If you watched the Oscars this weekend, surely you were glued to the TV during the celebrity arrivals on the red carpet. After all, it’s the perfect way to check out this year’s hottest trends and fashion faux pas. It makes you wonder what exactly goes in to preparing for a big event like this and how those of us watching can look just as good for our own special events!
With a little help from some renowned beauty and style experts, The Wish Dish has your plan of action for looking and feeling your best on your big day, regardless of whatever the color of the carpet.
THE TWO WEEK PLAN
Two weeks prior, you should start your pre-event regimen. If you aren’t already going, it’s time to hit the gym. In just two weeks, if you work out right and eat well, you’ll see some subtle changes that will make you look and feel more confident. Exercise is especially beneficial if you feel stressed about the event, since it produces endorphins and allows you to release tension. “If you do 45-50 minutes of cardio 4-5 times per week, you’ll definitely look a little leaner and feel more energetic,” said trainer Geoff Chait, owner of VERT Fitness Hermosa Beach (www.VertFitnessHermosa.com).
In addition, taking yoga or Pilates will help not only from a fitness perspective, but also for wellness. “Mindful breathing and stretching that comes with Pilates or yoga not only makes the surface of the skin smoother (translation: diminishes cellulite), but also nourishes the organs and increases circulation, which makes skin glow and puts a dimmer on stress,” said Core Pilates NYC (www.corepilatesnyc.com) founder Michelle Fama (www.corepilatesnyc.com/bios.htm), who trains the likes of Anne Hathaway before red carpets.
Now is also the time to find the perfect outfit. It feels great to wear something new, but if your wallet is a little lean these days, simply spruce up your classic LBD (little black dress) with some exciting accessories. “One of this season’s trends, the wide belt, is the perfect way to transform what’s already in your wardrobe and make a statement,” said celebrity stylist Cami Nemanich (www.vergepr.com/caminemanich), who works on films and with celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan. “But if you want to stay away from trends, then wear a pair of high quality shoes and handbag, and you’ll be sure to look timeless and classic.” Cami also recommends getting any alterations done during the two-week prep period, and to try on all lingerie beforehand, to ensure the absence of bulging lines or fabrics that don’t work well together.
While you’re at it, this is a great time to get on a regular sleep schedule, by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. This will maximize the benefits of exercise, lighten dark circles and keep your skin glowing.
THE WEEK OF
Feeling bloated? Taking supplements like Evening Primrose and Vitamin E will help ease and prevent water retention. Make sure to eliminate sodas, cut down on processed food and avoid salt so you don’t look puffy on the day of the event. When we’re dehydrated, our bodies go into self-preservation mode and start to store water, causing bloatedness and puffy eyes. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate with tea, especially green and white, and water with lemon.
Book your haircut and color appointments early in the week. This is not the time to try anything new — you won’t have time to adjust and if it’s a mishap, it will only add to the stress of your big day. It’s also a good time to indulge in a deep conditioning treatment to make sure those locks look shiny and healthy. “This is a night to pull out all the stops,” said Derek Smart of Sally Hershberger (www.SallyHershberger.com) Los Angeles. “Shiny and healthy hair always wins — Sally Hershberger Star Shine (www.sallyhershberger.com/styling_star.html) is the perfect tool to finish your polished look.”
Slough off the excess (www.thesavvygal.com/articles/2008/05/23/savvy_style/40style.txt) during the week of the event. At the beginning of the week, schedule microdermabrasion or a peel, depending on what your dermatologist or esthetician suggests. “Proper exfoliation will ensure that your skin is blemish-free and glowing,” said esthetician and Facercise (www.facercise.com) founder Carole Maggio (www.facercise.com/aboutcarole.shtml). “You’ll look refreshed and glamorous, and shine like the star that you are.”
Two days before the event, it’s time to really get your glow on … safely, of course. Start with heavy duty exfoliation, paying special attention to those rough areas like elbows, knees and feet. Next, schedule an airbrush tan for a safe, gorgeous glow. If you would rather tan in the privacy of your own home, two excellent options are Clarins’ Delicious Self Tanning Cream, which will give you a gorgeous, caramel-colored tan (probably because it’s made with additive-free natural caramel) and Comodynes Sunless Tanning Towelettes, individually wrapped tanning wipes that dry in 10 minutes — perfect for on-the-go.
Get your manicure/pedicure done two days before the event. You can never go wrong with the classic French manicure, but if you choose that route, do it the night before the event. French manicures seem to be the quickest to peel and chip, and nothing is tackier than extending chipped talons to shake someone’s hand.
THE DAY OF THE EVENT
Relax. Indulge in a luxurious facial masque such as celeb favorite, Facelift to Go (www.facercise.com/store/products.shtm). It’s an enzyme mask that tightens skin, exfoliates dead cells and assists in some amazing cell repair — results are more than equivalent to a salon facial. If your eyes are puffy or riddled with dark circles, try Elizabeth Grant’s (www.elizabethgrant.com) amazing Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads to erase the evidence of a big night out, or Eye Slices (www.eyeslicesusa.com), innovative dermal delivery, anti-aging eye masks that lock in moisture and reduce the appearance of tired, red eyes within five minutes.
For makeup, stick with a classic color palette that you know works for you. You can always hit up the department store counter at a line like MAC (www.maccosmetics.com), whose artists are high quality and will do your makeup professionally when you purchase $50 worth of makeup. Freelance makeup artist Lisa Cooper suggests, “What’s really in this season is luminous skin — this can be easily achieved using products such as cream colored base like MAC’s Pearl on the cheekbones or MAC’s Strobe Cream on the face and body for an all-over glow.”
Tick, tick tock … time for the event and you’re off. After following this two-week plan, you’ll look and feel so great that you’ll have an amazing, carefree time and, of course, turn many heads along the way.
Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. Email her at Chaton@TheSavvyGal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.