How to be red carpet ready
Experts reveal A-listers’ salon secrets and how to get the look on a budget
They have the look and Hollywood A-listers have the money to ensure the latest beauty treatments and technology allows them to keep it.
Their flawless, glowing skin, glistening hair and toned bodies do not come without effort and expense however, as the spas and salons of Beverly Hills make millions from facials, juice cleanses and cellulite-zapping treatments.
Celebrity endorsements of the latest treatments, from stars like Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow, can turn little-known products into must-haves overnight. And social media means many are revealing their beauty secrets, during their treatments, never mind after. Jennifer Glen, head therapist at Edinburgh’s Zen Lifestyle beauty salon, said: “Social media has been really good for helping people to see and realise that a lot of these celebrities – who do look picture perfect all time – are having a lot of advanced treatments done. It’s also a great way for people to see what newtreatmentsare out there, and people do come in and ask for them.”
Sara Stern, trading director for health and beauty at Debenhams, agreed that social media platforms like Instragram have a big influence on beauty trends. She said: “The looks that celebrities share on their channels is having a real impact on our shopping and beauty habits.
“A quick search on Instagram for the hashtag #beauty reveals over 271 million photos, with the latest looks, techniques and treatments.” Many beauty and skincare brands have been aiming to cash-in on celebrity crazes by bringing cheaper alternatives to the market. But can you get the same beautifying benefits without the eye-watering price tag?
We asked Jennifer for the inside track on five celebrity-endorsed treatments, to find out if the cut-price versions work or whether you need to splash the cash to be red carpet ready.
SHEET MASKS
A well-known secret weapon of skincare obsessed Koreans, sheet masks can be used for everything from moisturising to anti-aging.
Unlike traditional face masks, sheet masks hold the skincare product against your face to enhance their effects, and are often used before make-up to create the optimal base. Celeb favourites can cost anywhere from £17 for Estee Lauder’s Concentrated Recovery Powerfoil Mask to £85 for the MZ Skin Golden Facial treatment.
Busy Phillips, Emilia Clarke, Victoria Beckham and January Jones.
Superdrug Purifying Facial Sheet Mask, £1.99
“Sheet masks are really quick and easy to use as you just pop them on for around 10 or 20 minutes, throw the sheet in the bin and then massage in the leftover product. But you don’t want to rely on them solely. It’s important to have a good skincare routine, cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising – you won’t get fantastic results from just one sheet mask if that’s all you are using.”
Mad Men star January Jones is a fan of sheet masks
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
You could say goodbye to razors burn, stubble and painful waxing if you opted for this permanent de-fuzzing treatment.
This is another treatment harnessing the power of light. Intense Pulse Light (IPL) wavelengths target hair follicles under the skin, killing the cells that cause regrowth. Multiple sessions are required and it can cost up to £2,000
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Many beauty brands are bringing out alternatives to celebrity products