I've spent plenty of time with my beauty detective hat on finding out exactly what products celebs rely on for glowing skin. But if we're being honest, the A-list seem blessed with the kind of red carpet radiance that goes way beyond a cult moisturiser.
So what actually is it that imparts celebrity skin with the kind of luminosity that us mere mortals can usually only dream of? Well, it turns out there are actually a few rather unusual tricks that makeup artist have up their sleeves for prepping celebrity skin for special events.
I spoke to the experts to find out exactly what they are, how they work and the best hacks to re-create radiant skin at home. Keep scrolling for the lowdown.
Facial massage
While facial massage itself might be nothing new for skin preparation, there's a specific technique that's been doing the rounds this red carpet season: the Gankin massage. Patented by the beauty brand Suqqu, the technique is inspired by makeup artists in the Japanese film industry who would apply pressure to the face of actresses to prime and tone their facial muscles before going on set.
Makeup artist Morag Ross, who has painted the faces of everyone from Cate Blanchett to Scarlett Johansson, describes the massage as a "workout for the face," even going as far to call it a "life changer" for the way it creates the perfect canvas for makeup. Recently used to prep Jodie Comer's skin before the BAFTAs last weekend, makeup artist Naoko Scintu agrees about just how good the Gankin massage is. "We wanted Jodie to look 'the part' this evening, so we wanted her to be glamorous," explained Scintu.
Shumana Begum, Suqqu brand specialist, explained that "to start with, Jodie was given a Gankin massage to release facial tension and stiffness, promoting blood circulation and lymph flow whilst giving a firmed facial contour, more definition in the lower half of the face and a natural radiance to the skin."
And, it isn't just something that the A-list can enjoy. "Suqqu Gankin massage is a manual exercise for the face using purely your hand techniques to create a quick fix to re-energise your skin in three minutes," explained Begum. "Perfect before makeup and foundation application, which [then] smooths on easily with the result of radiant skin.
Just take a walnut-sized amount of moisturiser, form your hands into fists and use the joints of your fingers to massage along your forehead and upwards on your cheeks to boost brightness and naturally contour your skin. In fact, Suqqu has released the full Gankin massage routine here so you can re-create it at home.
If you're not ready to DIY a facial massage at home, facial tools are a great way to boost your circulation, firm your skin and increase radiance with ease.
Use the studded end to boost circulation and smooth fine lines, and the smooth end to reduce puffiness and calm the skin.
Related: These Are the Beauty Tools Skincare Experts Actually Want You to Use
This feels amazing when scraped over the skin to lift muscles and boost brightness. Plus, it comes with a handy guide to show you exactly how to use it.
This smaller size is perfect for under your eyes to help diminish dark circles and calm puffiness.
Ice cubes
I'm always on board with a beauty tip that won't cost the earth, so I'm delighted that celebrity makeup artists swear by ice cubes for red carpet skin prep. I've sung the praises of frozen water previously for banishing puffy eyes, but when it comes to the A-list, we're taking things a little further.
Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge, whose clients include everyone from Keira Knightley to Kate Winslet, relies on ice facials for achieving fresher, firmer skin quickly—especially if she's dealing with clients who are jet-lagged or have been partying the night before an event.
In a video all about ice therapy, Eldridge reveals that to DIY the treatment yourself all you need to do is wrap an ice cube in a muslin cloth or tea towel then start massaging your face. Eldridge starts around her jawline, pressing the ice cube into her skin for a few seconds at a time, and then moves upwards towards her ears.
You can leave the ice cubes completely plain or you can infuse with different ingredients, depending on your skin's need. Green tea–infused ice cubes are great for puffy eyes, parsley-infused ice cubes are brightening for pigmented skin, rose-infused ice cubes will help to calm inflammation while cucumber-infused ice cubes will help to heal and hydrate dry skin.
However, if faffing around in the freezer before a big event doesn't sound up your street, then there are some great products out there that will soothe, cool and de-puff your skin without any ice cubes needed.
Although it's designed for use post-sun, this cooling sheet mask is incredibly soothing and calming on all skin types. Keep it in the fridge for an even more refreshing feel.
Related: I've Tried Everything From Milk Makeup, and These 15 Products Are the Best
I've raved about this product plenty here. It's genuinely like a cooling burst of water on your skin.
Keep these de-puffing masks in the fridge to maximise their brightening effects and wave goodbye to congested under-eyes.
Hot bath
This is perhaps one of the more surprising tips of the bunch. At a recent event with La Prairie, makeup artist Georgina Graham—a Complexion Artistry Ambassador for the brand—revealed that she gets her clients to hop into a warm bath for a soak before heading to their event.
It might sound relaxing event, but Graham actually gets her celebs to do this after they've had their makeup applied. Yep, it turns out that a few minutes in a steamy bathtub will do wonders for getting that dewy skin finish that all our favourite A-listers enjoy.
If like me, you're a bit concerned that you'd ruin all of your carefully applied makeup upon entering the bath, you can get a similar result by running a hot bath or shower and standing in the closed bathroom for a few minutes once your makeup is on. Of course, if it all sounds a little farfetched, then you can always use a face mist over your makeup to mimic some of that dewy-skin look.
Infused with orange blossom, rose and sage waters, this mist not only smells incredible but also does a great job of refreshing the skin.
Related: If Your Skin Is Stressed, Try Changing This One Easy Part of Your Routine
A soothing mist that provides a luminosity boost to skin post-makeup.
This water-based mist is dewy skin in a bottle, leaving an all-over glow while setting your makeup in place.
Next up, the £18 product that Jourdan Dunn uses for actual supermodel skin.
