There's nothing like an event invitation to make you want to immediately take your self-care to another level. We all want to look and feel our best, and we think any event, from a wedding to a Friday night out, is a great excuse to get on the path to healthy, radiant skin.

Let’s start at the beginning, how early should I start preparing my skin?

The earlier the better! A consistent schedule of one facial per month ensures clearer pores, and a smoother, more supple complexion. Know that certain conditions such as brightening, hyperpigmentation, or clearing hormonal breakouts require time and patience to see progress, so check in for a facial at least 3-4 months before. This also gives us time to work on multiple goals as move along your skincare journey.

What if I’ve never had a facial before (or it’s been a while)?

If an exciting upcoming event has triggered your interest to get your very first facial, amazing! To develop a customized treatment plan to address your concerns, pop in at least two months before the date for a proper skin analysis. You’ll have the opportunity to chat with your Skin Therapist who will give you pro-pointers to make sure you’re set for success.

I get facials regularly, what can I do to take it up a notch?

If you’re not new to the facial game, here is your permission to kick things into high gear. An event is the perfect motivation to go for that Enhancement you’ve been wanting to try, such as a peel, microdermabrasion or light therapy. Our Skin Therapist, Ashley H. at our Los Angeles shop, says that “LED Red Light therapy combined with face massage to stimulate collagen and plump up the skin,” is a great option. Liana C. at our NoMad shop adds that that light therapy is a “for sure for instant firming and glowing.” Exactly what you need before all those people and pictures.

Another option are peels. “Ask your Skin Therapist about starting gentle peels, which stimulate cell turnover. Dull skin cells will shed to reveal bright shiny new ones, giving you a more youthful healthy complexion,” our Skin Therapist in LA, Jenna W. says. We know peels sound intense but you won’t be leaving looking like Samantha from Sex and the City. “I always suggest a light enzyme peel 2 or 3 days prior to the event to kickstart the glow,” our Skin Therapist Joanne D. recommends.

As always, discuss with your Skin Therapist to see which enhancement/s would be most appropriate for your skin.

What are some easy at-home tips, especially for a last minute event?

We always say, “start where you are and use what you have.” The last thing you want to do is overwhelm your skin with a whole new routine right before an event. There are, however, a few products we have to help put your best face forward. For example, Ashley H. from our LA shop reminds you not to forget exfoliating. “Exfoliate couple days before and use an antioxidant/hydrating serum leading up to the event. This will allow enough time for cell renewal. Skin will be hydrated and smooth. Makeup will glide on.”

Give me the products, baby!

Get your skin boosted with antioxidants and major hydration with the Image Ormedic Balancing Serum. It’s basically a super-charged multivitamin for the skin and multitasks to repair and plump skin in one step. Apply a thin layer in the morning and at night, before moisturizing.

Incorporate a calming brightening mask into your routine, such as the Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask from Alchimie Forever. Pro tip: Mix a dime-sized amount into your AM or PM moisturizer and mask all day or night! Get ready for a serious glow and a more even tone.

Keep the Shaffali Volcanic Ash & Sage Earth Mask handy for any breakouts! It’s the best spot treatment overnight, or can be used as a traditional mask to pull out impurities and tighten the pores. We’ve even been known to dab a little on for day-time, which is truly undetectable once blended, thanks to its natural tint from turmeric.

How about day-of the event?

“Day of, for mega-hydration, de-puffing, and tightening, allow yourself time for this routine prior to makeup application,” Joanne says. “First, apply a hydrating gel mask. Then, saturate a microfiber cloth in ice water, wring out, and drape and gently press into skin. Optional: Glide ice cubes over the cloth, focusing around the eye area. Dream of paparazzi for 10 minutes, then remove with cloth and splash face with cool water. Follow with your favorite moisturizer!”

If you have time, schedule a quick 30 min facial morning-of, to focus on major hydration. Professional hydrating ingredients go deeper to plump fine lines, so makeup is less likely to settle inside creases.

What if I’m traveling for the event?

Traveling for an event is not the time to try out those random travel-sized skincare products you’ve been collecting in your medicine cabinet. Keep your usual product routine during travel, even if it means making your own travel kit and gives you an excuse to go to Muji.

Anything I should avoid doing right before an event?

We love a good microdermabrasion for resurfacing and stimulating collagen, just remember to schedule yours at least a month from the event, no sooner. Same goes for seriously deep peels. Gentle ones are fine though! And don't start experimenting with new products. Stick with what works!