If you know Chloe Flower from her 2019 Grammy performance with Cardi B, you know she doesn’t do anything halfway. The pianist, composer and style force brings that same all-in energy to her beauty routine—one rooted in Korean skin-care traditions passed down from her mother and refined through years of performances and relentless travel.
Daily Lineup
“Half of my ‘routine’ isn’t topical—it’s foot massages and stone saunas. I try to do my foot massages once a week, minimum. There’s a place in New York City called Spa Meig, owned by an incredible woman named Tina. I also hit the hot-stone sauna at the Spa at Casa Cipriani two or three times a week. I fall asleep faster and sleep better when I keep that up.
After a certain age, I really think your inner glow does the heavy lifting. Kindness to yourself and others is how beauty shines! That said, my topical routine is very important, too. I love Tatcha’s Essence ($110); it feels like silk. I also love the Augustinus Bader Face Mist ($98)—it’s great for protecting my skin against the elements. One to two times a week, I use Noble Panacea’s Peptide8 Night Serum ($470) and Clé de Peau Beauté’s Precious Gold Vitality Serum ($298).”
Current Obsessions
“I never leave my house without my Sulwhasoo UV Wise sunscreen ($45). I found it recently and it’s one of my favorite new discoveries. It’s so hydrating, has SPF 50 and it doesn’t make you look like Ghostface. You can wear it under makeup. I’m literally obsessed—the sponge applicator is amazing.”
Desert Island
“Asking for my favorite product is like asking me to pick one composer to play forever! It’s such a hard question, but I think I would cry without the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist ($49). I am holding it right now. I have such dry skin, and most toners dry me out, so I have to follow with a moisturizer. I always put it over my makeup so my skin stays dewy and fresh throughout the night. Makeup can dry out your skin—especially stage makeup—and this spray makes sure mine doesn’t after a long performance.”
Age-Old Rituals
“Like I said, beauty really does start from within, and my mother ingrained this in me since I was born. From an early age, she would have me drink hot water with one slice of fresh pineapple—instead of lemon—first thing in the morning to detox the skin. Raw honey with hot water before eating is also great for coating your stomach; she’d have me drink that before dinner. Gut health is really important. If your gut isn’t healthy, it starts to show on your skin.
I also eat a little bit of raw garlic dipped in raw honey a few times a week. Garlic is a natural antibiotic that keeps your immunity up, and word on the street is it staves off grays! I’ve never dyed my hair and I’m still only dealing with a few sneaky ones here and there.
One other secret my mother used, especially in the summers, was grinding cucumbers to repair my skin after sun exposure—it’s a natural way to brighten your skin. But seriously, you need to speak to my mother. She’s in her 70s and her skin is insane because of all these healthy rituals!”
Jeremy Kyle Gruner
Jeremy Kyle Gruner
Cleansing Rules
“My skin is thin, so I don’t overdo the exfoliation. Instead, I double cleanse with coconut oil first, which melts off makeup. Then, I rotate between Tatcha’s Rice Wash ($40) and Gentle Cleanser. I don’t wash my face in the morning; I just use a cleansing toner. Korean moms say not to wash your face in the morning, and they are usually right!”
Stage Prep
“What you eat and drink makes such a difference when you’re a classical musician, at least for me. I have zero caffeine, alcohol or sugar for 72 hours before a show. Honestly, I barely drink caffeine at all—just the occasional matcha green tea, but almost never pre-performance. Caffeine is a drug. It alters your brain chemistry and creativity, so I can never get into a flow state on it. On top of that, it affects my nervous system—my hands literally shake and I feel more anxious before a show.
I also use peppermint oil to help reduce stress and travel fatigue. The peppermint oil goes straight to my amygdala and can help with nerves and stress-related anxiety.”
Wind Down
“I’m so wired from the stage that winding down is basically impossible. So, post-performance is my one moment to indulge. My rider includes Krug Champagne and Clase Azul tequila so I can enjoy a celebratory drink with my team. But, without fail, I order Taco Bell’s Soft Taco Supreme: no sour cream, sub beans and 15—yes, 15—fire sauces. I literally carry my own bottle of fire sauce in my purse. I make my own hot sauce, too. It’s my most essential ‘what’s in my bag’ item!”
