Nina Dobrev Shares Her Curtain Bangs Tips and Favorite Science-Approved Skincare Products

If you came of age in the mid-2000s, there have been few celebrities as iconic and influential to your beauty and style aesthetics as Nina Dobrev. From her days as Elena (and Katherine) on The Vampire Diaries to her Pinterest-worthy romance with Olympian Shaun White and her quintessential it-girl Instagram presence, Dobrev has long served as a source of inspiration—whether it’s for fringe goals, festival style or dream vacation spots.

What fans may not know, however, is that the 36-year-old Canadian actress is also a bit of a skin-care junkie too. Much of that is thanks to her relationship with science-backed skin-care brand, Hanacure. Ahead, Dobrev dishes all of her beauty secrets, from her Hanacure favorites and bang-styling routine to her qualms with double cleansing.

“I first heard about Hanacure from my best friend Sam, who’s a photographer in the industry—she told me I had to try the mask. After that, I started noticing it everywhere—makeup artists, friends on set, even other actors were using it. I finally gave it a go, and it truly felt like a reset button for my skin. After dealing with breakouts from travel and layers of makeup, it was exactly what I needed. The results were instant—and with the new P7Pro Cream ($288), it’s become a permanent part of my routine.”

“Right now, I’m focused on hydration, barrier support and keeping my skin balanced. I split my time between a few different cities—one of them is in the desert, so dryness is a constant battle. I’ve learned that less is more, and it’s about using the right products consistently. The P7Pro Cream has been a lifesaver—it locks in moisture, helps with firmness and keeps my skin calm no matter where I am.”

“I used to think double cleansing was the only way to truly remove makeup, but it always left my skin feeling dry and tight. I wish I’d known earlier that you don’t need a harsh or heavy routine to get clean, healthy skin. The Microphol Neutralizing Cleanser ($32) completely changed that for me—it’s oil-free, feels like a creamy lotion and removes all my makeup in one step without stripping my skin. It’s gentle, effective and made me rethink what a good cleanser should actually feel like.”

“Back then, it was all about a full face and bold looks for long filming days. Now, I gravitate toward more natural, radiant skin. I spend way more time focusing on skin care than makeup because I’ve realized that when your skin looks good, you don’t need much else. I’ve definitely become more minimalist—and Hanacure fits perfectly with that approach.”

When I’m traveling or on set, I don’t have time for a complicated routine, I need products I trust that actually work. Hanacure has really simplified things for me. I can pack just a few essentials—the Microphol Cleanser, the All-In-One Facial ($118) when I need a reset and the P7Pro Cream—and know my skin will stay balanced, hydrated and clear. It takes the guesswork out of everything. Even if I only have 10 minutes at night, I stick to that routine and it helps me feel grounded no matter where I am.”

“I have a cowlick in the center of my bangs so the secret is soaking them. They really need to be drenched before I blow dry them. I have to blow dry them left to right and then right to left over and over again with a flat brush. Then I grab my round brush to blow dry the corners away from my face, and then the middle so that there is a tiny bend. The final step is a little bit of Kevin Murphy’s Doo.Over Spray ($38). It’s the only product I will allow in my bangs! Every other product or spray that I have tried so far makes them oily.”

“The thin eyebrows were really popular back then. I tried to let them grow in and go thicker for a few years but I have found my way back to thin brows. They just suit my face better. Severe ombré hair needs to go in the grave, though. I did it for a role in one of my films and I still cringe when I look back.”

“I love YSL Black Opium ($99). That has been my scent for a while!”

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