The holiday season is filled with celebrations, late nights, sparkly makeup, and countless reasons to look your best. But travel, cold weather, stress, and richer foods can leave skin dull, dehydrated, and reactive right when you want it at its best.
As one of the most sought-after red carpet facialists in Los Angeles, I've spent years preparing some of the world's most recognizable faces for their biggest moments. And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that beautiful makeup starts with beautifully prepared skin.
Consider this your insider's guide to getting your skin event-ready, with the same principles I use in my treatment room to create a healthy, radiant, real-skin glow.
Your Skin Needs Extra Support During the Holidays
Between holiday shopping, parties, entertaining visitors, hosting houseguests, and enjoying a few extra cocktails, your usual skincare routine can easily take a back seat. And while you're busy taking care of everyone and everything else, your skin is dealing with cold weather, dry indoor heat, late nights, and heavier makeup. It's a perfect recipe for dehydration, dullness, irritation, and unexpected breakouts.
A little thoughtful skincare goes a long way. The key is to maintain hydration, protect your skin barrier, and keep your complexion smooth and radiant, even when your schedule is anything but calm.
Before the parties, the photos, and the festive makeup, let's talk skin.
I've put together my red-carpet-inspired holiday skin prep tips to help you look radiant through every celebration.
READ MY HOLIDAY SKIN PREP GUIDE
Your Holiday Glam Prep Routine
Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate
A proper cleanse is the foundation of holiday-ready skin. Remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping your barrier. Choose a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that maintains hydration and is gentle enough to double cleanse after heavy makeup nights.
Our Mandelic Cleansing Gel removes impurities and makeup, leaving your skin refreshed and ready to absorb everything that follows.
Step 2: Exfoliate for a Smooth, Bright Finish
Exfoliation lifts away dead skin cells so your complexion looks brighter and makeup goes on smoother. Use our Thermal Peel Mask or The Zinc Mask with Goji Berry Prebiotic to reveal a smoother, more even-looking complexion.
Step 3: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Hydrated skin reflects light, and that’s where the glow comes from. Layer The Hydrating Toner and The Plant Stem Cell Serum, formulated with hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain moisture and look plump and radiant.
Step 4: Boost Radiance with a Conditioning Mask
For an extra dose of radiance, treat yourself to our Herbal Gel Mask. It’s formulated to address dullness and hydrate, so it’s ideal before a big night out.
Step 5: Nourish Your Skin Overnight
Before bed, apply The Onerta Cream Barrier or The Daily Moisturizer to support repair while you sleep. Wake up looking refreshed and ready for the day’s celebrations.
Step 6: Protect with Daily SPF
Winter sun still causes UV damage and premature aging, especially with holiday travel and snow glare. Make daily SPF the last step of your morning routine.
The Final Touch: Makeup That Lets Your Skin Shine
When your skin is prepped, you need less makeup. Choose products that enhance your natural beauty without overwhelming your skin: a radiant foundation, a touch of highlighter, and your favorite lip color. We love Merit, a clean makeup brand.
When to Start Your Holiday Skin Prep
Two Weeks Before
Get into a consistent routine of cleansing, hydrating, and nightly barrier support. This is the time to exfoliate regularly and try anything new, so your skin has time to adjust.
Two to Three Days Before
Do your last exfoliation. Exfoliating too close to the event can leave skin sensitive or pink.
The Night Before
Focus on hydration and nourishment: a conditioning mask, your serum, and a richer barrier cream.
The Day Of
Cleanse gently, hydrate, moisturize, and apply SPF. Give your skincare a few minutes to absorb before makeup.
FAQ
How far in advance should I start prepping my skin for a holiday event?
Ideally two weeks. That gives you time to build hydration, strengthen your barrier, and see how your skin responds to any new products before the event.
Should I exfoliate the night before an event?
No. Do your last exfoliation two to three days before. That way your skin is smooth without the risk of redness or sensitivity on the day.
How do I keep my skin hydrated while traveling for the holidays?
Pack your hydrating toner, serum, and barrier cream. Cabin air is very dry, so reapply moisturizer during long flights and drink plenty of water.
What’s the best way to prep skin before makeup?
Cleanse, hydrate with a toner and serum, moisturize, and finish with SPF. Wait a few minutes before applying foundation so it sits smoothly instead of pilling.
Can I use a mask on the day of the event?
Yes, a hydrating mask like the Herbal Gel Mask is a great day-of step. Save exfoliating masks for a few days earlier.
Do I really need SPF in winter?
Yes. UV rays are present year-round and cause premature aging even on cloudy days. Snow and high altitude make exposure stronger.
With these steps, your skin will be the star of every holiday party. Share your glowing holiday looks with us by tagging @bibalosangeles. We’d love to see them!
