IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

The wedding gift Vanessa Lachey still uses after 7 years

Plus, her secret to those perfect beach waves.
Celebrities Visit Build - September 6, 2018
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 06: TV personality Vanessa Lachey visits Build Series to discuss TV series 'Top Chef Junior' at Build Studio on September 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Desiree Navarro/Getty Images)Desiree Navarro / Getty Images
/ Source: TODAY

While she looks every bit the glam Hollywood star, Vanessa Lachey gives off a down-to-earth vibe. The mom of three kids (all under the age of six, no less), television host and "wannabe chef" can seemingly do it all.

Lachey currently indulges her inner-foodie by hosting "Top Chef Junior," which had its second season premiere on Sept. 8.

"They get the best ingredients, the best mentors, the best appliances and tools," Lachey told TODAY of the kids on her show. "And to be able to expose that to such a young generation is awesome."

Cooking's a family affair for Lachey, and she hopes to pass down some of her kitchen essentials to her kids, with hubby Nick Lachey.

"I registered for a Dutch oven when we got married ... I use it all the time," she said. "You will use this and you will hopefully pass it on to one of your children if they enjoy cooking as well."

Le Creuset Signature 4.5-Quart Round Dutch Oven, $310, Amazon

Also available at Bed Bath & Beyond.

We also love this $60 option with over 5,000 reviews on Amazon.

Lodge 6-Quart Dutch Oven, $60, Amazon

Also available at Walmart.

Turns out, the pint-sized chefs end up inspiring her, too.

"I go home honestly after every day that we have one of the challenges and I try to recreate, to an extent, some of their dishes. First season one of my favorite ones [was] au gratin potatoes with a bechamel sauce," she said. "I made it. Nick’s brother was in town, Drew, and honestly they inhaled the whole dish within like 15 minutes. It was amazing."

Like most busy moms, Lachey doesn't have hours to spend playing with beauty products, so the basics have to work overtime. After ogling her flawless skin, we needed to know the secret.

"I do a whole washing routine with this dermatologist, his name is Dr. Lancer. I had skin issues after my first pregnancy and he just gave me a routine," Lachey explained.

The Method: Polish Exfoliating Scrub, $75, Dermstore

Also available at Sephora.

The Method: Cleanser, $55, Dermstore

Also available at Sephora.

The Method: Nourish Facial Moisturizer, $125, Dermstore

Also available at Sephora.

The Lancer brand may be pricey, but the principles behind her three-step routine can be applied to anyone. "I think it doesn't necessarily need to be his line ... but as long as you consistently exfoliate at least once a week, wash your face and moisturize, you're going to get results," Lachey said.

Her go-to for soft lips is one of our favorites too!

"I'm an Aquaphor girl," she said. "I have it always with me and it works for me and my kids. And for my kids, I actually put it on their face."

Aquaphor Lip Repair, $4, Amazon

Also available at Walmart and Target.

Lachey also shared the trick to getting effortless-looking waves: a great texturizing spray.

"Everybody wants that beachy, not-done look, but it takes forever to get that look," she said. "So just to be able to flip your hair and do a good texturing spray I think is really helpful." She recommends Oribe's texturizing spray because of its amazing smell.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $46, Amazon

What we love most about Lachey is that she maintains the same effortless, relaxed attitude with her kids. "What I've had to do personally is let go of things and try to ride their wave."

More stars' beauty must-haves:

Judith Light soaks in these $16 bath salts every night before going to sleep

How Rose Byrne tames her 'wild and uncontrollable' hair

'Suits' star Katherine Heigl keeps this $5 moisturizer in her shower

3 products Lady Gaga uses to get 'the most incredible skin in the business'