Woman walks the red carpet while waving at the celebrity photographers taking her photo

By Ruth B Medrano – Professional Makeup Artist & Hairstylist, Los Angeles

When you’re stepping into the spotlight—whether it’s a red carpet, premiere, gala, or luxury event—your skin should be glowing as much as your confidence. While professional makeup can work wonders, true radiance begins long before the day of your event.

As a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and hairstyling of over a decade, with experience on Celebrity glam teams, I’ve prepped countless clients for major events, and I can tell you that a flawless look isn’t just about foundation and highlighter—it’s about the skin prep leading up to the big day.

Here’s my ultimate timeline for red carpet skin prep, starting three months out, so you can look luminous, polished, and absolutely camera-ready when the flashbulbs start popping.

Three Months Out: Build Your Skin Foundation

This is when you lay the groundwork for radiant, healthy skin. At this stage, it’s about treatments and habits that make a long-term difference.

Book Professional Facials (2–3 Sessions)

If you want that red carpet glow, facials are your best friend. Start now so you can space them out and see results:

Hydrafacial or Oxygen Facial: These treatments deeply cleanse, hydrate, and deliver that plump, youthful glow perfect for high-definition cameras.
Gentle Chemical Peels: These even skin tone and refine texture but avoid anything too aggressive unless your esthetician knows your skin well.
Dermatologist Visits: If you’re battling acne, pigmentation, or sensitivity, this is the time to get a customized plan.

Pro Tip: Never try a new treatment within two weeks of your event—give your skin time to recover from any unexpected irritation and ALWAYS consult your Esthetician, Dermatologist, or Facialist!

Recommended Los Angeles Based Facialists:

Elevate Your Skincare Routine

Even if you’re low-maintenance, it’s time to commit. A consistent routine can make or break your red carpet look:

Vitamin C Serum: Brightens and evens tone so your skin looks lit from within.
Retinol (if your skin tolerates it): Helps smooth texture and boost radiance (start with 2–3 nights per week).
Hydrating Moisturizer & Daily SPF: Essential for locking in moisture and preventing dullness.

Again, always ensure to consult your Derm, Esthetician, or Facialist before adding any new actives into your routine!

gal getting her eyebrows shaped and done for an event

Two Months Out: Perfect the Details

Now it’s time to refine and enhance the features that frame your face.

Brow & Lash Grooming

Brows and lashes make a huge impact in photos.

Regular Brow Shaping: Book a pro to clean and define your brows now so the shape is perfected by the big day.
Tinting or Lamination: Optional. These add depth without heavy makeup.
Lash Lift: Optional. I do not recommend lash extensions.

Body Glow Prep

If your gown has a deep neckline, backless design, or leg slit, your body skin needs as much attention as your face.

Dry Brushing: Boosts circulation and smooths rough patches.
Exfoliating Scrubs & Body Oils: Use 2–3 times a week for soft, luminous skin.
Professional Treatments: A gentle back or décolletage facial can eliminate dullness in those areas that will be exposed.

One Month Out: Polish, Don’t Experiment

This is the time to stick with what works—no surprises.

Schedule Your Last Facial

Your final facial should be 7–10 days before the event, or as your skin expert recommends) to give your skin time to settle and glow naturally.

Test Your Tan

If you’re planning to be bronzed:

Trial Run: Book a spray tan or try a self-tanner now to see how it photographs and fades.
Prep the Canvas: Exfoliate and moisturize well before tanning to avoid streaks or patchiness.

Buy your Hair Extensions

Secure your hair extensions at least one month out to ensure they’re the perfect match for your color, length, and style—so there’s time for adjustments or toning before your big event.

Adding Hair extensions to your day:

Adds Volume & Fullness: Even if you have long hair, extensions create that thick, “Hollywood glam” density that photographs beautifully.
Provide Instant Length: For styles like cascading waves, sleek ponytails, or updos with drama, extensions make the look possible.
Hold Styles Better: Extensions give hairstylists more hair to work with, meaning curls last longer, braids look fuller, and updos are more secure.
Create Versatility: They let you experiment with styles (or even a different color effect, like highlights) without a permanent change.
Ensure Your Hair Matches the Glam Level of the Event: High-definition cameras can make thin or flat hair more noticeable—extensions help you look effortlessly polished from every angle

I often recommend my gals to the Hair Shop Los Angeles. Based in Hollywood, it’s a quick in and out with a super helpful staff, and you walk out with your own set of Hair extensions same day!

Belami Extensions are also exceptional! There store is based in Chatsworth!

nail tech giving client a manicure for her red carpet premiere

One Week Out: Lock In Hydration & Smoothness

Simplify Your Routine

No new products, no actives—stick to gentle, hydrating skincare so your skin stays calm and happy.

Hydrate Inside & Out

Drink plenty of water and eat hydrating foods (cucumber, watermelon, greens). Skin reflects internal hydration.

Grooming Touches

Waxing, Threading, or Dermaplaning: 3–5 days before the event so any redness fades.
Manicure & Pedicure: Especially for photos where your hands will be on display.
Body Tan: Tanning Specialists recommend getting your tan 2 days before your event.
- This allows the tan to fully develop and settle into its most natural, even tone.
- Any excess bronzer from the initial application will have washed off, so it won’t transfer to clothing.
- It also gives time for any minor touch-ups if needed.

The Day Before: Prep Like a Pro

Light Exfoliation: Use a gentle scrub or enzyme mask for a smooth canvas.
Sheet Mask or Hydrating Mask: To plump and calm the skin (skip actives like acids or retinol).
Sleep: Eight full hours is your most powerful beauty treatment.

Event Day: Red Carpet Ready

On the big day, you want skin that feels supple and makeup-ready:

Cleanse & Hydrate: A gentle cleanse, hydrating serum, and lightweight moisturizer.
Avoid Oils: Heavy products can break down makeup.
Trust Your Artist: I’ll use professional products, setting sprays, and camera-tested techniques to make sure your look lasts and photographs flawlessly!

Your Red Carpet Skin Prep Checklist (Free Download)

Want to make sure you don’t miss a step? Download my 3-Month Red Carpet Skin Prep Checklist below. It’s a simple, printable guide you can stick to your mirror so every detail—brows, facials, tans, and more—is covered.

Screenshot a copy of your own checklist here:

Need Red Carpet Glam in Los Angeles?

Looking for a celebrity-level makeup artist and hairstylist to bring your full red carpet look together? I offer mobile, luxury makeup and hairstyling services across Los Angeles for premieres, galas, and high-profile events.

Let’s make your next big moment unforgettable.

Book your red carpet glam now!