Awards season is finally over and it's left me feeling like my skin needs whatever Emma Stone and Taraji P. Henson's faces were having. Did you see their glowy complexions as they graced red carpet after red carpet? They were real-life, walking Snapchat filters. The only issue? I don't have an Oscar-winning kind of budget to spend on daily professional facials like they do. Luckily, faking flawless skin at home has never been easier, as long as you're armed with the right products and the right instructions.
Skin care is having a huge moment in the beauty world. You might roll your eyes at that statement ("When has skin care not been important, Sara?"), but makeup artists and estheticians will tell you that people are focusing less on caking products on and more on creating a smooth base to start with. After all, no matter how much you foundation or powder you put on, you can't hide angry acne or dry, dehydrated skin.
Gillian Garcia, Beverly Wilshire's Lead Spa Therapist, has been treating celebrity clients for nearly two decades, so she's earned a reputation as an expert when it comes to knowing how to make your skin look like the best version of itself.
If you can't get a professional facial, but need near-perfect complexion in a flash, here are her tips for faking flawless skin at home.
1. Exfoliate
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Mask, $27, Elemis
"Exfoliation is key. To make sure your skin is smooth and radiant, I love using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Mask the night before a big event," says Garcia. "This mask will leave your skin instantly flawless and glowing."
2. Use Eye Masks
Pro Collagen Hydrogel Eye Masks, $76, Elemis
"Eye masks are amazing to instantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." Garcia suggests applying the Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra-gel Eye Mask under the eye area while you do your hair. After 20 minutes, "your eye contours are left looking visibly smoother and rejuvenated." What's not to love about that?
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Your Skin
Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm, $60, Amazon
"Before your makeup application, make sure your skin is well hydrated. I'm obsessed with the Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm. I use it as a light moisturizer and a makeup primer in one," Garcia tells me. "It instantly brightens and tightens to give you a luminous complexion without making your skin feel heavy and oily." Pro tip: Garcia suggests applying this on your décolletage if you're wearing an off-the-shoulder top — it'll make your neck and chest look and feel radiant.
