There’s a lot to love about awards’ nights lineups: the couture dress code, hot date reveals (ahem, Amy Schumer) and awkward red carpet interviews. But the things that really keep me glued to the pre-show are red lips, boho braids, glowing skin and killer contour. That’s when the thrill of the hunt begins – scouring social media feeds of Hollywood’s go-to glam makers to pinpoint exactly what they’re using *adds to cart*.
Here, some of my recent discoveries to help get the red carpet look at home:
Vaseline Lip Therapy Tins, $5 each. Available at drugstores and mass-market retailers across Canada.
I always stock up on these adorable lip tins when I cross the pond – finally they’re available here in Canada. I love that they are proven to heal dry lips, plus the four formulas let you customize. Original (love using this before bedtime), Rosy Lips (perfect hint of tint on top of lipstick), Cocoa (contains hyper-hydrating cocoa butter and smells amazing) and Aloe (super soothing especially after a day in the sun).
Garnier Skin Active Micellar All-in-One Cleansing Water, $9.99; Garnier Skin Active Micellar All-in-One Cleansing Water, Waterproof. $9.99. Available at drugstores and mass-market retailers across Canada.
I always spied prestige versions of micellar water backstage at fashion week. Micellar waters are one-step wonders that contains micelle cleansing spheres that act like magnets to attract dirt, oil and makeup. To use, simply douse a cotton pad and let the micelles do their work. No water required. This budget-friendly, no rubbing, no rinsing formula is amazing on sensitive skin.
Physicians Formula Super BB InstaReady Contour Trio BB Stick, $15.79. Available at drugstores and mass-market retailers across Canada.
We know that contouring is a huge trend, it’s sometimes hard to nail application. This genius 3-in-1 cream-to-powder makeup stick completely eliminates the guesswork. In one stroke, it allows you to instantly highlight, define and a pop of colour instantly chiseled cheekbones.
Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo, $9.99; Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Conditioner, $9.99; Dove Advanced; Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil, $12. Available at drugstores and mass-market retailers across Canada.
No one is more subjected to hair damage than Hollywood’s most in-demand actresses (they have to be colour chameleons for roles, get hair styled daily when on set and subjected to various water and climates from excessive travel).
So When Rachel McAdams’ hairstylist uses this on his Oscar-nominated client, beauty editors pay attention. This whole lineup is devoted to those with standing blow-dry bar appointments (*slowly raises hand*), those who crank their flat iron to 450 degrees, and those who never commit to one hair colour. In short – for those who love to damage their hair and pay for it later. The Dove Regenerative Nourishment range with Red Algae and Keratin NutriComplex, helps eliminate the signs of damage for smooth and healthier-looking hair. The serum-in-oil is amazing as it brings together the nourishing power of an oil with the restorative qualities of a serum
Aveeno Active Naturals Absolutely Ageless Restorative Night Cream, $30; Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, $30; Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Intensive Renewal Serum, $30; Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser, $30; Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Eye Cream, $30. Available at drugstores and mass-market retailers across Canada.
Any Hollywood star knows any glam look starts with healthy, smooth and glowing skin. What’s so cool about this lineup is that it taps the power of dill and blackberry leaf extract (who knew that the leaf has more potent antioxidant power than the berry?). Skin treated with moisturizers containing blackberry leaf extract improves elasticity and firmness for younger, healthier looking skin in just one week. The Restorative Night Cream is a real star for red-carpet-ready skin, as it is so important to restore your skin’s moisture during the overnight recovery period, so that skin looks refreshed and hydrated when you wake up and face the day. Strengthens skin’s natural moisture barrier to help maintain healthier looking skin over time. Deeply moisturizes to nourish dry skin throughout the night and help you awaken to softer, smoother skin.
EOS Body Lotion, $6.49 each. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, Walmart, Jean Coutu from March 2016.
Nothing derails a red carpet look faster than scaly skin. These new body lotion include naturally moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E, avocado oil, etc. just like the brand’s other cult favourite products. Love the delicate scents too that linger, but never overpower.
Shiseido Full Lash Volume Mascara, $32. Available at The Bay, Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart.
How many times per day do you blink? The Shiseido scientists determined the average number of times is 20,000 times PER DAY. The three types of bristles on this wand and lightweight waxes means you reach each and every lash and the colour stays put for each and every one of those 20,000 times
Shiseido Full Lash and Brow Serum, $42. (for brows too). Available at The Bay, Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart.
Huge hit already in Asia, this formula helps prevent lashes and brows from looking sparse, short, and thin. Full Lash Serum is formulated to create natural lashes that are longer, denser, and fuller.The Shiseido Research Centre labs intensively researched lash growth and found that the hair cycle of lashes is really short – just four months – and created a formula to support healthy growth within this short period. Apply it morning and night – at the root. First to lashes, then brows.