How To Prep Your Skin For Party Season

Looking to give your skin a little boost before your next holiday celebration? Here are some expert tips from Jennifer Brodeur, founder of the Montreal-based skincare brand JB Skin Sävvi and a celebrity facialist with clients like Oprah and Michelle Obama, as well as Lainey Lui, a senior correspondent and regular red carpet presence.

Prioritize Sleep
While it’s not always easy, getting enough sleep in the days leading up to an event can do wonders for your skin. "Lack of sleep leads to redness, inflammation, and dry patches," says Brodeur. Beyond just the amount of sleep, the quality matters, too. Brodeur swears by silk pillowcases, which are gentler on your skin and hair, reducing irritation and frizz.

Keep It Simple
Brodeur advises against overloading your skin with treatments or harsh products before a big day. Stress can disrupt the skin barrier, making your skin more reactive to even well-tolerated active ingredients. Stick to your usual routine and, if you’re getting professional treatments, make sure to consult someone you trust to guide you in the right direction.

Plan Your Treatments
If you're considering Botox or a peel before the holidays, schedule your appointments for early December. Lui likes to book a Clear + Brilliant laser treatment in winter, which helps improve skin texture and reduce hyperpigmentation. For in-between party prep, Brodeur suggests "LED quickies," or mini facials with LED light therapy, to reduce inflammation and redness with no downtime.

Hydrate with Face Masks
The night before an event, Lui does two masks: a charcoal mask to draw out impurities followed by a moisturizing sheet mask to rehydrate. Brodeur also recommends masking—she starts with a facial mist to hydrate, then applies face oil before placing a sheet mask over it. After 20 minutes, your skin will be primed for makeup.

Hydrate with Nourishing Oils
For Brodeur, face oil is a must, especially in the winter. Choose oils that are easily absorbed, such as sunflower seed or argan oil, which help lock in moisture. Vitamin C is great for brightening, though it can irritate some skin. A drop of oil helps make skin plumper, creating a smooth canvas for foundation. Brodeur recommends the L’Extrait Peoni face oil from her brand, which is one of Michelle Obama’s favorites, containing sunflower seed oil, peony root extract, and licorice root for soothing and repair.

Refresh with Souped-Up Mists
Brodeur suggests using mists packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamins C and E. These provide instant hydration and refresh your complexion. Carry one in your bag to revitalize your skin and makeup throughout the day as you hop between events.

Take a Break
If you can, let your skin breathe and skip makeup on the day of the event—just wash your face, and you're good to go. Lui makes the getting-ready process a relaxing experience, setting the mood with a spa-like atmosphere and her mom’s homemade lotus root soup. After a long night, remove your makeup, hydrate, and drink plenty of water. Brodeur keeps sheet masks and a jade roller in the fridge to de-puff her skin the next day.