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Preparing for a red carpet can take weeks – if not months – of prep work. From strict workout routines to cosmetic surgery, A-listers take their image on the red carpet very seriously. While we believe that whatever works for you is best, we also know that getting red-carpet-ready doesn’t need to take over your schedule.
Instead, there are plenty of subtle ways you can elevate your appearance for a perfectly polished look. Add these steps to your grooming routine or use them for a last-minute glow-up, tailoring your self-care to your schedule.
1. Elevate Your Skincare Routine
While a touch of makeup doesn’t go amiss and is standard for men on the red carpet, you need great skin to provide the perfect base. This is where skincare is going to be your saviour.
A basic routine incorporates a cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF (always wear suncream!). To elevate your skincare before a red carpet, try working in a few serums to target areas of concern. Here are some cult favourite serum ingredients for clear, glowing skin:
- Niacinamide: Supports your natural skin barrier while controlling oil, refining pores, and boosting your glow.
- Hyaluronic acid: Locks in moisture for plumper, glowier skin and fewer fine lines.
- Peptides: Essential amino acids that maintain healthy, younger-looking skin.
- Retinol: An anti-ageing essential that reduces fine lines and dark spots for a more even complexion.
- Vitamin C: Brightens the skin and evens your skin tone, all while protecting your complexion from environmental damage.
- Salicylic acid: A gentle acid that clears pores and helps reduce blemishes.
If you’re mixing a few ingredients, do a bit of research into which ones can be combined and which should always be used separately. Retinol and Vitamin C, for instance, shouldn’t be applied at the same time as they reduce each other’s efficacy.
You can also explore serums that contain multiple superpower ingredients to nourish your skin. Excellent options include Weleda’s Skin Food Super Serum, Liz Earle’s Superskin Face Serum, and Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Serum.
2. Book a Cosmetic Dentistry Appointment
Perfect smiles will be out in full force on the red carpet. The A-lister look is characterised by perfectly uniform, bright white teeth, with not a chip or stain in sight.
While there tend to be a lot of veneers on the red carpet, there’s no rule saying you need to go down the same route. By choosing a trusted dental clinic, like Holywood Dental Care, you can opt for less invasive treatments that don’t need to be scheduled months in advance. Go-to choices include:
- Teeth whitening: A quick option for removing any discolouration for a full set of pearly whites. Follow up with an enamel-boosting treatment to offset any negative effects and keep your teeth healthy, strong, and looking their best.
- Composite bonding: Fix chips and achieve a uniform smile with composite bonding, which uses a tooth-like resin to perfect individual teeth.
- White fillings: Don’t let an obvious filling ruin your red carpet photos. Have any silver amalgam fillings, replaced with composite resin, which mimics the natural look of your teeth for discreet cavity protection.
Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t need to be invasive to achieve a celebrity smile. Each of these treatments is simple and can be done in a single session, transforming your smile for the red carpet.
3. Go On a Fitness Retreat
Fitness retreats are a major hit with celebrities, and it’s not hard to see why. These mini bootcamps give you the opportunity to focus on nothing but fitness for a set period of time, usually accompanied by high-end accommodation, wholesome food, and a great vibe.
As part of your red carpet prep, book into a fitness retreat to give your body an intense workout and sculpt your muscles. The Body Camp, BodyHoliday, and the Hoffman Process are popular choices amongst celebrities, including the likes of Justin Bieber and Morgan Freeman.
If you don’t have time for a retreat, check into a gym and spa for a day. Join high-intensity classes and spend plenty of time on the weights to tone your muscles, before taking advantage of the massages and treatments for a pre-event glow.
4. Invest in LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy is a fairly recent innovation in the world of beauty. It’s based on research originally conducted by NASA, which found that LED wavelengths can promote healing in the skin, and was quickly picked up by skincare enthusiasts.
Essentially, LED light therapy works by emitting safe wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin, stimulating cell repair. Different coloured lights have different benefits, including:
- Red light: Stimulates collagen to reduce wrinkles and improve elasticity, reversing signs of ageing.
- Blue light: Kills acne-causing bacteria and fights breakouts, all while healing existing blemishes for a clearer complexion.
- Green light: Tackles dark spots and hyperpigmentation, creating even, clear skin.
- Yellow light: Reduces redness while improving circulation, and is excellent for treating rosacea.
One of the reasons LED light therapy is ideal for pre-event prep is that irritation is incredibly rare. While some facials can cause redness or flaky patches, this is so gentle that you can book a session the day of the red carpet without a worry.
Many dermatologists and spas now offer LED light therapy treatments, often alongside other facials. You can also purchase at-home LED masks for a low-maintenance upgrade to your skincare routine.
5. Work With a Stylist
Take the guesswork out of dressing for a red carpet by working with a stylist. These professionals keep their eyes on current trends in men’s fashion and know how to adapt looks to suit your personal aesthetic. This isn’t just about picking an expensive suit, either, but ensuring you wear an outfit that works on your body.
Men’s style is also notoriously dull compared to women’s. Working with a stylist can free you from the ‘black suit, white shirt’ trap, without the risk of making a major fashion faux pas. They’ll help you navigate everything from fit and fabrics to colour coordination and accessories, bringing a bit of fun to your wardrobe.
Final Thoughts
While getting ready for a red carpet can be an event in itself, it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need to undergo a drastic transformation if you don’t want to, and focusing on your skincare, smile, and style is more than enough to ensure a Hollywood-worthy look.
Looking for more inspiration before your red carpet? Check out the latest on PAUSE.
