In an industry often defined by glamour and constant motion, Madison Headrick has carved out a new role for herself: innovator. The Charleston-born model, who has graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar and walked the runways of Prada, Ralph Lauren, and Balmain, is no stranger to the demands of a fast-paced lifestyle. But it was precisely that whirlwind of global travel that inspired her to create Care.ē.on, a luxury skincare brand built for people on the move. With clean, TSA-friendly essentials and minimalist design, Madison has reimagined what it means to look and feel your best while navigating modern life’s constant transitions.

In this interview, Madison reflects on her evolution from runway star to entrepreneur, the inspiration behind Care.ē.on, and how she’s redefining skincare for life in motion.

1. Your modeling career has taken you all over the globe. How did that lifestyle shape your perspective on what skincare needs to be today? 

Living out of a suitcase for over a decade taught me everything I know about skincare efficiency. I quickly learned that beauty products had to do more with less—less space, less fuss, less waste—while still delivering results. Skincare needs to be smart, adaptable, and ready for takeoff.

2. From modeling to startup founder, what were the biggest mindset shifts or surprises as you transitioned into entrepreneurship? 

Modeling taught me how to take direction. Building a brand taught me how to give it—with clarity, vision, and conviction. The biggest surprise? How personal it feels. You’re not just launching a product. You’re betting on your values, your instincts, and your resilience every single day.

3. Care.ē.on is founded on clean beauty principles and TSA-friendly skincare. What was your product development process like, and how involved were you in formulating each product? 

I was involved every step of the way—from ideation to lab samples to tweaking formulas at midnight. I came to my chemists knowing exactly what I wanted and after many sample rounds and edits, felt proud of what we created. I wanted every product to feel like it was designed by someone who has lived out of airport lounges and hotel rooms. It had to be clean, effective, travel-optimized, and beautiful on your shelf or in your carry-on.

4. The brand is minimalist and practical. How did you approach the branding and design to balance both form and function? 

We designed Care.ē.on like you’d pack a perfect suitcase—streamlined, intentional, and full of essentials. Every visual decision was guided by that same philosophy: if it doesn’t serve a purpose or spark a feeling, it doesn’t make the cut. It had to look chic on a bathroom counter and feel effortless in your hand.

5. Travel can be notoriously harsh on the skin. What are your personal go-to routines or rituals while flying or working abroad? 

I treat flights like a spa in the sky. Hydration is everything. I’ll mist, mask, and moisturize mid-flight without shame. I also always shower right before takeoff (a full scrub down), drink lots of water, and bring healthy snacks to avoid plane food. The goal is to land looking more refreshed than when I boarded.

6. What’s one Care.ē.on product you never board a flight without and why? 

The Layover Lip Mask. It’s tiny but mighty. Planes are dehydrating, and this formula locks in moisture without being sticky. I even use it as a cuticle balm or brow tamer in a pinch. It’s my Swiss Army knife of self-care.

7. What’s the best beauty or wellness tip you’ve picked up from your international travels or backstage prep with other models? 

Sleep is the original beauty hack. Everything else is just a bonus. But when sleep isn’t an option, I’ve learned to rely on a few tricks: ice your face, use a face roller on both your skin and the back of your neck. I’ve found that when my neck is holding tension, rolling it out actually makes my eyes look more open and lifted. One makeup artist also taught me to soak cotton pads in cold green tea and use them as under-eye compresses. It’s soothing, de-puffing, and works every time.

8. As a woman who’s built a brand from the ground up, what advice would you give to other women exploring their own business ventures? 

Start before you feel ready. You can’t wait for perfect timing, it doesn’t exist. You’ll learn by doing. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Curiosity is a superpower in business.

9. How important has mentorship or community been in your entrepreneurial journey? Have you had any standout moments where another woman lifted you up or gave you key guidance? 

Absolutely. Mentorship and community have been essential in my journey, especially the women who’ve opened doors, shared wisdom, or simply reminded me to keep going. Just this week, over coffee with a friend who’s been running her own business for seven years, I found myself venting about the exhaustion and stress that comes with entrepreneurship… while also feeling deeply grateful. She reminded me that every founder hits that wall, and that these long, hard stretches are part of the process—and worth it. I gave her some marketing tips for her brand, and she offered logistic solutions for mine. That exchange is the perfect example: we rise by lifting each other. I try to pay that forward whenever I can.

10. For readers excited to try Care.ē.on, where can they shop the products? Is everything available directly through your website? 

Yes! All of our travel-friendly, clean skincare essentials are available at careeon.com. We also pop up in select hotels, retailers, and events, so keep an eye out—we’re bringing self-care to you, wherever you are.

11. What’s next for Care.ē.on? Are you exploring new product categories or expanding into retail or partnerships? 

We’re just getting started. There are exciting collaborations in the works (some I wish I could spill!) so keep an eye out in September. We’re also exploring new product categories that elevate the entire travel experience. Care.e.on is evolving into a lifestyle of wellness on the move.

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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel covering lifestyle news and current events. Her “blogazine” celebrates sisterhood and empowers women by focusing on women’s health, travel, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial news while also sharing the most coveted beauty news and style stories.

When she’s not busy writing about impactful brands, standout products, and lifestyle news, she and her husband can usually be found snuggling with their emotionally needy, perpetually sleepy golden retriever, or she’s chipping away at her Juris Doctor. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel.