The best skincare routine before a big event
The best skincare routine before a big event is simple and consistent, not a last-minute overhaul. In the week leading up, focus on daily hydration, gentle care, and proper sleep — well-prepped, settled skin is what lets your makeup glide on and last all day.
Keep the week-of routine simple
The biggest mistake I see is people trying brand-new products right before an event. Your skin doesn’t have time to adjust, and a reaction or breakout the day before is the last thing you want. Stick to the cleanser and moisturiser your skin already knows, and save any experimenting for after the event.
A simple week-of plan:
- Cleanse morning and night with your usual gentle cleanser
- Hydrate twice daily so skin is plump, not thirsty
- Exfoliate gently once, two to three days out — never the morning of
- No new actives — skip fresh retinols, acids, masks or serums this week
- SPF daily to avoid any last-minute redness or sun damage
Hydration is everything
Hydrated skin is the single biggest factor in how makeup looks and lasts. When skin is dry, foundation clings to flaky patches and settles into fine lines; when it’s well-hydrated, the base sits smooth and looks like skin rather than makeup. Drink plenty of water through the week, moisturise consistently, and add a hydrating serum if your skin tends to feel tight.
| When | Do this |
|---|---|
| 7 days out | Hydrate daily, book any facial now (not later) |
| 2–3 days out | One gentle exfoliation, keep moisturising |
| Night before | Early night, big glass of water, no new products |
| Morning of | Cleanse, moisturise, let it absorb before I arrive |
Sleep, water and the night before
Good sleep does more for your skin than almost any product. A solid night’s rest reduces puffiness and dark circles, so you arrive fresh rather than tired. The night before your event, get to bed early, drink water, and go easy on salty food and alcohol — both leave you puffy and dehydrated in the morning. A little planning here means I can work with calm, even skin when I arrive for your special-occasion makeup.
Let your skin settle on the morning
On the day, keep it minimal. Cleanse, apply your usual moisturiser, and let it fully absorb before makeup goes on — applying a base over wet moisturiser is how foundation slides. If you’re getting ready somewhere like a hotel in Perth’s CBD or a venue across town, I bring everything needed to prep and prime your skin properly once I arrive, so all you need to do is turn up freshly cleansed.
When to call in a professional
If you have a specific concern — sensitive skin, persistent breakouts, or a big milestone where you want to look your absolute best — a special-occasion makeup booking includes proper on-the-day skin prep tailored to you. Event and special-occasion makeup starts from $150, and a travel fee may apply. With ten-plus years of experience and training through Lancôme, YSL, Giorgio Armani and Mecca, I’ll meet your skin where it is and get it camera-ready, whatever the occasion.
