Another Met Gala for the books! Big names like Colman Domingo and Simone Biles arrived in style—fashionably on-time or otherwise—and dazzled us as they walked the red carpet. While eager spectators, fashion connoisseurs and cultural visionaries devoured the haute-couture, we celebrated the skin bespoke to these iconic looks—and what goes into making these stars glow.
What Goes Into Making Skin Photo-Ready?
Hydration, and subsequently, skin texture are major priorities when it comes to prepping skin for photos, especially when it comes to stark lighting that may exacerbate the appearance of uneven skin, or high-quality cameras with lenses that cling to subjects like…well, a second skin. Evening texture and ensuring a silky, seamless finish will definitely be high up on clients’ lists, all the more if they’re preparing their skin for makeup. This prep-heavy demand might butt heads with the other crucial element of photo-ready skin: ensuring clients can time the ever coveted (and ever ephemeral) post-facial glow for the perfect moment.
Depending on how extensive sun damage, scarring or signs of aging may be, a client may need to start prep treatments early to ensure an adequate number of treatment sessions, consistency and recovery time. You can see how an esthetician can get caught between a skin goal and a hard deadline, right? So, what’s currently in vogue for Met Gala skin prep?
Fascia Facial Release For a Face That’s Prêt-à-Porter?
This type of facial massage is growing in popularity for its ability to improve skin tone and texture, release tension that can contribute to headaches and boost circulation. It can also reduce puffiness and swelling, so clients can strike a slimmer silhouette if they’d like. For the best results, a fascia facial release should be done a week in advance, so there’s enough time for any redness or puffiness to subside. While a pre-event massage may sound like a great idea, clients who bruise easily or who are being treated with a more forceful technique should probably schedule this in advance. Additionally, clients getting more sensitive areas worked on may notice some redness, swelling or muscle twitches as a result of the increased blood flow, which could be another reason to schedule this treatment further in advance. A standard hour-long session can go for about $100 (some estheticians working on Met Gala clients charge up to $1500 though!)
RF Treatments Are A Must For Your Atelier
Radiofrequency treatments are great for tightening and firming skin, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and addressing sun damage and signs of aging. Appealing due to its non-invasive nature and ability to boost collagen production, this option comes with minimal (if any) recovery time, is safe and is suitable for all skin types. One possible drawback is that depending on the state of a client’s skin, they might need more than one session to see results, and while we’re always a proponent of a consistent skin care regimen over here at Skin Inc., those wanting an instant-glow for the Met Gala specifically may not get their ideal results if they choose to squeeze in an RF treatment the morning of the event. Additionally, a last-minute RF session may also not be ideal for those prone to redness or swelling. It also depends on where a client would like to see results—somewhere really sensitive like under the eyes, may require a lighter touch.
RF treatments can vary in cost depending on how elaborate a client wants to get—for a special occasion like the Met Gala, someone might want to combine their RF treatment with PRP for a faster, more convenient recovery (although PRP is considered a medical procedure and so estheticians can’t perform this by themselves.) Estheticians who only want to administer cosmetic RF treatments though, can expect to shell out as much as $7,000 for an RF machine, depending on how many features they want it to have.
Exfoliation Never Goes Out of Style
What’s crucial to remember about photo-ready skin is the quality of the camera and the level of detail captured, so whatever facial you’re prepping for your client, even if it’s one of the standards that doesn’t use one of the above techniques, a deep cleanse and thorough exfoliation is paramount. Once the basics are tended to, an LED mask or eye treatment can go a long way in adding that extra 'oomph' to make sure clients look and feel their best. After that, treating skin so that it’s hydrated and primed for makeup for longer, more seamless wear and oil control as applicable (it gets warm under those lights!) will work wonders.
Microdermabrasion can be another great treatment for even skin texture and stimulating collagen production—if you have enough of a heads up. Make sure clients are seeing you at least a month ahead of picture day before booking this treatment.
Whether your clients are rolling up to the Met or prepping for a more private shoot, you can set the foundation for their close-up.
Make sure you check your state's regulations for up-to-date information on what treatments your license lets you perform.
