My pre-event beauty routine that makes all the difference
Full glam rarely starts in the makeup chair. By the time you’re sitting in front of a mirror with brushes laid out, most of the work should already be done. The difference between makeup that looks good and makeup that really sits well, smooth, lifted, and seamless often comes down to preparation.
It’s less about adding more products and more about setting the skin up properly in the hours—or sometimes even days—leading up to it.
This is the routine I follow before events like weddings, birthdays, or anything that calls for a more full-glam look. Nothing complicated; just a series of small steps that make everything that comes after work better.
A few days before: Setting the base
Preparation begins a few days ahead. Ideally, gua sha would be part of an everyday routine, but in reality, consistency tends to come back in the days leading up to an event. Even five to 10 minutes of facial massage using a flat stone tool helps keep things moving, encouraging lymphatic drainage and reducing fluid retention. Over a few days, the face looks less puffy, with more definition through the cheekbones and jawline.
Gua sha tools come in different materials, from traditional stones like jade to more modern options. I particularly like The Collective’s Stainless Steel Gua Sha because it’s easy to maintain and can simply be washed with soap after each use. It also has a bit more weight to it, which gives better control and makes the whole process feel more grounded in the hand.
A product with enough slip helps the tool glide easily—something like the Nuxe Super Serum Firming Activating Oil-Serum, which also adds a layer of hydration. After all, light pressure, well-prepped skin, and consistency matter more than intensity.
For an extra step, or when the skin needs a bit more support, getting a facial about a week before can help. Hydrating, skin-supportive treatments work best. Think hydrafacials or anything focused on moisture and balance, rather than more aggressive options like peels or lasers.
The rest of the routine stays predictable. No new products, no strong actives, nothing that risks irritation. Even small adjustments, like cutting back on sugar or anything that tends to contribute to puffiness, can make a visible difference.
The night before: Resetting the skin
The night before is where the refining takes place. By this point, it is more about perfecting the surface—making sure the skin is smooth, balanced, and ready for everything that follows.
For those who like to dermaplane, this is the ideal time to do it. It can be done at home with a facial razor, depending on comfort level. Not everyone will feel the need for it, but it can make a noticeable difference. Fine hair, especially around the upper lip or along the hairline, can affect how base products sit on the skin. Once removed, makeup tends to apply more evenly and look more seamless.
Brows are best addressed a day or two before, depending on how the skin reacts. For some, even a full day is not always enough for any swelling or sensitivity to completely settle, so giving it a bit more time can make a difference. Threading, in particular, creates a much cleaner and more precise line. It adds a level of crispness that becomes especially noticeable once makeup is on.
Face masks are also non-negotiable the night before. A wash-off formula works best—something that can be rinsed off and followed with a generous layer of moisturizer to seal everything in. It helps bring the skin back to a smooth, balanced state without the risk of buildup.
This is a step that makes a visible difference, trust me. Your skin will feel more even, more hydrated, and far less prone to dry patches, which allows makeup to sit better and look smoother the next day.
A gentle option like the Keana Nadeshiko Rice Pack Mask works particularly well here. It leaves the skin soft and refined, with a subtle brightening effect, without feeling heavy or oily. Exactly the kind of finish that makes skin easier to work with the next day.
The rest stays minimal. A gentle cleanse and a nourishing moisturizer are usually enough. The goal is to end the night with skin that feels settled and ready, so makeup the next day sits effortlessly.
The morning of: Depuff and refine
The morning is about bringing everything back into balance. Facial massage is usually the first step to help reduce puffiness, particularly around the under eyes and along the jawline, where fluid tends to collect. It brings a bit more structure to the face before makeup is applied and helps the skin look more awake overall.
Tools can come in here depending on preference. Gua sha works well when kept light and controlled, while cold tools can add an extra level of depuffing. Cryo sticks, in particular, feel especially refreshing in the morning and are effective for reducing swelling around the eyes, which is often where puffiness shows first.
For a more intensive reset, an ice bath for the face can also help. Beyond the immediate tightening effect, it has a way of waking up the skin and even helping you feel more alert
Skincare is best kept minimal and light, especially since makeup will be layered on top. The focus is on hydration and nourishment, without overloading the skin or creating too much slip. A streamlined option like the Saborino Morning Face Mask works well here, acting as a quick all-in-one step that preps the skin without the need for multiple layers.
The make-or-break moment
It is easy to think that great makeup comes down to skill or products, and while that plays a major role, skin prep is often the make-or-break moment.
When the skin is properly prepared, there is less to correct and less to layer. Everything sits the way it should, blends more easily, and wears better throughout the day. It allows makeup to look like an extension of the skin, rather than something sitting on top of it.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing things at the right time, so by the time you sit down to get ready, everything is already working in your favor.
