6 Ways to Prep for a Red Carpet Moment

One of our favorite awards shows—the Screen Actors Guild Awards®—takes place every January. And that got us thinking: How is that our favorite celebs always look so stunning as they walk down the red carpet during award show season? Of course, they have a glam squad of aestheticians, hairstylists, and makeup artists to turn them into the most beautiful versions of themselves. But even if you’re not an A-lister, you can still look equally as gorgeous. All it takes is a little know-how—and the right products. The next time you have a fancy event to attend—say you’re going to a black-tie wedding or you were invited to a gala—you can get a red carpet look that even the biggest stars will be envious of. Keep reading to find out how to prep for your own red carpet moment!

1. Exfoliate for Glowing Skin

If exfoliating isn’t part of your regular skin care routine, it’s time to get started! Why? Well, dull, uneven tone can make your skin look older. And, your skin’s natural ability to shed surface dead skin cells decreases as you age, which can lead to dark spots and an uneven tone becoming more visible. What you can do: Add a peel pad, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Peel Pads, which are formulated with glycolic acid to help resurface dull, uneven skin tone and rough texture to reveal youthful-looking skin. The multi-ply textured pads also physically resurface dead surface skin cells for a brighter-looking complexion. To use, smooth a pad gently over your cleansed face at night. In the morning, be sure to use a sunscreen, because newly revealed skin may be sensitive to sunlight. Try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30, which is formulated with glycolic acid, vitamin C, and Pro-Retinol. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen on in the A.M. after cleansing—and remember to reapply every two hours!

2. Add Clay to Your Hair Care Routine

Chances are, you’ve heard about the skin care benefits of clay (clay masks are all the rage after all!). But did you know that clay can also be beneficial to your hair, too? Yep, it can! Here’s what’s going on: Oil from your scalp can build up, causing your roots to look greasy, and products formulated with clay can help to absorb excess oil at your roots. Start your hair care routine with the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Extraordinary Clay Pre-Shampoo Mask. On dry hair, apply it your roots, making sure you cover your entire head. Leave the mask on for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Next, wash your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Extraordinary Clay Shampoo and follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Extraordinary Clay Conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for one to three minutes, then rinse. Need a little mid-day pick-me-up before your big soiree? Keep a can of the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo handy. It helps to absorb excess oil at the roots and instantly refresh hair. Hold the can six to eight inches away from your head and spray it directly onto oily roots and lightly through the rest of your hair, brushing through.

3. Try a Bold New Hair Hue

If you want all eyes on you, consider experimenting with a new hair color. One shade we’re loving right now: rose gold. Want to rock this trendy color? Try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Color for Blonde Hair in Peach, which works on blonde or bleached hair. Rose gold not your style? This line of hair color comes in seven shades for bleached or light blondes (peach, pink, soft pink, purple, blue, aqua, and indigo), and four shades for light and dark brown hair (burgundy, tangerine, red, and teal).

4. Wear Picture-Perfect Foundation

If you know you’re going to be snapping selfies all night long, you probably want your makeup to look its best, right? The key to any makeup look is foundation—because when your skin looks flawless, the rest of your makeup can shine. Try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super Blendable Makeup, which is available in 33 shades in warm, cool, and neutral tones. Not sure what undertone you have? Flip your wrists. The bluer your veins look, the cooler your tone, while the greener they look, the warmer your tone. Somewhere in between? You’re neutral! Once you’ve decided on a foundation shade, do as professional makeup artists do and apply it with a makeup sponge.

5. Rock a Vibrant Lip

If you’ve watched any red carpet coverage on TV, you know that saturated lip colors are totally in. Make a statement by wearing the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints/Lip, available in 14 beautiful shades. From violet to fuchsia to orange to red, there’s a bold color with your name on it. To apply, outline your lips using the pointed tip, then fill them in. (And remember: Use a lip primer first so that you’re applying color to an even canvas!)

6. Lock Your Hairstyle in Place

A night out on the town is the perfect excuse to try a new hairstyle. Whether you decide on an elegant braided updo, a chic chignon, or a voluminous blowout, one thing’s for sure: Spritzing on a hairspray after you’ve styled your hair can help to keep it in place while you work that red carpet moment. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold, which offers long-lasting hold and shine. Spray it in short bursts onto your hair from about 12 inches away.