Oscars 2015 – How to Approach Beauty for THE Event of The Year

rosamund pike BAFTASAttending the Oscars:for a nominee, this may well be the pinnacle of  their career and the world is watching. Its also the perfect opportunity for an emerging talent to showcase themselves so putting their best face forward is vital. At the BAFTAS earlier this month, I got to see the nominees firsthand, where Rosamund Pike was a real standout for me. Her skin looked extraordinary, her presence was both commanding and womanly; she completely owned her beauty. Subtle and deft make-up was of course in evidence, but you could tell the ‘canvas’ was in tip-top form.  Getting skin into impeccable condition is a beauty fundamental for every actress – this is not the time for blemishes. So here’s my 12-week timeline to getting the kind of skin that light loves and you can’t take your eyes off. This is a great approach for brides approaching their big day – their own personal red carpet experience.

  • Take a light-handed approach to injectables. This is not the time to try something new. If you get regular treatments, do them well in advance. Many patients like the results of Botox right at the end of their treatment period because they have all the smoothness without any restriction in facial movement. So plan anything like this with military precision, and communicate your timetable clearly with your doctor! We like to know.

  • Peace of mind comes from planning in advance. Most effective skincare ingredients take 2 skin cycles to really make an impact so start radiance- delivering products containing retinoids and niacinamide (an amazing combination that work in synergy, making retinoids easier to tolerate) a minimum of 2 months beforehand.

  • Get problem skin under control. You will undoubtedly start to feel stressed as you enter the last few weeks when pressing issues like dress fittings start to infiltrate every waking thought so ensure your skin stays calm under pressure with gentle but effective azelaic acid – a fantastic multi-tasker that calms blemishes, but also works on clogged pores, dark marks and redness.

  • As the big night approaches focus on hydration. Skin acts like a mirror, reflecting light, when its water content is optimal; so this is key. One of the best ways to do this is with an occlusive paper face mask, one of my favourite quick fixes for lackluster skin. They feel like a proper treatment but with much less risk than a facial. This is ideal for the last 3 nights, as it makes sense to discontinue any more potent actives at this point to avoid any pesky dry patches from irritation.

  • On the day, keep it simple. The hard work is over. Use a non-foaming cleanser and a hydrating moisturiser and that’s it; no scrubs, brushes or other possible irritants. Your skin likes it calm. Keep make-up textures sheer, glossy and allow the beauty of your skin in its best possible natural state to be displayed – skin looks its best when it looks like skin. Then go forth and shine like the star you are, remembering to actually enjoy your moment in the spotlight.

    • Zereen Lunn
    • February 23rd, 2015

    can you recommend some products with azaleic acid and retinol/niacinamide please?

    • I’m a fan of Olay Regenerist for niacinamide – the 3-point Serum is great. For vitamin A, try Avene Ystheal. And finally for azaleic acid is a key ingredient in Epionce Lytic Lotion.

    • Simona
    • February 25th, 2015

    I just went on a binge reading of your newly discovered blog after watching Caroline’s youtube channel video. I have noted so many things you mentioned on this website in regards to good skin care. I’m wondering if you could be kind enough to recommend some good specific name foundations in a bit more depth which aren’t clogging but also have good enough coverage for mild acne? (I noted Armani and Lancome to test over the counter hopefully but worries they are to sheer). Also what ingredients to avoid in foundations?. I’ve been using Revlon Colorstay for many years due to its longevity and coverage, but perhaps it’s time to change now…Your skin is wonderful and I will be following your advice from now on! 🙂

    • Hi Simona, check ou the new video Caroline and I have done. Stick to light overall coverage and build it just where needed with concealer. Try brands : Nars, Armani, Lancome and some Chanel bases for non-comedogenic foundation. Vichy Dermablend Foundation Stick for blemishes.

    • Ellen Brennan
    • March 6th, 2015

    I’ve just finished watching your videos with Caroline Hirons and I have to say your skin is simply flawless. I’m 29 with acne in the ‘surgical mask’ area. Since watching your videos I’ve bought LRP Redermic R for my pm retinol. I already own LRP efficlar duo for my am. Iv had no sensitivity/dryness after 1 application. Do I use the retinol on top or below my moisturiser? Also, can someone be too young to be using retinols? My friends are conviniced that if I start using retinols too soon (even if its for acne and not aging reasons)that they wont work when I do get older.
    Thanks

    • Hi Ellen, Most kind! Use ‘actives under moisturiser, if tolerated; over the top if not. Retinoids are used in teens to treat acne. They don’t cause premature ageing – the long-term effect of using retinoids has been well studied – in fact this was how the anti-ageing effect was discovered! Just make sure you use proper sunscreen.
      WR Dr Sam

    • Claire
    • March 10th, 2015

    Hi Dr Sam
    Do you think hot cloth cleansing is good?

    • Hi Claire, Hmm. Not especially. I’m more of a minimalist when it comes to cleansing. Let your leave-on products do the heavy lifting! Dr Sam

    • Claudia
    • March 11th, 2015

    Hi Sam

    In regards to a previous entry, when buying a Vitamin C serum, is ‘absorbic acid’ the same thing as ‘L absorbic acid’ in the inci list?

    Thank you 🙂

    • L-ascorbic acid is the active form of vitamin C so the one to look out for. WR Dr Sam

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