You know that lit-from-within glow that separates Hollywood stars from the rest of the human race? That radiant skin that steals the show on the red carpet? Well, it’s all thanks to the handiwork of the best beauty pros in the business, and with awards season culminating in the Oscars this Sunday, they’re out in full force. We’re talking the most coveted facialists, make-up artists and spray tanners, each of them with a nifty little secret to boosting luminosity beyond belief.
You see, achieving that Oscars glow is no mean feat – in fact, facialists like Nichola Joss can spend a good four to five hours prepping a client for awards season. And that’s before the dress fittings, hair styling and manicures. We asked a crack team of red carpet experts to give us their ultimate insider secrets:
Exfoliation is key...‘The beginning of every successful pre-Oscars skincare regime starts with exfoliation a week beforehand (at the latest). You would be surprised how much smoother and brighter just one exfoliating treatment can make your skin.’ - Dr. Gary Goldfaden, Dermatologist We love: Goldfaden MD Doctors Scrub, £65
It's all about the base...‘I like to use primer as the base – it really helps to give life to make-up and creates a flawless, glowing complexion. On top, I use a luminising foundation for a beautifully mega-watt finish.’ - Gucci Westman We love: Revlon Colorstay Foundation, £6.49
Oil up...‘Facial oil is my essential product for awards season. During my client’s facial I intensively massage the oil in to their skin, pushing it deep in to nourish, hydrate and plump. It rejuvenates and brightens to leave complexions plump, dewy and golden.’ - Nichola Joss, celebrity facialist We love: Sanctuary Spa Therapist's Secret Facial Oil, £17.50
A glossy sheen... ‘Tanning oil is the quick route to creating that gorgeous, flawless glow. Not only does it have a limb-lengthening shimmer, but it will infuse skin with hydration at the same time – you can literally wear the tan out immediately and enjoy that glossy sheen.’ - Jules Heptonstall, Tanning & Skin Finishing Expert We love: St. Tropez Self Tan Dry Luxury Oil, £25