Swimsuit

Emily DiDonato’s Four-Step Morning Skincare Routine, Plus the Product She Never Skips

The six-time SI Swimsuit model and Covey cofounder divulges her sun protection secrets.

Cara O’Bleness

Emily DiDonato

Emily DiDonato.

July is all about self-care for SI Swimsuit, and this month your favorite models will share their best self-care tips. We’ll delve deep into the specific self-care routines of various models and Swimsuit community members so you can learn about the products and techniques they use to take care of themselves both physically and mentally. Get inspired by these SI Swimsuit models and prioritize your self-care routine with tips from the pros.

As a model, entrepreneur and mom of two, Emily DiDonato knows how important a streamlined skincare routine is, particularly when it comes to sun protection. The 32-year-old, who made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2013 after posing for photographer Kayt Jones in Namibia, is the cofounder of Covey, a line of clean, vegan and cruelty-free skincare essentials.  

Last month, the brand introduced Sun & Done ($34), a mineral sunscreen with SPF 50+ that nourishes while it protects. DiDonato says the brand embraces “skin minimalism” while creating products that are simple and effective, while using only the highest-quality ingredients.

“We wanted to create a mineral SPF for Covey because first of all, SPF is such a crucial part of a skincare routine, and it should be the final step of your skincare routine, no matter what,” DiDonato explains. “We decided to take the mineral route, because oftentimes chemicals sunscreens can be very irritating for people, and we really want all of Covey’s products to be able to be used for all skin types and particularly people who have sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreen is much better for sensitive skin.”

DiDonato adds that Covey’s sunscreen contains non-nano zinc oxide, which blends seamlessly into the skin, unlike some SPF products that leave that dreaded white cast across your complexion. It’s also packed with squalane, which helps seal in moisture.

Covey is known for its skincare essentials that allow you to streamline your routine while simultaneously decluttering your bathroom counter. DiDonato’s own morning routine is composed of the following four essentials from her brand.

First of All Cleanser, $29 (coveyskin.com)

Covey

“Our cleanser’s amazing because it removes makeup, dirt, grime, everything in one step,” DiDonato shares.

Next Up Vitamin C Serum, $59 (coveyskin.com)

Covey

“[This product] helps with hyperpigmentation, fine lines. It helps protect the skin against free radicals, and it’s a super-moisturizing, hydrating formula that is just super effective,” DiDonato says.

Last But Not Least Moisturizer, $49 (coveyskin.com)

Covey

“[The moisturizer] is just such a beautiful whippy, cloud-like consistency with super-hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like squalene and sodium hyaluronate and super-soothing ingredients like aloe leaf juice,” DiDonato states.

Sun & Done Moisturizing SPF 50 Sunscreen, $34 (coveyskin.com)

Covey

“We really wanted to create a sunscreen that was not only effective at protecting the skin from almost all UVA and UVB rays, we wanted to make sure that it was also hydrating, moisturizing for the skin and something that you would want to put on your face every single day,” DiDonato says of developing Covey’s new product alongside cofounder Christina Garcia. “That’s the most important thing.”

In addition to her sun-safe skincare routine, DiDonato relies on a few key practices when it comes to spending time outdoors: she often wears long sleeves and can typically be spotted in a baseball cap outside.

“Stay out of the sun; just get out of it,” DiDonato says with a laugh. “I think as a teenager, like many of us, I was laying out baking in the sun endlessly. I wish that someone had said to me, ‘Don’t do that,’ except my mom definitely said to me, ‘Don’t do that.’ I should’ve listened to my mom: That’s my advice and probably my advice for anyone else out there. If your mom’s telling you to get inside, you should. Or at least put on some sunscreen.”

Shop Covey’s full line of skincare products here.

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!

Published
Cara O’Bleness

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.