From T. Swift to Alessandra Ambrosio, the stars glowed on the red carpet at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. And as the mere mortal that I am, I couldn’t help but wonder: what’s the secret behind their picture-perfect skin? And most importantly for women around the world, what can I do to get it!? The answer might be easier than you think: it’s all about the products- both knowing how to use it and when. Since you probably don’t have your own trusted skincare posse to give you all the deets on Hollywood-worthy skincare, I’m here with some of my favorite tips that can take your skin from “meh” to “red carpet” just in time for the flashing cameras. Or your selfies.
1. EXFOLIATE
Exfoliating is an important step for glowing skin because it brings out skin’s luminosity and helps get rid of dry, dead skin on the surface. There are many different ways to exfoliate, from exfoliating powders and other such products to a variety of skin care treatments. It all depends on how much you want to invest and how dramatic you want your results to be. For a gentle, everyday exfoliator that’s perfect for all skin types, try Image’s Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder ($29.90), a polishing powder with natural botanicals and enzymes that removes debris and oil from pores while providing hydration and anti-aging benefits.
*PRO TIP: Mix a small amount of the Iluma powder into wet palms with a bit of cleansing oil for exfoliation, cleansing, and hydration- all in one step!
Looking for a quick fix for an event coming up? Treatments such as peels and microderms are your best friends and will give you more immediate results by lifting away dead skin that makes your complexion look dull and promote a healthy glow fast, in one treatment.
2. HYDRATE WITH VITAMIN C
Another essential step in achieving that glowing skin is using the right kind of moisturizer to balance skin’s oil production and leave it radiant. But if you want to take it up a notch, make sure to use a moisturizer containing Vitamin C. Because Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, it protects skin from free radicals while also prompting collagen production. It is one of the best ingredients to brighten your skin, just make sure you use a product with a high concentration of Vitamin C (look for high percentages of L-ascorbic acid on the bottle).
3. MASQUE
A twice-weekly masque can do wonders for your skin, delivering a ton of vitamins and antioxidants to skin, which are a must for that radiant glow. Get the benefits of hydration AND powerful Vitamin C with Image’s Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque ($32).
4. MOISTURIZE & PROTECT
Sure, you may spend your life’s savings on the right products and treatments in your search for glowing skin, but it won’t last if you don’t moisturize and protect your skin from the elements on a daily basis. It doesn’t have to be difficult, either- using a two-in-one moisturizer with SPF such as Image’s Prevention+ Tinted Moisturizer ($37) will hydrate and protect your skin from the sun with the added benefit of a slight tint that flatters every skin tone.
5. FAKE THE GLOW
If worst comes to worst and you just don’t have the time or money to follow the steps above, you can always fake it with makeup! The best way to achieve that glowing skin is to add a luminizer to your foundation, which will add a diffused yet beautiful glow to skin. Especially so when compared to heavy foundations, powders and long-wear formulas, which can make your skin look flat. You can also use a luminizer on its own by applying it on the points on your face where light naturally hits, like on the inner and outer corners of eyes and on cupid’s bow right above the lips.