How To Prep Your Skin For A Big Event, From A Celeb Esthetician 

Let's be real: Most of us want our complexions to look extra radiant for an important event, whether it be a wedding, a photo shoot, or even just a special social outing.

Even if skin care is your middle name and you're committed to a daily routine, there are certain steps you can take to supercharge your complexion for the big day, should you want to.

To the same degree, there's a list of things you should always avoid in the days leading up to your event, as a few products or treatments actually come with some downtime.

If you're gearing up for a wedding, "The skin prep should come before the dress," Marino tells mbg. Yes, this often means months prior—maybe four or five months, if possible. Even if you aren't walking down the aisle, spacing out your treatments is key. "Starting regular facials a few months before something big is always ideal, as it gives your facialist time to get to know your skin and begin prepping it for the event," she continues.

This means last-minute facials with extractions, deep chemical peels, microneedling, etc., are a definite no-go if you only have a week or so left. Plus, a one-time pass likely won't deliver dramatic results. "​​It's important to remember that one facial, laser, microneedle, or peel is a treat, and about four is considered 'treatment,'" Marino reiterates.

"At-home skin care is also the biggest piece of the puzzle when it comes to having beautiful skin," Marino states. "What's done in the treatment room contributes to about 20% of how someone's skin presents, and 80% of it is related to a consistent at-home routine," she says.

Putting anything on your skin the day of an event can be nerve-wracking, but Marino has a secret weapon she uses on all her clients to ensure their skin is looking its best: Enter, the Olga Lorencin Red Carpet Facial In A Box. 

"This facial can actually be done the same day as the big event, leading up to makeup," Marino says. "I use the professional version on my clients before big events; it warrants the most unbelievable glow, with no downtime, and makes everyone camera ready—it's called the red carpet facial for a reason," she continues.

Most of us would love for our skin to look extra radiant the day of a big event, and now you know the basic prep steps and what to avoid.