how I keep my skin stage- ready
this year, I spent my New Year’s Eve on stage at Madison Square Garden — a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment. and like any performer stepping into a long, high-energy day under stage lights, I knew my skin had to be prepped, balanced, and ready for anything. here’s exactly how I got my skin stage-ready for an unforgettable night at MSG, and the routine I rely on whenever I need my skin to look (and feel) its best for a long day, show, shoot, or performance.
1. the week of: lay the groundwork
for any big performance, shoot, or long show day, my skin prep starts days before I ever step into makeup. the goal? keep everything calm, hydrated, and predictable.
2–3 days before:
exfoliate — gently.
this timing gives my skin space to smooth, brighten, and reset without risking irritation the night before a performance. I usually reach for something mild and dependable (like mandelic or lactic acid) that refines texture and clears congestion while keeping my barrier happy.
the rest of the week:
focus on hydration, barrier support, and consistency. no surprises, no new products, nothing experimental. my skin performs best when it feels balanced and supported, not overstimulated.
this “week-of” rhythm keeps my skin clear, calm, and responsive — the perfect canvas for whatever the day will bring.
2. the night-before: set the stage
the night before a performance is where I lock in hydration, clarity, and barrier strength. this step determines how well my makeup applies — and how well my skin handles a long day.
my night-before routine:
double cleanse: remove SPF, makeup, sweat, and NYC buildup.
hydrating serum: peptides, panthenol, or hyaluronic acid to deeply replenish moisture.
barrier-rich moisturizer: to seal everything in and prevent overnight dehydration.
LED red light (if time allows): boosts circulation and calms inflammation.
I want my skin to wake up smooth, supple, and ready.
3. the morning-of: keep it simple
performance day is not the time to introduce anything new. I focus on a lightweight, hydrating routine that preps my skin for long wear and layers well under makeup.
my morning-of routine:
gentle cleanse: just enough to refresh without stripping.
hydrating toner or essence: helps makeup sit better on the skin.
vitamin C: to give the skin a healthy, lasting glow. & to protect from free radicals.
lightweight moisturizer: prevents makeup from cracking or pilling.
SPF: always.
optional depuffing: ice roller, or gua sha.
the goal: calm, hydrated, smooth skin that doesn’t fight your makeup.
4. pre-show & backstage: support, don’t smother
backstage is chaotic, fun, sweaty, emotional, magical — and your skin needs quick, smart touch-ups that support your makeup (not disrupt it).
what I pack backstage:
hypochlorous acid spray: antibacterial and soothing.
blotting sheets: take shine without removing makeup.
hydrating mist: gives life back to the skin, and refreshes makeup.
lip balm: crucial for long performance days.
my biggest makeup rule: don’t over-powder.
too much powder looks dull and textured.
5. after the show: the reset
when the curtain comes down, the real work begins. sweat, makeup, and adrenaline are a recipe for congestion — unless you reset properly.
my post-show ritual:
double cleanse: again, always.
soothing serum: think peptides, or niacinamide.
rich moisturizer: restore + repair.
optional LED: helps calm inflammation from sweat + makeup wear.
your skin worked just as hard as you did — treat it gently.
6. performer-specific pro tips
whether you’re onstage, in rehearsal, filming content, teaching, or dancing 8-show weeks, these fundamentals make everything easier:
hydrate constantly — your skin shows dehydration.
stick to routine — consistency is key.
avoid new products before a performance — no surprises.
prioritize sleep — your cheapest skincare tool.
focus on your barrier — calm skin = better canvas for makeup
want help building your stage-ready routine?
every performer — and every performance — is different. your skin deserves a routine that supports your schedule, your lifestyle, and the environments you shine in.
✨ book a facial or virtual consultation
✨ let’s build your 2026 skin foundation together
your skin is part of your performance — on stage, on camera, and in real life. let’s make it feel as confident as you do.
