# Mariska Hargitay’s $9 glow starts with Cetaphil

> Her Emmy skin prep came from three affordable Cetaphil products, starting with a cleanser under $10.
- Title: Mariska Hargitay’s $9 glow starts with Cetaphil | Shortify
- Summary: Her Emmy skin prep came from three affordable Cetaphil products, starting with a cleanser under $10. A red-carpet glow can start with simple, gentle prep…
- Keywords: mariska hargitay, kate synnott, cetaphil, nourishing oil to foam cleanser, skin activator lotion, skin activator cream, 78th emmy awards, law & order: special victims unit, amazon, skincare routine, red carpet prep, Mariska
- Source: Woman's World — https://womansworld.com/beauty/skin/mariska-hargitay-reveals-her-9-secret-for-glowing-skin
- Author: Julianne MacNeill
- Published: 2026-09-15T18:42:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mariska hargitay, kate synnott, cetaphil, nourishing oil to foam cleanser, skin activator lotion, skin activator cream, 78th emmy awards, law & order: special victims unit, amazon, skincare routine, red carpet prep
## A packed schedule
Hargitay was preparing for Law & Order: SVU season 28 and hosting the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, leaving little room for a long skincare routine.
## Fans noticed the glow
After her Emmy appearance, attention turned to her skin. Celebrity makeup artist Kate Synnott shared the prep behind the look.
## Cetaphil did the prep
Synnott used Cetaphil products instead of a luxury skincare lineup, pointing to the brand’s sensitive-skin focus as a reason she trusts it.

> I know I’m using products backed by sensitive skin science
## Cleanse without stripping
The first step was Cetaphil Nourishing Oil to Foam Cleanser, used to gently clean the skin before makeup without leaving it tight or dry.

> gently cleanse without stripping the skin
## Hydrate what shows
Next came Skin Activator Hydrating & Firming Lotion, applied beyond the face to the neck, shoulders, arms and décolletage for red-carpet skin prep.

> areas that are often on display during a red-carpet moment
## Finish with cream
Synnott used Skin Activator Hydrating & Firming Cream as the final pre-glam step, making it the richest part of the routine before makeup.
## Drugstore prices
The cleanser was listed at $9.19 on Amazon, the lotion at $12.29, and the cream from $9.97 to $16.97. Target, Walmart, CVS and Ulta also carry them.
## Key takeaway

A red-carpet glow can start with simple, gentle prep: cleanse, hydrate exposed skin, then seal with cream.