Hollywood A-listers are preened and plucked to perfection for a red carpet event. But just how do these celestial bodies scrub up so well? We reveal the expert tricks of the trade.
Smooth hands
Make-up artists often apply a sheer foundation on hands so that the skin looks even-toned and flawless. "This is particularly important if your hands are cold or pink from poor circulation," says Nicola Burford, Australian senior artist for MAC. "Avoid shimmery products or your fingers may end up with what I like to call the 'uncooked pork sausage look'."
Bust beauty
Creating a shadowing effect between the bust instantly enhances your cleavage. "Buff a small amount of bronzer between your natural cleavage line, stopping about two centimetres above the nipple line," says Burford. "Matte shades achieve the deepest natural shadow."
Neck hair removal
A sneaky trick: some celebs like to have the hair on their necks removed to banish a creeping hairline for when wearing updos. "The neck responds brilliantly to laser hair removal and will leave your skin looking and feeling smooth. The results are amazing," says Ellen Alexander, director of the City Laser Clinic .
Luscious faux locks
"Ricki-Lee Coulter uses hairpieces on the red carpet to add length and body, essential when there are cameras at every angle," says Barbara Hatton, creative director of Headlines Hairpieces. "Celebs even add a fringe or highlights using the hairpieces."
Spray-on sun
Few celebs dare to wear plunging necklines or backlines without a spray tan — a well-applied bottle bronze instantly slims your limbs, making you look like you've dropped five kilos in less than half an hour.
Bee-stung lips
A sexy pout doesn't necessarily require a Restylane jab. Accentuate Cupid's bow by blending a shimmery gold pigment (over your lip colour) on the upper lip and in the centre of the bottom lip to instantly add the illusion of fullness.
Madame Lash
While eyebrow specialists have been on celebrity's speed-dials for years, the must-have red carpet accessory right now is luscious (false) lashes. But be careful: on some people "a full set of falsies can make your eyes look droopy," says international make-up artist Rae Morris.
Easy does it
Classic buns (think Nicole Kidman) and voluminous ponytails (channel Anne Hathaway) have dominated the red carpet of late. "The key is to keep it simple. An elegant low bun is feminine and very flattering to the neck," says A-list hairstylist Robert Maiolo from Maiolo Copeland Salon in Sydney. "Products are key to making the look last — once you've twisted and secured your locks, use a finishing spray to freeze any potential frizzies."
Instant radiance
Steal this savvy skin-glowing trick from Morris: sweep a finely crushed, golden light-reflecting powder in the area between the top of the cheekbones and the eyes, then down the bridge of your nose to reflect light. A touch of gold also works wonders on the inside corner of the eye (where it meets the nose). "It instantly opens up the eyes," she says.
