Westman Atelier Bonne Brow.

Fragrance

'Adir [her hairstylist] gave me Gypsy Water 15 years ago, and now everyone has it, but I still wear it because he gave it to me, and my kids think it smells like me,' she says. Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum has notes of lemon, pepper, and vanilla.

Workout

'I do The Limit. It’s available online, or if you’re in New York, it’s in Chelsea. It’s a combination of HIIT and dance cardio, but I mostly do it on Zoom every day. The workout lasts for an hour, but she also offers on-demand sessions so you can create your own incredible workout.'

Self-care activity

'I want to be outside. True self-care, for me, is spending time outdoors with my kids. Last night, for Mother’s Day, we went to an Angel’s City game. They were all doing their own thing—one was reading next to me, another was doing homework in the stands. And that’s OK. We were together, outside, and the energy in the stadium was incredible. That felt like self-care.'

Lip balm

'Augustinus Bader and Sofia Coppola have created a super sheer stain, and I’m loving it.'

Teeth whitener

'I simply use Pronamel or whatever works,' she says.

Artist

Everyone in the house loves Gracie Abrahams—she's the opening act for Taylor Swift. But when it's just me, I enjoy Kasey Musgraves, Beyonce’s latest album, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, though my personal favorite is Brad Paisley because he's from my home state.

Leggings

'Spanx—they make you look your best, and honestly, when you feel like you look good, it motivates you to work out better because it feels like it’s actually making a difference.'