Survivor contestants are only allowed one beauty product, and here is why they don’t care (2024)

There are countless reasons why Survivor isn’t a game for everyone. After all, it’s no holiday.

Contestants have to watch their backs, eat rice with beans, and overcome tough physical challenges day in and day out, however, they’re also not allowed to bring any beauty products with them either.

Anyone who has or experiences acne, rosacea, or sensitive skin is probably daunted by the idea of abandoning any form of a beauty routine, but there is one product that is provided to the contestants – sunscreen.

“They are supplied 50+ sunscreen that is purchased and shipped over from Australia. It’s distributed at every daytime activity – all day at camp and before/during/after challenges. It is reapplied often during the day. Contestants are also seated in shaded areas during breaks from filming,” a Ten representative told Mamamia

Survivor also doesn’t allow contestants to bring their phones with them, but Blood V Water contestant Amy Ong tells Now To Love that she was more concerned about how she would live without her creams and serums.

“That was the one thing that I wanted the most to be able to do my night time skincare routine,” she admits.

However, she actually discovered island life was beneficial for her skin, and it’s all to do with the lifestyle and environment.

“Because you’re eating everything natural, rice and beans, and not using any products whatsoever, everyone’s skin just thrives,” she reveals.

In retrospect, easy access to saltwater, clean air free of pollutants, simple food, and exercise are beneficial for good skin.

The 24-year-old isn’t the only former contestant to reveal the beautifying effects of Survivor.

Former Miss Universe Monika Radulovic told Now To Love in 2018 that even though she found it challenging to navigate life without products, it became an experience she enjoyed.

“Obviously, I was totally out of my comfort zone in terms of being without anything on the island, but I honestly revelled in the fact that we didn’t have anything. We didn’t have shampoo, soap, toothbrushes or toothpaste, all I had was the ocean and some sand to exfoliate, and that was the extent of my beauty routine, and I loved it,” she shared.

In 2021, Brains V Brawn contestants Shannon Lawson and Laura Wells told Who Magazine they enjoyed experiencing life without a beauty routine.

“What I love about Survivor is being stripped back from all your comfort items and seeing who you truly are underneath. It was so refreshing not having to look in a mirror for weeks on end,” said Shannon.

Laura echoed a similar sentiment when she explained, “It’s all a part of the challenge. No creature comforts, no routine. It was actually really lovely to step away from my normal skincare routine and just succumb to the harsh nature of the outback.”

So, skincare fanatics and beauty routine sticklers, perhaps this will encourage you to change your mind about applying for the show – if that was holding you back!