5 Expert Tips for Radiant, Red-Carpet Ready Skin—From a Celebrity Makeup Artist

This is a guest post written by an industry expert Lauren Shea, Celebrity Hair & Makeup Artist, Lauren Shea Artistry.

Here are five essential tips I recommend to all of my clients to achieve that flawless, skin that glows:

Red Carpet Radiance: 5 Expert Skincare Tips From a Celebrity Makeup Artist

As a celebrity makeup artist working with red carpet clients, models for the runway, editorial shoots, and high-definition film, I’ve come to the realization that healthy, radiant skin is the ultimate foundation for any beauty look. In my world, skin isn’t just skin—it’s the canvas that makes or breaks the entire end result. Whether it’s a Hollywood premiere or a fashion editorial under unforgiving studio lights, the skin must look flawless, hydrated, and luminous from every angle.

Makeup can enhance and perfect, but it can’t fully conceal dullness, dehydration, or texture. Radiance, in particular, cannot be faked—it needs to be built from the inside out. I’ve spent years helping my clients achieve that effortless “lit-from-within” glow, and these are the five essential skincare pillars I recommend to every bride, actress, or model who sits in my chair.

1. Always Invest in Hydration—Inside and Out

Hydration is the building block for radiant skin. No matter how skilled I am with highlighting, adding dewy products that add a glow or skin prep, nothing compares to the natural glow that comes from well-hydrated skin. I recommend my clients use serums and products rich in hyaluronic acid. It is an amazing item that helps to plump the skin and smooth fine lines as a moisture magnet. Layering hyaluronic acid based serums with a breathable, nutrient-rich moisturizer that locks in hydration will leave the skin feeling hydrated without feeling too greasy or heavy on the skin.

I remind all clients that internal hydration is just as important to stunning, glowy skin. Drinking plenty of water consistently throughout the day is integral to healthy skin. Incorporating electrolytes is extremely important—especially when traveling, preparing for large events, or working long days. Hydrated skin reflects light better, often looking firmer and responding more predictably to makeup. When your skin is properly moisturized, foundation applies like silk, setting the tone for a glowing, camera-ready finish.

2. Support Skin From the Inside

True skin health begins from within, regardless of how much you want to spend on skincare products. Your skin reflects your stress levels, diet, lifestyle, and overall wellness. I always encourage my clients to approach skincare holistically — especially when leading up to a major moment like a red carpet event or wedding.

Focusing your diet on collagen-rich meals and intaking anti-inflammatory foods are extremely helpful in beautiful skin. Taking supplements and omega-3 fatty acids (often found in chia seeds and fish oils), Vitamin C and E, and zinc can help protect your skin from environmental damage and reduce inflammation. When clients are able to pair these nutrients internally with the correct skincare and topical treatments, the results are more dramatic and noticeable.

Anti-inflammatory diets and collagen supplements can visibly improve skin texture in just a few weeks. When you’re nourished from within, it heals faster, holds moisture better, and glows more naturally — even before the makeup brush ever touches the face.

3. Skipping SPF isn’t ever an option.

Want to preserve radiant, youthful skin for years to come? If I could give one piece of advice, never skip your SPF. Indoors, cloudy days, even if you don’t think you’ll be outside, SPF is integral to preserving your skin. The number one cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone is sun exposure. As a makeup artist, we work hard to neutralize these things with color correction and concealers, but using a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher is one of the most powerful and simple ways to protect your skin’s clarity, brightness, and elasticity.

Non-comodogenic, lightweight formulas layer beautifully under makeup applications. There are amazing mineral and hybrid formulas that don’t pill or interfere with your base foundations. If you’re spending hours exposed to lots of natural light through windows, frequent outdoor events, or driving for long periods during the day, the extra layers of protection make a huge difference.

There are plenty of foundations now with SPF in them that will layer on extra protection, and consider powders and setting sprays for long glam days. These steps are always underrated and shouldn’t be skipped over, they are key to a flawless finish.

4. Prioritize Consistent, Gentle Exfoliation

No glow can truly break through a layer of dead skin. Exfoliating gently 2-3 times per week helps to shed off buildup on the surface of the skin, refine texture, and unclog pores. Keeping your skin clear, smooth, and receptive to makeup is only achieved by following through this step in your weekly skincare routine.
I prefer to recommend lactic acid peels and enzyme-based exfoliants (like papaya enzymes and pumpkin) rather than using harsh scrubs that can cause inflammation and microtears in the skin. They can help resurface the skin and slough off dead skin cells without irritation. When using these in the week leading up to a big event, the skin is left with a smooth, polished finish.

I always like to suggest incorporating deeper cleansing masks around once a week, in addition to the chemical exfoliants and peels. The masks help to balance oil production, remove impurities, and support turnover throughout the month for healthier skin. Think of these steps as pressing your skin’s reset button occasionally.

The foundation smoothes more beautifully, highlights reflect even better, and the overall skin looks more vibrant and refined when exfoliation is done right.

5. Intentionally Cleanse

Your cleanser will set the tone for all of the steps to follow. It may not feel like the most glamorous part of your skincare routine, but trust me, it’s one of the most important. Use non-stripping formulas that actually clean and don’t clog your pores or disrupt the natural skin barrier.

I’m a huge believer in double cleansing when need be. Starting with a gentle and oil-based cleanser that dissolves makeup, SPF’s, and excess oils or sebum is especially important for clients who wear full glam makeup regularly for editorials, red carpets, and weddings. Once you cleanse your skin with the oil-based cleanser, then you’ll want to follow with a ph-balanced gel or cream cleanser that will remove any residue further without leaving the skin too dry or tight.

This process helps to prevent breakouts, irritation and dullness, and ensures your skin is thoroughly clean. Properly cleansing your skin helps to keep the skin balanced and allows products like serums to absorb more effectively.

In my tool kit, proper cleansing is the quiet hero. There’s nothing really flashy about it, but it’s a foundational step to that beautiful skin everyone desires.

Final Thoughts

In my career experience, stunningly radiant skin doesn’t just come from one miracle product—it comes from being consistent and intentional about what you do and what you put on it. When I’m hired as a makeup artist, my job is to help enhance a client’s beauty, not have to mask it. Nourished, protected, and truly cared for skin yields the most beautiful results. Whether you’re about to step onto a stage or red carpet, walk down the aisle, or just want to simply feel more confident in your skin, these five tips are the same I’d give to any A-list client before their big moments.A real glow can’t be faked, no matter how little you do, because in the end, it has to be earned, one step at a time.