The glamorization of pimples has arrived, and Starface is leading the troops.
If you think back even five to 10 years ago, the mere thought of getting a pimple bred a unique sort of stress and, in some cases, even shame. While a clear complexion is great, the reality is that we all break out every now and again—even those with “perfect” skin—and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
After over a decade in the beauty industry, where she served as the beauty director of ELLE.com, Julie Schott founded Starface in 2019 specifically to change the existing—and often damaging—dialogue about acne. Ultimately, her goal with the brand was to normalize breakouts and make growing up and being yourself way more fun.
Today, Starface’s priority is to create optimistic, fun-flavored skin care products that challenge our views on acne, turning breakouts into a moment of exciting self-expression versus making you feel “less than” just because you’ve got pimples.
We spoke with Schott about the brand’s origin story, how she spends her days, and what other products she’s obsessed with at the moment.
What inspired you to start your own brand?
I think I grew up during a particularly toxic era for beauty standards. Women’s magazines still published weight loss diets, no one had visible acne (except in “before” pictures), and the faces seen in ads all looked mostly the same. So, I was inspired to take Starface in a totally different direction and glamorize breakouts because they’re completely normal and no one should feel less hot because of a pimple when there’s Starface.
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a founder?
We started as three people and now we’re around 30, so there have certainly been growing pains along the way. I feel very lucky to be part of the team we’ve built and everything they’ve accomplished in such a short time.
Put us in your shoes. What does an average day in your life look like?
Since I work from home, I try to start every day by doing something away from home. During lockdowns I got really into weight lifting, which I do two to three mornings a week now, and on the other days I hike with my dog. My normal schedule alternates between calls with the Starface team, potential hires, and our sibling brand, Plus.
Even though calls are often back to back, I always make time for meals and afternoon boba–which has become a ridiculously expensive habit! In the evening, if I don’t have to be anywhere, I like to turn off my brain by watching hours of shows, movies, and YouTube until I fall asleep around 11 p.m.
What are some of your favorite beauty products at the moment?
We launched Clear As Day SPF 46 last month and I’m very proud of the product. It’s the most truly invisible and won’t break you out sunscreen ever. I’m not just saying that! I also love Starface Hydro-Stars ($14.99), Dieux Instant Angel ($45), Dedcool Balm Stick ($10) in every flavor, Plus Body Wash ($16.50), and Live Tinted Huesticks ($24).
Can you fill us in on what’s next for Starface?
We have a lot of fun and surprising new products coming that we’re excited to share! Stay in the loop on Instagram and TikTok.
Down to make pimples more fun? Check out some of Starface’s most popular products:
1. Hydro-Stars ($14.99)
You can always cover up your pimple with a clear patch or some concealer—or you could opt for a playful, bright yellow star. These hydrocolloid patches absorb pus and help your pimple heal while protecting.
2. Moisture on Mars ($12.99)
Even if you’ve got oily or breakout-prone skin, moisturizing is a skin care step you should never skip. Moisture on Mars soothes dryness, locks in moisture, and helps maintain your skin’s barrier. Plus, it’s infused with antioxidant-rich actives.
3. Clean Swipe ($7.99)
Think of Clean Swipe as an essential step before applying Hydro-Stars—just swipe it over your spots to quickly clean and soothe the skin. A pack of 24 pre-filled swabs that help lift away impurities and buildup with a cleansing solution.
4. Lift Off Pore Strips ($5.99)
These aren’t your average pore strips. Starface’s are easy on your skin and natural moisture barrier. A set of 8 powerfully cute pore strips that instantly unclog pores by gently lifting away dirt and oil, freeing blackheads for your viewing pleasure. These strips contain calming aloe vera extract and inflammation-reducing witch hazel. After you peel the strip off, your skin is left soft and soothed.
5. Exfoliating Night Water ($11.99)
This effective, oil-free liquid exfoliant is made with a powerhouse fusion of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA). The Exfoliating Night Water from Starface helps unclog pores, minimize redness, and prevent future spots. Over time, it also helps clarify skin tone, even texture, and reduce the appearance of scars for brighter, glowing skin.
What do you think about this fun spin on acne products? Ready to try some of the best-sellers? Shop Starface today as a part of Soko Glam’s Female Founders Collective.
