Get a red carpet glow with these dermatologist-approved tips
It's Oscars season, Hollywood's biggest night when celebrities look their very best. One can't help but wonder how do celebrities manage to get that red carpet glow to their skin?
While most A-listers have a full glam squad in tow for the big night, the preparation actually starts ahead of the event.
For the rest of us who may have a special event of our own to attend: Is there actually a way to achieve that Hollywood glow without spending a fortune?
Experts say there is with the right beauty and health practices.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe gave "Good Morning America" pointers on exactly how to shine like our favorite stars do on the red carpet.
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5 days before your big event
"The neck and décolletage are just as important as the face -- especially with the latest trend towards plunging necklines," says Bowe. "Treat all three areas as one cosmetic unit. Any product or mask you use on your face, do the same for the neck and chest."
Smooth on a Vitamin C serum starting five days before your event to brighten, firm and even out skin tone.
Try Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum
3 days before your big event:
Bowe says healthy skin habits start from the inside out. She advises avoiding dairy milk, skim milk, in particular.
Also, cut out refined carbs and sugars such as white bagels, danishes, doughnuts, potato chips, pretzels, corn flakes, gummy bears/sour patch kids, cookies and soda.
"Load up on detox water to flush your system, hydrate and brighten your skin with antioxidants," Bowe says. "Grapefruit juice and rosemary are both a great source of antioxidants."
Pink grapefruit and rosemary detox water recipe:
Combine the following ingredients and allow them to chill in your refrigerator:
1 pitcher of filtered water
6 slices of grapefruit
4 tablespoons fresh grapefruit juice
2-3 sprigs of rosemary
ice
Pink grapefruit is loaded with Vitamin C, which is essential for healing wounds and for forming and repairing tissue, including collagen, Bowe says.
"Collagen keeps your skin firm and youthful," she says. "Rosemary has been a natural remedy since ancient times. It is a great source of Vitamin B6 which also supports healthy collagen levels."
She continues, "The concept behind detox water is that its water-infused with natural antioxidants from the grapefruit and rosemary -- both contain antioxidants. Rosemary is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties so it's excellent for hydrating skin, and flushing the system so your skin is bright and healthy."
1 night before your big event
Bowe suggests applying a two-step treatment the night before your big occasion.
Step 1:
Start with an exfoliating mask such as Herbivore Prism 20% AHA + 5% BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial.
Sweep the mask over your arms and tops of hands to gently dissolve away the uppermost layer of dead skin cells, priming your skin for the next step.
Step 2:
After you wash off the exfoliating mask, apply a hydrating sheet mask such as Earth to Skin Honey Royal Jelly Sheet Masks with a jade roller.
"This mask is made with my new fave ingredient, royal jelly," says Bowe. "It's a milky substance made by worker bees that seals in moisture -- you'll wake up with that gorgeous glow."
Pro Tip: Put your jade roller in the freezer for three minutes (best for depuffing eyes) before rolling on your hydrating sheet mask.
Finally, the morning of your big event:
"Matte is out, dewy, glass skin is in," says Bowe. "Mix a few drops of a liquid highlighter ... into your foundation to lock in moisture and keep the skin looking hydrated and healthy all night long."
Try Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizer which has argan oil to hydrate and smooth skin.
Editor's note: This story was originally published on February 7, 2020.
