7 Tips for Getting Runway-Ready Skin, According to Experts
We’d love to see bold lips for fall, a full-on flutter of lashes for special occasions, and dashes of sparkle during the holidays. But one thing is for sure: The no-makeup makeup trend isn’t going anywhere. Season after season, more designers are requesting less makeup on the models and placing a laser focus on healthy, glowing skin. Just take Opening Ceremony’s Fall 2016 show for example. Models were given the ultimate skin treatment with a combination of high-performing products, such as peels, masks, and super-potent creams, all sponsored by Dr. Jart+. The end result was gorgeous, radiant complexions.
Ready to look as superb as the models walking on the runways? You’re in luck! We tag-teamed some of the skin gurus behind the scenes at Fashion Week and found out exactly how they consistently keep every face in formation. Read on for best skin care tips straight from the pros!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New York-based dermatologist Macrene Alexiades works with many of IMG’s top models as early as July and August to get their skin prepped and ready for the big September designer shows. So, as one would imagine, she typically gets a chance to see everything from the good to the not-so-good skin care habits many models pick up. “They try to use at-home remedies such as retanoids, thinking they will clear their skin, but they end up with red peeling skin,” she explains. “Avoid trying to be your own skin doctor. Instead, get ready ahead of time with a trusted and proven regimen that works for you, and stick with it. Consistency is key.”
Prepare to Go There
Whether you are a model or not, it is important to understand your unique skin care needs. When it comes to prepping models, Tata Harper, the founder of her eponymous skin care line, advises “doing lots of masks, exfoliating daily to remove dead skin, resting a lot, eating well, drinking a lot of water and chamomile tea, and trying to control stress with meditation or aromatherapy.” To get your skin prepped and in a relaxed state, try applying Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment as it was done backstage at Tome’s Spring 2017 show. Focus directly on the pulse points — inside the wrists, on temples, and each side of the neck. Inhale, relax, and repeat.
Say Bye-Bye to Blemishes
We all hate random zits. But they happen. For instant gratification, there are many of us who automatically reach for whatever seems to be the most intensive temporary topical cure. The problem there is that you are only Band-Aiding the real issue rather than working to resolve it. Your best bet is to use soothing natural products that are potent enough to penetrate deep and heal beneath the skin’s surface. “It’s important to focus on healing and avoid aggressive treatments, which can cause irritation. Compresses of calendula help soothe skin, and a clarifying moisturizer gives you hydration and age-defying results without causing congestion or shine,” says Harper.
Treat Yourself
If you find yourself on “stress overload,” it is imperative that you give your skin some TLC if you want amazing results. “The Triple Crown Facial is a favorite of my designer and model clients to prepare their skin for fashion week. I use a mild electric current to drain puffiness, tone muscle, tighten skin, and reshape the face,” says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas, founder of the Joanna Vargas Day Skincare. If you can’t make it in for full-on spa appointment, try a quick sheet mask application like Dr. Jart+ Prescript-ment Masks to hydrate, brighten, and tighten the skin, just as models used backstage at Opening Ceremony for Spring 2017.
Wake Up Tired Eyes
If you are tired of looking tired, Vargas suggests a good at-home remedy: Put chamomile tea bags in the fridge overnight, and in the morning, apply them to your eyes for five minutes to de-puff, cool, and refresh the under-eye area quickly. Another option to try would be to use cold soy milk compresses at night, as well as hyaluronic acid moisturizers after showering to increase tightness, as recommended by Neil Sadick, MD, of Sadick Dermatology.
Get Glowing
Not only is clear skin the goal, but an emphasis is also placed on staying well moisturized and dewy. Sadick raves about Laser Genesis, which he explains is a laser that cleans out the hair follicles, kills bacteria, and gives the skin radiance. You can also try healing from within by consuming vegetable or green juice daily. “Not only will it revive your mind, but your skin will become more oxygenated and hydrated as a result. It’s one of those simple tricks that is literally a lifesaver,” says Vargas.
Perfect Your Pout
Super-smooth lips create the perfect base for easy painting and product application. “MAC Lip Conditioner is always a must. Also, if you can give lips a little scrub to help exfoliate, it’s terrific,” says MAC Senior Makeup Artist John Stapleton. His quick backstage remedy: Add a packet of raw sugar to your lip conditioner, give lips a gentle scrub, and wipe off any excess dead skin.
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