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Greta Garbo’s Skin Care Routine, According to Her Dermatologist’s Notes

Luminous.

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Greta Garbo as Susan Lenox
Bettmann/ Getty Images

Known for her "luminous and unforgettable screen performances," Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo lit up the big screen during the silent film era. While Garbo's talent is undeniable, we also have the intel on some of the skin-care secrets that helped Garbo get that Hollywood glow.

As the Erno Laszlo brand shared with us, like many Hollywood legends of the time, Garbo was a patient of Dr. Laszlo, and a big fan of his skin-care line. According to Dr. Laszlo's meticulous prescription notes dated from 1963, "Miss Greta Garbo" had a multistep skin-care routine, which included specific steps for morning, night and formal occasions.

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Another fun fact: Garbo's skin care and the corresponding routine notes went for more than $1,000 on the auction block back in 2012. The lot included a group of four boxes of Erno Laszlo Normalizer in "rosy," accompanied by a Western Union Telegram form with typed instructions to send a cable to Erno Laszlo in Vienna on December 30, 1971. The note reads: "Thanks for Package Telegram. Wish both of you happy New Year. GG."

Greta Garbo Prescription
Greta Garbo Prescription

Listed as having "slightly dry to normal" skin type, Dr. Laszlo instructed Garbo to rotate five products, all of which are still available today.

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Greta Garbo's Erno Laszlo Prescription

1 / 5

Phelityl Cleansing Oil ($67)

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Phelityl Cleansing Bar ($44)

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Light Controlling Toner ($75)

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Light Controlling Toner ($75)

ERNO LASZLO TONER

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4 / 5

Active Phelityl Cream ($100)

And all-day solution for pretty much every skin goal, Erno Laszlo's original, all-purpose 24-hour cream intensively protects skin's natural moisture.

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Active Phelityl Cream ($100)

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Shake-It Tinted Skin Treatment ($56)

Designed to control oil, refine pores and even skin tone, this science-backed treatment is inspired by Dr. Erno Laszlo’s original formulation.

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Shake-It Tinted Skin Treatment ($56)

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