Olivia Ponton Talks Accutane, Lash Lifts and How Book Covers Inspire Her Makeup Looks

While the world may know Olivia Ponton as a breakout Sports Illustrated Swim favorite or the smoldering face of campaigns for Victoria’s Secret, Burberry and Tory Burch, there’s a whole new chapter unfolding behind the lens. The one-time TikTok phenom—who first lit up our feeds in the early days of lockdown—has quietly cultivated a high-fashion presence and a fiercely loyal community of more than 12 million followers.

Now, Ponton is revealing a softer, more intimate side: the book-obsessed, character-inspired, makeup-loving romantic who’s been sharing her latest reads and literary daydreams on her new podcast, Booked & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton. Each episode (the next one drops December 7) lets listeners slip into the worlds of her favorite novels, listen in on candid chats with authors and join friends and fellow creators for the kind of cozy, spirited conversation that feels like a late-night chat session.

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We recently caught up with Ponton to get an inside look at the project, how she sees her generation shaping the literary world and how beauty subtly folds into it all.

How has your definition of beauty evolved since you started in the public eye?

“Since I entered the public eye, my definition of beauty has evolved tremendously. It has taught me that beauty comes from within; a pretty heart is far more important than your physical appearance. I think our society shoves ‘perfect’ in our faces 24/7, and sometimes we become blind to the fact that ‘perfect’ is boring. I wouldn’t be who I am without every single detail of my life. I focus my energy on controlling my happiness by less than what society deems perfect. I don’t want to be perfect, I want to be happy.”

What made you decide to get into the podcast space?

“I found myself craving a space where I could dive into books, stories and characters for hours, especially with people who felt the same way. When I couldn’t find a community that matched the conversation I wanted to have, I decided to create it myself. Booked and Busy was born out of wanting connection, shared imagination and a deeper dive into how stories stay with us.” 

The word on the street is that the books you read fuel some of your glam creativity. Walk us through how you draw inspiration from the covers when creating your makeup looks.

“Yes! I usually draw inspiration from color palettes, graphic elements or how I imagine the characters would express themselves. For Shatter Me, I pulled from the bold, icy tones of the cover. For Summer in the City by Alex Aster, I leaned into a more ‘unapproachable’ glam look to reflect the attitude and energy of the protagonist.”

Have any specific authors or stories influenced how you approach self-expression or beauty?

“Rebecca Yarros, specifically through Violet’s inner monologue in Fourth Wing, had a big impact on me. The honesty of Violet’s self-doubt made me more aware of how I speak to myself. Your internal voice shapes your reality—negativity only breeds more negativity. After reading that book, I started consciously shifting my own inner dialogue to something more compassionate and supportive. I definitely shifted my personal inner monologue after reading it.”

What do you hope people take away from listening to your podcast?

“I hope listeners feel like they’ve been able to immerse themselves deeply in stories they love—sometimes, even alongside the authors who created them. And for those who join the Patreon, I hope that they find a genuine community of fellow book lovers who can share recommendations, theories and reactions long after the final page.”

What was the most challenging part of the project, and what was the most rewarding?

“To be honest, none of it has felt challenging in the traditional sense. Booked and Busy has been such a passion project that every step. From brainstorming to filming, it has inspired me and helped shape the future of the podcast.”

Walk us through your current skin-care routine—what are your holy grail products?

“I just began Accutane three days ago, so my routine has completely shifted. In the morning, I use the Doctor Dorris Medical Face Wash, and in the evening, I cleanse with the Youth to the People Spinach Cleanser. I’ve been using CabTreo every other day, though I’ll be discontinuing it at the end of this week. I also take Omega-3 for added hydration. At night, I apply BioJuve and finish with whipped beef tallow over my entire body to help ease dryness from Accutane.”

How has travel and modeling impacted your skin, and how do you care for it?

“Both traveling and modeling take a toll…travel dries out my skin, and modeling can lead to breakouts from new products. To counteract this, I double-cleanse every night, use an exfoliating pad every other day and apply moisturizer on flights. I also never travel without a pair of eye patches.”

Is there a beauty trend you’re currently loving, or any you are avoiding?

“I’m really enjoying the lip-stain trend! To combat seasonal depression, I’ve been doing this monthly long challenge called ‘winter arc.’ One of my rules I try to follow is oddly specific, but I love doing one lip stain a day—something quick and easy that makes me feel my best and put together. Right now, I’m obsessed with Wonderskin in the shade Whimsical!”

What’s your go-to makeup look when you’re not working?

“Ideally, no makeup at all—just an eyelash lift and a lip stain!”

How do you maintain balance and mental wellness in such a fast-paced career?

“Reading really is my anchor. It’s my escape, whether I’m traveling for hours or needing to unplug at home. Taking time every day to slow down and enter someone else’s world gives me the chance to see different perspectives, clarity on situations in my life and a sense of calm.”

You’ve been very open about self-acceptance—what helps you feel most confident in your skin?

“Confidence, for me, comes from knowing my intentions are always rooted in kindness. A pure heart stays open to growth and constructive feedback. I also believe deeply in the power of self-talk. The words you use with yourself shape the way you view yourself. I try to treat myself the way I would treat a best friend.”

What message do you hope to send to all your many followers about beauty and self-worth?

“That true beauty has very little to do with appearance. Nothing shines brighter than a genuine heart, good intentions and the way you show up in the world.”