Let’s be honest for a moment, the glow seen on the red carpet doesn’t happen by accident. Celebrities begin their beauty routines weeks before the event, sometimes as long as two months before they’re seen on the red carpet for a photo shoot.
These beauty routines can include a variety of procedures such as a lymphatic drainage sculpting facial, cosmetic tweakments, eyebrow sculpting and tinting, and a variety of other procedures to give the skin a flawless finish for the camera.
Behind-the-scenes professionals are quick to tell us that planning is a key element to a flawless finish. Shawn Seit, founder of Rejuuv Medi Spa, tells us that timing plays a large part in attaining a flawless finish. The key to this finish is to attain the best possible skin without anything being exaggerated or unnatural.
The result is a skin and body that shines with a beauty that cannot be Photoshopped.
The Industry’s Favorite Glow Treatment
One of the most popular treatments for attaining a flawless finish before an event includes a process known as mesotherapy. This process involves micro-injections that include a variety of ingredients such as platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins. One of the most popular ingredients used in this process includes the New Cellular Treatment Factor, which has become a staple for Korean beauty.
This process has become so popular that it’s earned the nickname “J.Lo glow,” a reference to singer and actress Jennifer Lopez. It has become a staple for many Hollywood stars, with many scheduling this process two weeks before a major event. The process costs between $300 to $1,000.
However, for those wishing to take their results to the next level, Seit has been known to incorporate small amounts of Botox into the process. Micro-droplets of this mixture, along with hyaluronic acid, have the power to minimize the appearance of pores while regulating oil production, leading to a smooth and radiant complexion.
But what about those with limited time to spare? In this case, the HydraFacial is the way to go. Famous fans of the procedure claim to include pop sensation Beyoncé. Another celebrity, television producer Erin Foster, scheduled a HydraFacial at SkinCeuticals SkinLab before the Golden Globe Awards.
The Art of the Background Tan
The days of the obvious orange tan on the red carpet have long since passed. Modern self-tanning techniques have evolved into more subtle approaches that bring out the natural tones of the skin. Spray tanning is no longer the brash, bold process that it once was. Today, it is more of a subtle mixture designed to bring out the best in the complexion.
Celebrity tanning expert James Read has worked with a variety of A-list celebrities, including Ryan Reynolds, Rita Ora, Lady Gaga, and Mariah Carey. His approach is centered around the enhancement of the natural tones found within the skin. He does not believe that the goal should be to dramatically change the way that the complexion looks.
He refers to this as the “background tan.” In other words, the tan should not be the focal point of the look. Instead, it should subtly complement the overall look. A subtle warmth that blurs the tones of the complexion is the goal. In order to attain this look, proper preparation is essential.
Read recommends exfoliating, shaving, and moisturizing the skin approximately 24 hours before any self-tanning process. Immediately before application, moisturizer should be applied to the elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent uneven tones.
Application types differ, ranging from mousse, sprays, and gels. However, the use of a mitt ensures a smooth finish. Buffing the wrists, hands, and feet with a soft cloth after application prevents the product from building up, giving the skin a natural sun-kissed look.
The face and body treatment that celebrities swear by
Amanda Jeppesen is a facial expert who has worked with many celebrities to prepare their faces for high-profile events. Sous La, the Toronto and LA-based facial center where she practices, is fully booked with the RRR face treatment leading up to the events.
Some of the celebrities she has worked with include Demi Moore, Naomi Campbell, and Kourtney Kardashian. In an interview with Jeppesen, she reveals that many of her celebrity clients schedule their treatments the day before or the day of the event to look sculpted and glowing.
The treatment involves lymphatic drainage, which reduces puffiness. Facial tension is then released, followed by the use of microcurrent technology to lift the face. Buccal massage is the final part of the treatment. It involves the use of massage techniques inside the mouth to define the jawline.
Lymphatic drainage is believed to help balance the nervous system. It does this by changing the body’s state from a stressful condition to a more relaxed one. As the inflammation is reduced, the face becomes more defined.
Amanda’s advice to celebrities during the awards season is to stay hydrated and to support the skin. She also warns against over-treating the face as a last-minute solution. She believes that the more balanced the skin is, the better it looks.
Don’t Forget the Brows
Another feature that should not be forgotten is the brows. According to Haley Bogaert, the owner of HBFace, the brows should complement the natural features of the face rather than changing them drastically.
The timing of the treatments is vital in ensuring that the brows look great for the occasion. For tinting, the appointments should be made two or three days prior to the event. This allows the color time to fade naturally.
Shaping treatments, whether waxing or threading, should be done five or seven days prior to the event. This allows time for the redness to completely go away.
For those planning on getting a brow lamination, it is recommended that the service be booked seven or ten days prior to the event. The brows look great after the service, but they may look quite bold in the first few days after the service. For the days leading up to the event, the brows should be kept simple.
A good rule of thumb is not to apply heavy creams or scrubs. Brushing the brows with a spoolie and using a lightweight serum before bed is recommended. Healthy-looking brows look great in photographs compared to sculpted brows.
For the event, the brows should be left as natural as possible. A pencil with the color of the hair root and clear gel should be used. The brows should not be dramatically redrawn. They should simply be enhanced to look great in the photographs.
