Oscars are here. The movies, the gowns, the stars, are ingredients for a perfect festival of glitter and glam. Celebs sure do know a thing or two about getting red carpet ready, and while probably none of us will be promoting a big blockbuster anytime soon, we still want to look our best for any big events. Part of my job is to test and review beauty products before they hit the shelves. But when the camera’s off and no one’s watching, there are only a few items that I use and buy over and over again. Here are my favorite red carpet regimen beauty products:
SKIN
The first step to perfect makeup is a smooth, clear canvas. But before you even start applying your makeup, you must prep your skin. The best way to do it before a big night is to exfoliate.
BOSCIA Exfoliating Peel Gel works to smooth, brighten, and firm skin while providing a gentle, but deep exfoliation for more thorough cleansing results. It works in three ways: as a physical peel to visibly sweep away dead skin cells, as a chemical peel to penetrate deep into skin for in-depth exfoliation, and as a treatment to promote a younger-looking, healthy complexion.
Also, make sure you are using a moisturizer that actually benefits your skin and helps keep it hydrated all day and night. I love ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II. It instantly adds radiance, hydrates and maximizes the power of skin’s natural nighttime renewal with the exclusive ChronoluxCB Technology. Also includes HyaluronicAcid, nature’s “moisture magnet,” to help lock in moisture. This is especially important before you put on foundations, bronzers, and blushes that can look cakey or flaky if the skin isn’t well-hydrated.
NOILI Bakuchiol & Squalane Oil Serum leaves skin soft, hydrated and supple. It supports production of collagen and elastin, intensively nourishes, regenerates and rejuvenates your skin cells, whilst helping to reduce the appearance of aging, sagging skin, pigmentation, wrinkles and even blemishes. Its advanced formula absorbs easily into the skin and is non-sticky whilst boasts aromatherapy qualities to energize your senses and promote an overall feeling of well-being.
When it’s time for my makeup, I’ll use a good primer like SHISEIDO Skin Glow Enhancing Primer to make sure my skin is even and my makeup has extra staying power. I don’t use a primer every day, but for events, I want to ensure that my makeup stays put and doesn’t budge.
And lastly, when it comes to special events, coverage is key. STILA Hide & Chic Fluid Foundation has good coverage and still looks sheer on the skin. This magic elixir of plush pigments and good-for-you ingredients smooths, blurs and nurtures for a healthier-looking, more refined and even-toned complexion.
LIPS
Our lips need just as much care as the rest of our skin. So before you put your lipstick on, you should make sure they are properly hydrated and get the vitamins they need.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask is a leave-on lmask that soothes and moisturizes for smoother, more supple lips overnight. It contains a proprietary technology known as “moisture wrap,” which helps lock in moisture and the active ingredients in the mask so that they’re able to deeply penetrate the lips for the best possible results.
HAIR
As an artificial blonde, my ultimate hair wish list is to have flowing, strong and healthy-looking locks. I get highlight every few weeks and have done so for the last couple of years, so growing long hair that’s shiny and soft feels near impossible.
Resistance Bain Extentioniste by KÉRASTASE was created to treat weak and damaged hair. It’s been recommended to me as one of the best shampoos for dry and damaged hair and it really works! The combination of lipids, amino acids and ceramides work in synergy to produce great results.
When it comes to hydration, I prefer using a mask over a conditioner, so I’ve been using the Elixir Ultime Masque Acting. This intense restorative mask treats and helps restore strands back to silky smooth shine. Dull hair is nourished, leaving it feeling soft and looking visibly shinier. This mask can be used occasionally as a deeper treatment for fine hair or as a regular treatment following the shampoo for normal to coarse hair. On top of that, it’s infused with sacred Marula oil, and leaves hair with a smooth, supple texture and super shiny finish.
xxx
Illustration: Nora Calvo Martin for CHICHI
