From Carey Mulligan and Zoe Saldaña to this awards season’s star, Demi Moore, A-list aesthetician Keren Bartov has been booked and busy, prepping countless celebrities for last night’s Oscars. It’s no surprise, then, that among the stars’ custom gowns and surprise reunions, it was the all-round luminous glow radiating off the red carpet that caught our eyes.
Having heard from Keren – an internationally acclaimed specialist in glow-giving treatments – herself, we got an exclusive insight into the step-by-step skin prep that she recommends to all of her clients, including the high-profile ones. The key? Variety.
‘I believe the secret to glowing skin is the right combination of professional treatments, a smart skincare routine and cutting-edge technology,’ explains Keren. So, whether there’s a particularly fancy event in your diary or your post-winter skin is begging for a boost, here are the ingredients for an ultra-radiant, red-carpet-ready glow.
Plan, plan and plan
According to Keren, planning is key when it comes to treatments. Whether it’s a face-lifting facial or a smoothing session of microneedling, ‘facial treatments are always beneficial,’ she says.
‘But for big events, I recommend telling your aesthetician beforehand – this way, they can tailor a firming and brightening treatment instead of one that might cause temporary side effects.’
It’s also important to discuss your usual skincare routine (for example, any actives or retinols you use) with your aesthetician, as well as letting them know if you have particularly sensitive skin or have had past skin reactions to certain treatments. Unsurprisingly, a spontaneous breakout is not on Keren’s step-by-step guide to glowy skin…
Opt for a glow treatment
‘To achieve fresh, radiant skin, a glow treatment is the perfect choice,’ explains Keren. ‘It provides instant firming and infuses the skin with hydration and active ingredients.’
At GH, we love Sarah Chapman’s Deep Glow + Meso Facial, from £380, which pumps a hardworking cocktail of radiance-boosting vitamins and actives into the skin to stimulate its natural collagen production.
Or, for an at-home boost, we recommend Bioderma’s Hydrabio Hyalu+ Plumping Hydrating Serum, £32, or Clarins Hydra-Essentiel HA2 Mask, £36 (which scored a whopping 83/100 in the GHI’s tests of the top hydrating face masks). Both are packed with hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and soothes skin. Pair with a form of vitamin C – we love Facetheory Glow-C Vitamin C 20% Serum, £23 – for a brighter finish.
Keren recommends using a combination of similar actives every day, to ensure your skin keeps glowing.
Bioderma Hydrabio Hyalu+ Plumping Hydrating Serum
As for timing, Keren says: ‘It’s best to do it one to two days before an event, a photoshoot or whenever you want to feel your best. This is the secret celebrities use before major events and launches.’
Daily cleansing equals healthy skin
Keren tells GH that the foundation of glowing skin is proper cleansing. ‘Use a gentle cleanser without alcohol, detergents or SLS, and stick to a consistent routine,’ she advises.
Shop the GHI’s top picks for cleansers for all skin types
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Personalise your skincare
While a six-step guide to glowy skin is a great frame of reference, Keren stresses that creating a personalised skincare routine is essential for each of her clients. ‘Everyone wants radiant skin, but the path to achieving it is different for each person.’
‘Whether it’s anti-ageing, pigmentation correction or acne treatment, the protocol must be tailored to your skin’s specific needs,’ she explains. The final result is naturally glowing and healthy skin, exactly as you desire.
Acids are the key to glowing skin
The most effective product for a radiant glow is acids, says Keren. ‘My Booster Peel & Glow Serum, £170, helps to renew the skin and create a smooth, even texture.’
Keren notes that daily sun protection is essential if you’re incorporating acids into your daily skincare. Even on gloomier days, it’s important to add SPF as the final step in your morning routine.
Shop our top picks for facial SPFs
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Daily Moisturizer SPF30
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Sheer Glow, SPF50+
Incorporate advanced technology
‘A monthly in-clinic treatment combined with a customised skincare routine at home accounts for 70% of your results,’ explains Keren.
So, when your budget doesn’t quite cover booking a facial treatment, she recommends trying out an at-home skincare device instead. ‘To maintain firm and glowing skin over time, consider adding at-home treatments like my new at-home device, The Wand, £1,650 – a medical-grade home device that firms, renews and enhances skin radiance with regular use.’
Over at the GHI, LED masks are all the rage, in particular for improving skin texture and brightening.
Shop our top picks below
