Getting ready for special events can be nerve wracking. When you're in the spotlight, there's a lot of pressure to be perfect. Let's be real, nobody is perfect obviously, but when you look good you feel good, and when you look GREAT you feel like a million bucks.

Here are my top tips on how to prep your skin for special events, and how to get makeup and hair red carpet ready for your stylist.

I always recommend to see a professional, but sometimes that is just not feasible for many reasons and I get that. Whether budget, time or logistics is a concern, there are tips below to do some of these things yourself.

SKIN

Everyone's skin is different. Prepping is not a one size fits all. The things that do remain constant are it's need for cleanliness and hydration, regardless of how much oil your skin produces. Otherwise if not properly hydrated, skin will over produce oil as a defense mechanism and is counter intuitive.

Before the day of...

Address your individual concern. If your skin is flaking, it's time to exfoliate. This can be done 1-2 times a week depending on need and sensitivity level. This can be done on the face, lips or body. HOWEVER if you are prone to Cold Sores AVOID THE LIP SCRUB as it will trigger a break out.

Face Masks are also a great way to tighten and smooth out complexion, removing impurities and revealing fresh glowing red carpet ready skin.

As always, moisturize skin properly based on your skincare concerns. I list below how to choose the one thats right for you. Whatever you're using avoid anything with an SPF, Sunscreen, or reflective properties and they will reflect camera flashes and make the skin appear oily, shiny, wet or unevenly lit. Not to mention they will make your foundation look lighter than your neck.

Also be sure to avoid oils or creams of any kind on your lashes for 24 hours prior to any lash extension or lash lift application.

For day of makeup prep...

Make sure your skin is nice and clean. I have two face washes to recommend. Backstage Stylist Chamomile Face Wash and Paris Hilton Dual Action cleansing gel.

As far as moisturizers go, remember you're providing hydration, all skin cells need it. If your skin is oily, use an oil control moisturizer and oil control setting spray to prevent oil from over producing. If your skin is dry go for a heavier cream. Repair damaged skin with our Hydrating Mango face cream. Sensitive skin will love our Botanical Face Cream. If it's normal / combo go for a lotion. Really dry skin will love our Intense Moisturizer.

Body and Hands also need some of that love. My favorite moisturizer is our Hand and Body Moisturizer if you've had too much sun or suffer from an autoimmune disorder that affects your skin, our Aloe Gel and Tea Tree Gel Help soothe and calm red & irritated skin. Body skin can also be polished by exfoliating with a gentle body scrub.

HAIR

Depending on the style, Hair should be dry and dirty, and not pre straightened. I personally do not like styling squeaky clean hair as it is too slippery and does takes a lot of extra time to style. Straightening the hair prior to also creates the same issue. It takes extra time and product to style, and keep the style properly.

I recommend you wash your hair 24 hours before and let it air dry, unless you're coming in for a blow out, then it will be washed and dried.

Wash the scalp not the ends, condition the ends not the scalp…

Avoid using conditioner, oils and creams at the root of the hair if you are getting hair extensions as they will prevent the tape, bonds and clips from adhering properly.

As always check with your stylist to see what they prefer, but these are what I personally recommend. If you're doing your own makeup and hair these will help make your jobs much easier.

If you're doing your own, lightly spray a prepping spray or working hair spray on small sections as you style them, when they style is complete, use a finishing spray to set and seal the style.

© Genn Shaughnessy for the Backstage Stylist 2022