When Sofía Vergara last graced our cover, she was in full-on Gloria Pritchett mode.
The Modern Family actress was undeniably an all-caps, blinking-lights star, although the hit ABC show was still in single-digit seasons and hadn’t quite solidified itself in sitcom history—at least not yet. A few years, numerous award nominations, Netflix’s Griselda, America’s Got Talent (she refers to that project as her “other family”), and brand deals later, Vergara says there’s no doubt she “knows what she wants” as she continues to double-down on her business interests, which have a big emphasis on her love for beauty.
You have some of the biggest partnerships in beauty right now. How do you decide which brands to work with?
“The most important thing for me—in beauty or any partnership—is that I genuinely love and trust the product. We live in a world where there are so many options—so much advertising, so much of everything! As you know, I’m a total beauty junkie. I love trying new things, but I would never endorse something I don’t personally enjoy and use myself. Even more than that, I want to recommend things I would share with my family and friends. When you have a big platform, I think it comes with a responsibility to be honest about what you stand behind.”
And, you have your brand, Toty. Why did you decide to launch it?
“I have rosacea, so I’m super picky about what I put on my skin. I need to know that a product is truly effective, that it makes me feel good, and that I can trust it. That’s exactly why I started Toty. I didn’t just want to create any skin-care line; I wanted to do it with the right partner.
Cantabria Labs was a very personal choice because I’ve been obsessed with and used their products for more than 15 years! They’re a family-owned Spanish company with more than 30 years of experience in dermatology, and their pharmaceutical-grade formulas are backed by science. When we were developing the line, I visited their manufacturing plant in the north of Spain, and I was blown away! I felt like I was on a retreat. It was so luxurious. They are situated in these lush green pastures, and there is spring water with medicinal properties flowing throughout the land. I found it fascinating that they use it not only for their formulas, but also to produce energy for the facility. I mean…wow! I fell in love with their entire process, and that’s exactly the kind of credibility, authenticity and science I wanted behind my own brand.”
It sounds like you are very involved.
“I’ve been lucky enough to come in as a partner or create many different companies. What I’ve learned is that I need to be passionate about what I am creating or speaking to. It’s all about finding a partner that is the perfect fit, and if you can’t find that, then build a business from the ground up yourself.
Back in the day, when I was a reporter for Telemundo, I was constantly traveling around the world and had to be camera-ready all the time. As I mentioned, I have rosacea, which is a very annoying skin condition that makes skin extra sensitive. It gets red, flushed, irritated—so many things can trigger it! Too much heat, too much cold, spicy food, alcohol…but one of the biggest triggers? The sun. So, I quickly learned that sunscreen had to be part of my everyday routine to help prevent those flare-ups. But back then, sunscreen was awful! The formulas were heavy, greasy, sticky and made me break out. They were impossible to wear under makeup.
Then, during a trip to Spain, I walked into a pharmacy and found this sunscreen that combined high SPF with makeup. I tried it and thought: ‘This is it! This is my new beauty holy grail.’ From that moment on, it became my daily must-have. It protected my skin and made me look good. Years later, I thought, why don’t we bring something like this to the U.S.? Cantabria Labs, the brand behind that sunscreen I fell in love with, is available in Europe and Latin America, but not in the U.S. So, that became our inspiration for Toty: hybrid beauty products that do the job and make your life easier. It’s high-performance skin care, SPF and makeup all in one, specifically designed for the U.S. market.
Beyond sunscreen, I wanted to bring all that incredible science and efficacy into skin care that actually transforms skin and corrects the damage that has already happened, because it’s impossible to be foolproof with remembering to reapply sunscreen. And, yes, we all age, but there’s so much we can do to prevent sun damage and premature aging.”
What is next for the line?
“I can’t say just yet, but I’m very excited! We’re working on more skin-care innovations that will make routines easier and more effective, because, at the end of the day, I like a quick and effective, yet powerful beauty routine!”
Celebrity beauty brands can often get some “flack.” What makes Toty different?
“Toty has been my nickname since I was a little girl. In Colombia, everyone has a nickname, and mine came from my brother Rafael. When we were toddlers, he couldn’t pronounce my name properly, so he started calling me Toty. Now, if someone calls me that, I know they’re either family, a close friend or someone from Barranquilla, my hometown. At first, I wasn’t sure if Toty would work as a brand name, but in the end, it just felt right because it’s so personal to me.
As for what makes it really different? Science. Every formula is backed by real research and clinical results. The truth is, that the biggest cause of premature aging is sun exposure, and the most effective way to fight it is by protecting and correcting the damage it causes. That’s what Toty is all about: products that truly work, combining skin care, sun protection and beauty in one.
Beyond science, I wanted Toty to simplify beauty. Every product has a multifunctional approach to make your life easier because looking and feeling your best shouldn’t be complicated.”
You’ve always been into beauty. How has your routine changed over the years?
“I think, over time, you become more demanding about the quality of the products you use, but that doesn’t mean they have to be expensive! With the years, I’ve gotten good at knowing what actually works for me and what doesn’t. I’m very passionate about beauty, so I love trying everything new on the market. I like to stay on top of all the new treatments! But at the end of the day, you stay loyal to what truly works for you.
I’m also very practical. I love products that deliver real results and fast. My personal style hasn’t changed much over the years, especially when it comes to my makeup, but I’ve learned to be even more selective, choosing only what makes me look and feel my best and being consistent in using those products. I also have a partnership with Schwarzkopf—their hair products are amazing. I’ve really just learned to lean in where I can and use products that work for me.”
You once told us you’d “put cement around your eyes if it helped with aging.” Do you still feel that way?
“Absolutely! Why not take advantage of the amazing products, treatments and technologies we have today? If something works, I’m all for it.
I take care of my skin religiously. I never skip sunscreen. I’m obsessed with hydration, and I believe in using real, effective skin care backed by science. At the end of the day, I just want to feel good in my skin for as long as possible.”
You are very into your self-care. What are some of your musts?
“I’ve always been consistent with my approach to self-care. Prevention is a big part of it. So, daily sunscreen is my non-negotiable. I’ve been diligent about this since I was younger.
For me, it’s all about balance. When it comes to fitness…it’s not just about staying in shape; it’s also about keeping my body strong. I’m lucky to have a personal trainer who pushes me. And honestly, enjoying what you love is also a big part of wellness!”
Modern Family was a decade-plus of your life. When did you realize it was going to be a hit and how do you still keep in touch with the cast and crew?
“We could have never imagined how successful the show would be when we started. We were lucky to have such a great group of actors on that show and everyone is busy, but we see each other when we can. We love each other and have been on an insane ride together.”
What projects are you most excited for this spring?
“With Toty, I’m obsessed with our latest launch: The Reversa Retinol Serum. It is an effective and innovative retinol treatment that corrects signs of aging and sun damage. What makes it special is how we’ve combined it with other powerful active ingredients in the most gorgeous, nourishing texture. It feels amazing on the skin, smells incredible, and—unlike so many retinols—it won’t leave you dry or irritated. I can’t wait for everyone to experience the results themselves!”
