Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, ages 13 and 12 respectively, are always on their feet. Literally. The Dance Moms stars won over the world with their serious moves and even more serious charm. And the sister act is only just beginning. Maddie, who you probably recognize as the wigged dancer from a string of Sia’s visually stunning music videos, is now a judge on the current season of So You Think You Can Dance, while Mackenzie is amping up her singing and dancing career. The two have millions of followers on social media and a loyal fanbase. But both girls, while clearly busier than your average teens, still find time to watch YouTube makeup tutorials, practice cat eyes, and also partner with brands who they believe in. That’s why they decided to team up with Clean & Clear right in time for back to school. We picked their brains on how they keep their skin flawless, especially after hours of twirling in stage makeup, and what they do when they’re not working (slash taking over the world). Spoiler alert: they have a secret language.
Teen Vogue: How does it feel to be partnering with Clean & Clear? What do you love most about the brand?
Maddie: I think it’s so cool, because Clean & Clear makes our faces feel so happy and it makes us so confident to have clear, beautiful skin. So we were very excited to team up with them.
Mackenzie: It’s so awesome!
Maddie: She agrees.
TV: What do you two do if you ever are having a bad skin day, or you break out before a big appearance?
Maddie: I actually did this last night. It’s the Deep Action 60 Second Shower Mask. I put it on in the shower and the heat activates it. You don’t have to worry about it — when you’re washing your hair you just have the mask on, and then when you wash it off; it feels so refreshed.
Mackenzie: It was so nice. I tried it last night, it’s really cool. It makes my skin very smooth.
TV: Have either of you ever had bad skin? What did you do about it?
Maddie: Right now I have a little bit of bumps. We do wear a lot of makeup. And sometimes I get little breakouts from sweat when I dance. That’s kind of what I have. I still get insecure about it. I always wash my face and take care of it. It’s important to do.
TV: What do you two do in your down time?
Mackenzie: Maddie usually does my makeup when she’s bored!
Maddie: I like to play with makeup a lot and try new things. I’m on YouTube all the time. Or Netflix, watching Grey’s Anatomy. Or we go shopping a lot.
TV: Do you have a favorite makeup blogger?
Maddie: I have so many! I like Jaclyn Hill, NikkieTutorials, Jeffree Star, Patrick Star, Manny Mua.
Mackenzie: I don’t do a lot of makeup on my face! Maddie does it for me. I usually just watch regular people on YouTube. Not makeup people.
Maddie: She watches Minecraft videos.
Mackenzie: No! I watch regular people, too. Like Lucas and Miranda Sings.
TV: What is your favorite activity to do together?
Maddie: Shopping together! We love Topshop and Brandy Melville and Zara. I don’t really online shop! Every time I go to The Grove I buy makeup at Sephora and MAC. We just love to shop. It’s really good, but really bad. We spend a lot of money.