Beauty Secrets from Red Carpet Experts

Texture and Volume in Hair

When it comes to red carpet hair, Dove celebrity stylist Mark Townsend says he loves texture and volume, especially with a deep side part. “The look is so gorgeous and gives the best over the shoulder pics!”

Textured updos are another hairstyle favourite of Townsend’s. “I think they are so chic, so I love when a client lets me play around and sculpt their hair into a style,” he says.

To achieve Elizabeth Olsen’s updo (as seen at the TIFF premiere of I Saw The Light), Townsend says to start by combing a few drops of Dove Pure Care Dry Oil through damp hair to nourish it and seal the cuticle. Next, add a dollop of Dove Style + Care Nourishing Curls Mousse to hair and scrunch it while blow-drying for texture. When hair is dry, use your hands to comb through a small amount of Sally Hershberger 24K Texturizing Paste. Then pull the hair back and twist it into a bun, securing with bobby pins. (When putting in bobby pins, use an even number and secure them in “X” formation for added hold.) Finally, finish by liberally spraying Dove Style + Care Extra Hold Hairspray all over.

Body Contouring using Self-Tanner

Before a big event or public appearance, many celebs turn to New York-based celebrity tanning expert, Sophie Evans, for an all-over, natural-looking glow. Her clients have included Lady Gaga, Colin Firth and Woody Harrelson.

When getting a spray tan or applying self-tanner, “it’s important not to go too dark,” says Evans. “That’s a tell-tale sign you’ve had a spray tan and you want it to look natural.”

Another trick to looking buff and toned on the red carpet is body contouring. “You can contour everything from your arms and thighs to your abs and your face,” says Evans. “The trick is to use a darker colour rather than trying to layer on the same colour as your base tan.”

At home, apply St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse ($32) using a St. Tropez Applicator Mitt ($8; both available at Shoppers Drug Mart) for your all-over base. To contour, use a darker shade in an aerosol spray to create natural shadows and body contours.

Facial Massage for Glowing Skin

“For red carpet glam, skin has to be gorgeous, dewy and glowing. You can’t have a beautiful painting without a beautiful canvas,” says Charlotte Tilbury, a celebrity makeup artist, whose clients have included Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz and Rihanna.

Tilbury preps skin with Goddess Skin Clay Mask (from her self-titled makeup and skincare line) and then massages Charlotte’s Magic Cream into the skin to boost lymphatic drainage and encourage circulation. “A good, rich cream may seem intimidating, but it’s essential for ensuring the skin looks glowing under the intense flash lights,” she says.

For a really glam look, go for a bold lip. “Matte lips are a big trend on the red carpet,” says Tilbury. “I used my Matte Revolution lipsticks [for a lot] of red carpet looks this season, including Amal Clooney at the Met Ball & Golden Globes.” Matte lipsticks evoke a classic vibe and have serious staying power, both on the lips and as a beauty trend. In fact, Clooney wore a mixture of Matte Revolution in Bond Girl and Walk of Shame for her September 2014 wedding to actor George Clooney.

Groomed Eyebrows and Sleek Hair

Bold brows continue to dominate runways and red carpets, and for good reason – a full brow that’s slightly darker than your natural helps frame the face. Otherwise brows can fade out in the flash of a photo. “Try a brow pencil or brush to help fill in gaps and brush hair into place so it stays,” says celebrity hair and makeup stylist, Paul Venoit. “Don’t underestimate a good, well-groomed brow… it really goes a long way!”

For hair, Venoit says an understated ponytail can be just as powerful. “A sleek look like [Kate Bosworth’s] is perfect for second day hair, as long as you keep the roots looking fresh. A quick spritz of a dry shampoo like Batiste will do the trick and leave your locks fresh and smelling fab.”

A Deep Side Part

When deciding on a hairstyle, take a look at your facial features, says Chicago-based Phyto Artistic Director Anthony Cristiano. Both a centre part or a side part work well on round and square shaped faces, while a side part may look too harsh and elongating on those with oblong or oval shaped faces. “A side part adds glamour to any style, while a centre part gives a younger, more casual vibe,” says Cristiano. “As a hairdresser I’m always either accentuating or disguising a feature.”

When it comes to product, remember that touchable hair adds sex appeal. You want to “keep it real looking,” says Cristiano. “You want that movement.” To keep hair healthy and soft, try Phytokératine Extrême Exceptional Shampoo ($30) and Phytokératine Extrême Exceptional Mask ($54; both available at Shoppers Drug Mart).