Red Carpet Prep: Skin Edition

By: Lane C, with commentary from Fiona B

When it comes to a big event, flawless makeup starts long before the day of. The real secret to that “red carpet glow” is consistent , planned skincare leading up to the day you get you makeup done.

Here’s your timeline-based guide to getting your skin event-ready—without the guesswork.

6 Months Before: Build Your Foundation

This is where everything begins. Now is a good time to connect with an Esthetician to start planning a customized skincare routine for you. 

• Start with customized facials tailored to your skin type and goals

• Work with your esthetician to create a home care routine that aligns with those goals

• Map out a treatment schedule so you know how often to come in leading up to your event

• If you are looking at trying a new treatment you have never done- such as ( chemical peeling, botox , spray tanning, new products). Now is the time to experiment. In the event your skin reacts badly to a new treatment , it has time to recover before your event. 

6 months out is all about understanding your skin and creating consistency. Long-term health is the key, not quick fixes.

3 Months Before: Refine and Strengthen

At this point, you’re building consistency. 

• Continue with customized facials as recommended by your esthetician

• Ask if dermaplaning would benefit your skin—this treatment can create a smoother, brighter surface, but may not be ideal if your skin barrier is compromised

• Focus heavily on barrier repair and hydration

• If you’re planning a chemical peel, schedule it at least 24 hours (preferably more) before any makeup application

• Begin facial or body waxing early to ensure the best long-term results and reduce irritation closer to the event

Consistency here will determine how your skin looks on the day of your big event. 

1 Month Before: Maintain the Glow

Now it’s about maintaining what you’ve built.

• Incorporate weekly masking at home based on your skin’s needs (hydrating, clarifying, or soothing). Ask you esthetician which take home masks are best for you.

• Stick to your routine—this is not the time to experiment with new products

• Take care of yourself. Stress does more to the body and skin than people think it does. It can cause immflamuation, breakout, dark circles and much more. Drink water ,meditate, self care. 

Your skin should be looking more balanced, hydrated, and even-toned at this stage.

2 Weeks Before: Stay Consistent! 

• Continue at-home masks to keep your skin hydrated and calm

• Get any body or facial waxing , done now to insure you don’t have a breakout close to your event

• Avoid any new or aggressive treatments that could trigger irritation

Everything you do here should support calm, healthy skin— do not add in any new treatments you haven’t already tried. 

The Morning Of: Keep It Simple

If you’re working with a makeup artist, preparation is key.

• Mask the night before with something hydrating and calm

• Arrive with a clean, freshly cleansed face the morning of

• Use a light hydrating mist if you want before your appointment

• You can bring your own skincare products (like moisturizer), but check with your artist before applying—some ingredients may not sit well under makeup.

The goal is to give your artist a smooth, hydrated canvas to work with.

Final Thoughts

Red carpet–ready skin isn’t created overnight. It’s the result of months of thoughtful care, consistency, and knowing when to do less instead of more.

Invest in your skin early, protect your barrier, and trust the process—because the best glow is the one that’s built, not rushed.

Have any questions? Reach out to Our Cosmetologist Lane or Our Esthetician Fiona about your next steps with your skin!