Exactly How To Prep Your Skin For A Big Event, From The Pros

As the holidays creep up on us, so will the occasions where we want our complexions to be a bit glowier than normal. Whether it’s a celebration with family, a night out for New Year’s Eve, or even a work party, sometimes you just want some extra oomf to make you look as radiant as the event at hand.

Just as models do for runway shows and celebrities for red carpets, you should be prepping your skin before an ounce of makeup touches your face. With the proper prep, your makeup will look better and stay on longer—so why not? While holiday parties may be the most timely, big event prep is a must anytime of year, so save this one to look back on next time you’re going all out. Plus, these prep steps can be done on your everyday look should you feel inclined. 

It’s all about getting your skin to look its best so you can feel your best. With expertise from celebrity makeup artists and cosmetic chemistry experts—here’s how to prep your skin for a full-glam look that really hits. 

We believe that skin care is the baseline for everything. If your skin is prepped and primed, it only makes sense that your makeup will look better. Even if you have the most expensive foundation on the market, incorrectly prepping your skin (or not prepping it at all) can make that pricey product look sub-par at best. 

On the flip side, if you’re working with a foundation that’s less than spectacular, then your skin prep is the key to taking your base from rags to riches—yes, it’s possible. With modern, clean, skin-loving formulas, makeup can even enhance your skin.

All in all, when you have correctly prepped the skin for a your big event, the following will happen: 

1.

The day before: Load up on hydration & prioritize rest. 

Before putting on your skin care products, you’ll want to ice your face. How you choose to do so is up to you—you can roll ice globes over the skin or dunk your face in a bowl of ice water. This age-old hack has been around forever, but has recently blown up on TikTok noted as a “supermodel hack.” 

Doing so will help to depuff the face and tighten the skin, creating a pristine canvas for your makeup. Be sure to use clean ice globes if you choose that route, and only keep your face dunked for 30 seconds if you’re opting for the latter. 

If ice just isn’t your thing, you can also use a gua sha to encourage lymphatic drainage and depuff the skin. Just be sure not to pull too hard on the skin and always use a face oil, as tugging on dry skin may cause irritation and redness. 

3.

Dab on a hyaluronic acid serum. 

Now for the products. The first thing that should touch your skin post-cleanse is a hyaluronic acid serum. Apply it to damp skin, either with the risidual dew from cleansing or go in with a face mist before this step. 

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it will pull that residual water into the skin. The result? A plump and and juicy complexion. This will also help to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day and avoid peeling and dryness under your makeup. 

4.

Use a rich moisturizer or low SPF. 

After your HA serum, apply a thin layer of rich moisturizer. Look for a blend of humectants like HA, glycerin, and aloe vera with emollinets like shea butter to deeply nourish and soften the skin. 

You can find our top pick moisturizers here if you need to re-up. 

If you’re going to a daytime event, then SPF is essential—but opt for a lighter one. “When wearing makeup products that contain a high SPF, you're more likely to experience flashbacks in a photo,” celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg explains. 

If at all possible, avoid direct sunlight when you’re out and about. This will help prevent sun damage while your skin is more vulnerable without a full SPF. Or, if you’re prone to burn, bring a powder SPF to dab over the top of your makeup just in case. 

5.

Finish with a botanical oil—maybe. 

“Adding oil to the skin before a full glam look can create a smooth and hydrating look,” Greenberg says.

“The Rituel de Fill Thorn Oil Facial Elixir is the perfect makeup priming oil as it creates an unparalleled base for your makeup application,” she notes—more info on this oil to follow. 

Gilleo recommends using thinner oils like squalene and opting out of thick oils like coconut: “Coconut oil can clog your pores and break down your foundation,” she adds. 

However if you have oily skin or find that your makeup naturally slips and slides throughout the day, then a face oil may not be the best choice.

Now that your skin care products are all set, let them soak into the skin before applying foundation. “Letting your skin care sink in for 5-10 minutes is extremely important,” Greenberg notes. 

“This prevents your makeup from looking streaky or splotchy and allows your skincare to work its magic,” she adds. In the mean time, get your makeup set up, prep your hairstyle, etc. 

7.

Primer—but double-check the formula. 

When looking for the perfect primer, take into account whether your foundation is oil or silicone-based. As cosmetic chemist Javon Ford explains in this TikTok, “While you can layer oil and silicone on top of water, you can't do the reverse.” 

