Kate Somerville and Mila Moursi Reveal How Stars Get Red-Carpet Ready
Tinseled statues and knockout gowns are ostensible highlights of Hollywood awards season, and nothing says ‘Best Actress’ quite like vintage couture. But often the best and most understated shine lies underneath; so say beloved Los Angeles estheticians Kate Somerville and Mila Moursi, whose tips for flawless complexions are like skincare laws among the starlet set. ”Hydrated skin is the key to that signature red-carpet glow!” promises Somerville, whose celebrity customers include Lauren Conrad,Debra Messing, and Kate Walsh. Same for posture, says Moursi, who counts Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, and Ellen Degeneres as clients. ”[You] must show off that glowing skin you worked so hard to attain!” Moursi says.
Here, their tips for awards-season skin— whether you’re heading to the Oscars or simply out on the town. Book your Vênsette appointment today in LA (and beyond!).
Snack Right
Eating carefully before a big event starts with drinking— water, that is. Moursi suggests a glass with lemon upon waking, followed by one gallon consumed throughout the day. Both facialists recommend munching on healthy fats (see: salmon and nuts), as well as on antioxidant-filled berries. For her part, Somerville swears by sweet potatoes, which boost skin’s collagen production. Moursi suggests morning shots of apple cider vinegar, which aid in de-bloating before a big event. On their absolutely-do-not-eat lists? Salt— in any form.
Say ‘No’ to Spray
Achieving a coveted mid-winter glow may appear as easy as shake and spritz, but both Somerville and Moursi agree: Spray tans aren’t the solution. ”I’m personally not a big fan of the spray tans as often I feel the color just doesn’t come across as natural,” says Moursi. Both recommend instead using tanning towelettes, such as Sommerville’s Body Self Tanning Towelettes, the night before an event for a healthy— but not-so-obvious– glow.
Avoid the One-and-Done
In a time crunch? Peels and masks may seem like efficient skin fixes. But Moursi warns: Avoid all new— and potentially invasive— treatments as your event approaches by planning ahead. Many of her celebrity clients come to her Beverly Hills office for so-called “Boot Camps”—intensive, “head-to-toe” skin therapy sessions— up to six weeks in advance of an awards show.
Get Rough
Don’t underestimate the power of your loofah. ”Not exfoliating can make makeup appear heavy and cakey because it’s exaggerating the dry skin underneath,” says Somerville, adding: ”Exfoliating is key to brighter, smoother, and more even skin texture by removing the dull dry skin that sits on the skin’s surface.” Moursi recommends dry brushing in the shower a few times during the week leading up to a big event, using handy (and inexpensive) gloves from your local drug store.
Think Glowing Thoughts
Apple cider vinegar and sugar scrubs aside, sometimes tapping into radiant skin just takes positive thinking. ”Confidence is the key to looking and feeling red carpet ready,” says Somerville. “When you feel good about yourself, it shows!”
— Emily Levy
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Kate Somerville (photo courtesy of Kate Somerville)
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Mila Moursi (photo courtesy of Mila Moursi)
