Olivia Ponton Shares Her Thoughts on Accutane, Lash Lifts, and the Book Covers That Spark Her Makeup Ideas

Ponton is now sharing a more personal side of herself as an avid reader and makeup enthusiast through her new podcast, Booked and Busy. The podcast, which releases new episodes on December 7, invites listeners into the narrative worlds of her favorite books, engages them in candid conversations with authors, and includes discussions with friends and fellow creators that mimic the comfort of a late-night chat.

In a recent interview, Ponton discussed her project, the influence of her generation on literature, and the intersection of beauty and storytelling. “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,” she stated. “Our society shoves ‘perfect’ in our faces 24/7, and sometimes we become blind to the fact that ‘perfect’ is boring. I focus my energy on controlling my happiness instead of what society deems perfect. I don’t want to be perfect; I want to be happy.”

Ponton expressed her desire to create a space for literary discussions. “I found myself craving a community where I could dive into books, stories, and characters for hours. When I couldn’t find that, I decided to create it myself. Booked and Busy was born from a desire for connection and a deeper exploration of how stories resonate with us.”

In her approach to beauty inspired by literature, Ponton draws from color palettes and character traits. “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.”

She also shared how literature shapes her self-perception. “Rebecca Yarros, specifically through Violet’s inner monologue in Fourth Wing, had a significant 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 breeds more negativity. After reading that book, I started consciously shifting my own inner dialogue to something more compassionate.”

Through her podcast, Ponton hopes to foster a community for book lovers. “I hope listeners feel immersed in the stories they love—sometimes even alongside the authors who created them. For those who join the Patreon, I aim for them to find a genuine community to share recommendations and reactions long after the final page.”

Reflecting on her creative journey, Ponton described Booked and Busy as a passion project. “None of it has felt challenging in the traditional sense. Every step, from brainstorming to filming, has inspired me and shaped the future of the podcast.”

Ponton recently shared adjustments to her skincare routine after beginning Accutane. “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 also take Omega-3 for added hydration.”

Modeling and travel can be tough on her skin. “To counteract this, I double-cleanse every night, use exfoliating pads every other day, and apply moisturizer when flying. I also never travel without eye patches.”

Ponton enjoys the trending lip-stain look and is undertaking a monthly challenge called “winter arc.” “I love doing one lip stain a day—something quick and easy that makes me feel my best. Right now, I’m obsessed with Wonderskin in the shade Whimsical!”

Her ideal makeup look is simplistic. “Ideally, no makeup at all—just an eyelash lift and a lip stain!”

For Ponton, reading serves as an important escape and a way to gain perspective. “Taking time every day to enter someone else’s world gives me clarity on my own situations and a sense of calm.”

She emphasizes that confidence stems from kindness. “A pure heart stays open to growth and constructive feedback. Your self-talk shapes how you view yourself. I try to treat myself as I would a best friend.”

Ultimately, Ponton believes that true beauty is defined by character. “Nothing shines brighter than a genuine heart, good intentions, and the way you show up in the world.”