Martha Stewart Swears By These Fashion and Beauty Rules

today season 72 — Martha Stewart's Fashion & Beauty RulesNBC - Getty Images

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There's a reason Martha Stewart has never looked better at 81 years old. And it's not just because of her famous skincare routine—it's also because there are certain rules the lifestyle guru has lived by when it comes to maintaining her appearance.

Firstly, "I don't buy junk," the entrepreneur said of her style in a new interview with Vogue. She relies on high-quality pieces from Max Mara, Brunello Cucinelli, and Hermès for her sleek wardrobe, and loves sticking to the classics: denim shirts from her eponymous brand, puffer vests, diamond-stud earrings, a rainbow of Robert Clergerie wedges, and Hermès sandals. As for her purse? She prefers a phone crossbody from the reasonably-priced brand Bandolier, which she calls her "pocketbook."

She also noted that she's typically not a fan of trends. "My fashion perspective doesn’t really change with age as much as it changes with an inch or two, here or there," she said. Still though, she can easily be persuaded to try a new style out. “I don’t wear a lot of dresses," she continued, "and all of a sudden I’m wearing dresses because Max Mara has really cute dresses.

<span class="caption">Stewart wore Clergerie wedges to the <em>About My Father</em> premiere in May. </span><span class="photo-credit">Dia Dipasupil - Getty Images</span> — Stewart wore Clergerie wedges to the *About My Father* premiere in May. Dia Dipasupil - Getty Images

Stewart, who recently graced the cover of Swimsuit Illustrated, has thoughts on swimwear and fitness too: When shopping for a bathing suit, she looks for things that are "flattering, but not too tight and not too revealing.” Her go-to's are Eres one-pieces and Cynthia Rowley rash guards.

She continued: "Getting ready for the Sports Illustrated shoot was really excellent because I lost 22 pounds doing Pilates—my new favorite sport, which I do three times a week."

Then there's her iconic beauty routine, of course. Her No. 1 rule? “Clean your face well every day,” Stewart told the publication, noting that she also typically likes to use masks two or three times a week. One of her favorites is Mario Badescu's $18 Collagen Mask.

Equally as important: "Always take your makeup off at night," Stewart said. "I don’t care who you’re sleeping with, just take your makeup off. And lubricate—layer on serums and creams. I put a lot of stuff on my face.”

Finally, Stewart is never without her Alastin HydraTint Pro mineral sunscreen. “Last week somebody took pictures of me going into the Today show, and the pictures are beautiful,” she said. “I had not a stitch of makeup on except for Alastin, and I looked really good.”

It's simple as that! Check out some of Stewarts essentials here for a youthful and put-together appearance.