How To Get Red-Carpet Ready Like A Celeb

The Oscars are only a few days away, so naturally, celebrities are in full-on prep mode. But what does it take to actually get ready for a major event like that? I went straight to an expert to find out exactly how stars get ready for big events, so you can prep in Hollywood-approved style.

OK, so in truth, it's not like the majority of us are actually going to be prepping for something like the Oscars in our lifetime, but there are plenty of big events (think: weddings, graduations, proms, etc.) that require more than just basic hair and makeup an hour before. I turned to Kory Keith, the Spa Director at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, to find out exactly what goes into celebrity beauty prep for major award shows. Believe me — you're definitely going to want to steal some of these tips.

While Keith revealed that, obviously, most celebrities maintain their beauty and fitness routine year-round because they are constantly going to events, "that doesn’t mean you can’t work a little magic with less time." Phew. There's hope for us all!

Want to get ready like a celebrity? Here's your timeline to follow.

Two Weeks Prior To The Event

You might think it's better to color your hair right before the event, but do it a few weeks prior to give yourself room for any color mishaps. "Schedule any color treatment needed for your hair [ahead of time]," suggests Keith.

Detoxifying Salt Scrub, $68, E Spa

Don't forget to step up your scrubbing game, too! "Try to exfoliate two to three times a week, looking for products that contain enzymes to promote natural exfoliation," says Keith.

Three To Four Days Before The Event

It's time to pamper your skin. You want to look glowing and fresh the day of your event, and that takes more than just 24 hours. “Book a soothing and hydrating facial, and avoid any procedure that includes extractions or chemical peels,” says Keith.

Glass Water Bottle, Sweet Heart 1L, $45, Neiman Marcus

And of course, you want to make sure you're drinking plenty of water. “Hydrated, glowing skin is the best accessory for the red carpet.”

The Day Before The Event

If you've taken care of your hair and skin ahead of time, you shouldn't have the stress of leaving everything until the last minute, so relax and pamper yourself with a mani/pedi. Keith's advice? “Consider a gel polish to help avoid chips and cracks.”

But what if you've left everything until the last minute? Procrastination happens to the best of us, and not all of us have two weeks to prep. No worries, Keith has some tips for last-minute prep as well.

Use A Hydrating Mask

Peter Thomas Roth Blue Marine Algae Mask, $52, QVC

Don't have time (or forgot) to book a facial? "Use a gentle hydrating mask to boost brightness and plump skin," Keith says.

Treat Your Dry Patches

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub, $9, Amazon

Dry patches on your skin suck when you're wearing a sleeveless dress or blouse, but you don't need weeks to clear them up. "Treat extra-dry, tough spots like heels and elbows with a body scrub in your evening shower, then moisturize with shea butter while skin is still damp, and cover the spot in a cotton glove or sock overnight," Keith says.

Sleep

Don't skimp on it. Even if you're nervous, you need a full eight hours the night before an event to look rested.

Avoid Salty Foods & Alcohol

If you're a stress eater like me, this one is hard, but make sure you're eating well the day before an event. "Avoid salty foods and alcohol, and drink plenty of water daily," Keith says.

Don't Pop Your Zits

Clean & Clear Acne Spot Treatment, $6, Amazon

Zits can pop up under stress, but if you get a last minute one, Keith advices not to squeeze it. "Reduce inflammation with a cold compress — wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and hold onto the blemish for about five minutes, then spot treat the area with an over-the-counter acne fighting product that includes either sulfur or salicyclic acid. Or you can try an at-home remedy such as lemon juice or calamine oil, to remove excess oils and reduce the overall appearance."

Images: The Ritz Carlton Downtown Los Angeles/Wagstaff Worldwide; Courtesy of Brands