The festive season is here and everyone wants their make-up to glow, stay flawless and survive all-night celebrations. But as any top make-up artist will tell you, radiant make-up starts with great skin. We invited celebrity make-up artist Dani Guinsberg to share her secrets on prepping skin for the party season, tackling last-minute dilemmas and keeping make-up looking immaculate, no matter how long the night goes on.

Pre-Party Skin Preparation

Before any big event I highly recommend some at-home skin preparation to really improve texture ahead of the day. Make sure that you are double cleansing so that pores are clean and clear – this is often a step people miss out on but it’s the most important. I’m obsessed with Dr Somji Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser and even leave it on as a light mask for five minutes to deep cleanse the skin.

Prior to this I always start with an oil-based or cream cleanser like Dr Somji Nourishing Cream Cleanser. The next step is to use a liquid exfoliant that is gentle enough not to strip skin but powerful enough to really slough off dead skin, which then encourages glow. I also recommend using some eye patches to help soften fine lines and deeply hydrate the eye area. A nourishing serum such as the Dr Somji Signature Serum is my go-to of all serums out there. It leaves skin instantly hydrated and make-up sits beautifully on top of it.

Event Day Skin Tips

Start with super clean skin. I like using a cryo roller on top of the  Dr Somji Exosome Barrier Repair Serum to help calm and hydrate the skin and follow with the Dr Somji Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30. I use this on everyone, as it works so well on all skin types. It’s the perfect make-up base and gives such a stunning glow. If someone has very dehydrated and dull skin I recommend the Dr Somji Night Recovery Cream, which has a slightly richer texture.

I usually prep the skin with a micellar water and follow with a serum specifically chosen for the type of skin that I am working on – this could be a hydrating serum or a more targeted formula for sensitive skin like the Dr Somji Signature Serum Light. If needed, I will follow with the custom concentrates by Dr Somji such as the Anti-Redness Concentrate, if someone has rosacea or redness.

Common Mistakes and Tips for Glow

One mistake I see people make with skincare before applying make-up is using too many oil-based products, which will only make the make-up slip around all day. To balance the glowy trend with a polished finish, always mattify the T-zone and leave areas like the top of cheekbones and brow to radiate naturally. I love Dr Somji Skincare formulas because they sink directly into the skin leaving no residue, which can fight with make-up application. I’m a big fan of the Dr Somji Exosome Barrier Repair Serum because it gives the skin a flawless, poreless finish before you’ve even applied make-up.

Last-Minute Fixes

If you’re heading to an event straight after work, refresh the skin by spritzing the face with a spray and then gently tap the Dr Somji Signature Serum Light around the eye area and anywhere that looks or feels dull. All the Dr Somji products sit perfectly under and on top of make-up. Just be sure to dab rather than massage.