Ice water. A red carpet clock ticking. A billionaire beauty mogul hovering over a bowl like it personally offended her.
That’s the vibe. That’s the internet moment. And that’s how the Kylie Jenner ice bath slid from backstage prep into full-blown beauty folklore. In a world obsessed with glow, grip, and good lighting, one icy dunk turned into a headline, a meme, and a skincare debate—all before the makeup brush even touched her face.
Before serums had acronyms and tools came with charging cables, there was the basics: cold water, courage, and a deep breath. The Kylie Jenner beauty routine recently pulled this old-school trick back into the spotlight when she shared a clip of herself reluctantly face-first in ice water—guided by longtime makeup artist Ariel Tejada.

This wasn’t casual self-care. This was Kylie Jenner makeup prep under pressure, possibly before the Golden Globes, where cameras, flashbulbs, and Timothée Chalamet were all very much involved. The setup? A sleek basin designed for facial dunking, complete with a breathing tube. Because of course.
The result? Hair stuck to cheeks. Complaints about “brain freeze for the face.” And a viral moment that instantly joined the ranks of celebrity beauty hacks that look equal parts glamorous and mildly unhinged.
Why Ice Before Makeup Is Having a Moment
Let’s talk about why Kylie Jenner facial ice bath content hits so hard. Cold therapy promises quick wins: tighter-looking skin, less puffiness, and makeup that behaves. That’s why ice bath for face rituals keep cycling back into the spotlight under names like ice facial, face ice bath skincare, and the ever-trendy cold therapy for skin.
@kyliejenner The things Ariel makes me do
♬ original sound – Kylie Jenner
Dermatologists explain it simply. Cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which can temporarily calm redness and swelling. That’s the short-term magic behind ice facial benefits and why some swear by benefits of ice bath before makeup. Skin looks smoother. Makeup grips better. The glow feels earned.
But—and this matters—it’s temporary. Think of it like steaming your clothes before an event. Helpful? Yes. Permanent fix? Absolutely not.
What the Experts Actually Say
Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist, calls ice dunking “not magic, but not nonsense either.” It’s useful for quick de-puffing, especially before glam moments like Kylie Jenner before makeup sessions. But it won’t shrink pores, change skin texture long-term, or replace real skincare.
Overdoing it can irritate sensitive skin and weaken your skin barrier—which is basically your skin’s security system. Once that’s compromised, glow turns into dryness fast.
This is where skincare science comes in. Viral tricks are fun, but they work best when layered on top of a solid routine, not instead of one.
TikTok Made It Do It
The video itself fits neatly into the Kylie Jenner TikTok beauty universe—raw, unpolished, and very “don’t try this at home unless you’re bored.” It also taps into the wider GRWM trend, where beauty routines double as entertainment.
That’s why Kylie Jenner face dunking blew up. It wasn’t just skincare. It was performance. A reminder that celebrity skincare routines often live somewhere between real life and reality TV.
So… Should You Try It?
If you’re curious about ice bath skincare before makeup, keep it simple. You don’t need fancy tools. A clean bowl, cold water, and a few ice cubes will do. Dip for a few seconds, not minutes. Follow immediately with hydration. Moisturizer is non-negotiable.
If you have rosacea, eczema, or very sensitive skin, skip it. There are better, gentler ways to get Kylie Jenner glowing skin energy without risking irritation.
The Real Beauty Secret
The truth behind Kylie Jenner beauty secrets isn’t the ice. It’s consistency, expert help, and knowing what’s worth copying versus what’s just fun to watch. Ice water is a prelude, not the main act.
In the end, why Kylie Jenner uses ice bath on face has less to do with skincare miracles and more to do with timing, trends, and TikTok. It’s a cool trick—literally—but the glow still comes from smart Kylie Jenner skincare routine choices long after the bowl is empty.
Fun for the feed. Optional for the face. And very on-brand for a viral celebrity beauty routine that knows exactly how to break the internet.