Now determining which products have which base isn’t an easy task. For a quick tip, check out this story or Ford’s TikTok breakdown. 

Going the extra mile and making sure your products are compatible will help prevent pilling, Ford notes. 

“​​Microcurrent is a device that I find extremely effective as it helps to lift and tighten the skin, really giving an elevated, sculpted face,” Gilleo says. These tools can be pricey, but you can use them everyday for lasting results. 

 “It’s a great non-invasive way to contour the face especially around the cheekbones and jawline,” she says. Be sure to complete this step before the rest of your skin care—here’s our top picks for for microcurrent devices if you’re ready to invest. 

However there are microcurrent facials out there, too. If you want to learn the ins and outs of these treatments, check out this breakdown of the benefits. 

2.

IV drips & electrolyte boosters. 

For an internal boost of hydration, you may even consider getting an IV drip in the days leading up to your big event. Gilleo opts for drips containing vitamin C and glutathione for the antioxidant surge. 

For a more budget-friendly option, pick up a pack of electrolyte powders like these from Liquid IV. Mix these powders into your water for a few days leading up to the event and the day of. 

While these are more short term solutions, you'll want to hydrate internally year-round. Look for beauty and skin supplements that prioritize antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, like phytoceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Best products for big event skin prep:

Best hydrating serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum

Pro

Plumps + hydrates the skinAffordable

Con

May have a sticky residue

Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-freeSensitive-skin friendlyGood for dry skinGood for all skin types

A trusty hyaluronic acid serum doesn't need to be the most expensive step in your routine. Opt for a simple formula like this one from The Ordinary to get your skin looking plump ASAP. Plus, this formula even has panthenol (provitamin B5) to help soothe and hydrate even the most sensitive skin types.

Best face oil: Rituel de Fille Thorn Oil Priming Facial Elixir

Con

Not the best for super oily skin typesContains essential oils (if you're sensitive to them)

Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-freeGood for dry skin

This is Greenberg's go-to face oil for makeup prep. A blend of marula, rose hip, and jojoba oils create a dewy finish on any skin type. Bulgarian rose essential oil gives the formula a dreamy scent, perfect for your gua sha ritual or just a moment of calm before the storm of getting glammed up. If you're sensitive to fragrance, it's best to opt for another face oil—here's a few more to shop.

Best mask: Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Mask

Pro

Deeply hydratesEnzymes gently exfoliate

Con

Has a natural citrus scent (for those who prefer unscented)

Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-freeSensitive-skin friendlyGood for dry skinGood for all skin types

Lathering on a face mask the day of your big day sometimes makes it feel even more special. Because you want to choose wisely, opt for this mask from Image Skincare. Designed specifically for sensitive skin types, this mask hydrates and brightens the skin without irritation. Fruit enzymes exfoliate the skin ever-so-gently to reveal a fresh, healthy canvas. Plus, the natural citrus scent is to die for.

Best ice roller: Heyday Ice Roller

Pro

Depuffs the skinEasy to use + clean

Con

Not quite as cold as raw ice

Lifestyle considerations: Sensitive-skin friendlyGood for all skin types

Best primer: LYS Secure Skin Gripping Primer

Pro

Contains niacinamide Helps makeup stay in place

Con

Not the best for dry skin

Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-free

This is Greenberg's go-to primer for makeup that lasts all day, without moving an inch. A blend of niacinamide, ginger root, and natural fruit extracts helps to nourish the skin and boost brightness. The hint of exfoliating power from the natural fruit enzymes may be drying for some, but for a budget-friendly primer, this one is a winnner.

Best glow booster: Saie Beauty Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Highlighter

Pro

Instantly boosts radiance Lightweight

Cons

Bronze shade may make foundation darker

Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-freeSensitive-skin friendlyGood for dry skinGood for all skin types

If you're going for a dewy look, this lightweight highlighter is a must. Some liquid luminizers add intense shimmer, which isn't always camera-friendly. However, this one simply makes the skin look healthier as if you're glowing from within. Plus, the ingredients are actually good for your skin—think of it as a functional primer. Either mix it into your foundation or apply it as a primer for a glow so bright everyone will think you just got an IV drip and slept through the night—even if you didn't.