The flawless, radiant skin seen on the red carpet isn’t just the result of good genes or great makeup—it’s the culmination of a dedicated, often intensive, skincare routine.
Celebrity makeup artists and dermatologists work hand-in-hand with stars to create a perfect canvas, focusing on deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, and targeted treatments.
While every celebrity’s routine is tailored to their specific needs, there are certain products and ingredients that are consistently relied upon to achieve that coveted, camera-ready glow.
1. The Pre-Event Cleanse
A flawless base starts with a perfectly clean canvas. Celebrities and their makeup artists swear by a gentle, yet effective cleanse to remove all impurities without stripping the skin.
Top Product Recommendations:
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser: This gentle, green juice-inspired cleanser is a favorite for its ability to remove dirt and makeup while leaving the skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water: A go-to for many stars, this cult-favorite micellar water is praised for its ability to quickly and effectively remove makeup without irritation.
2. The Hydration and Plumping Boost
Dehydrated skin can make fine lines and imperfections more noticeable. To achieve that plump, dewy look, celebrity routines are packed with hydrating serums and masks.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: Stars like Sydney Sweeney have raved about this product for creating soft, hydrated lips that are the perfect base for any lipstick.
Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask: This mask is often used to give a “goddess glow” in just 10 minutes, with ingredients that help to brighten and smooth the skin.
3. The Targeted Treatment
For a true red-carpet glow, celebrities often use products with potent, concentrated ingredients to address specific concerns like texture, dark spots, and dullness.
Top Product Recommendations:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: This antioxidant powerhouse is a staple for many, known for its ability to brighten the skin, even out tone, and provide protection against environmental damage.
iS Clinical Active Serum: Loved by stars like Jessica Alba, this multi-tasking serum works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also helping to clear acne.
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%: A high-potency vitamin C product that celebrity makeup artist Courtney Hart calls a “must-have” for its long-term anti-aging and skin-brightening results.
4. The Finishing Touch: Firming and De-Puffing
The final steps before makeup are all about firming, sculpting, and de-puffing to ensure a contoured and flawless finish. This is where high-tech tools often come into play.
Top Product Recommendations:
Therabody TheraFace Pro: This all-in-one device is used by makeup artists like Allan Avendaño to lift, tone, and de-puff the face, creating a smooth canvas for makeup.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream: A lightweight moisturizer is essential to hydrate without making makeup slide off. This gel cream provides long-lasting moisture and a non-greasy finish.
Weleda Skin Food: A budget-friendly favorite of makeup artists, this rich cream is used to add a dewy sheen to cheekbones or to hydrate any dry patches for a luminous look.
