Every flawless celebrity look starts before the makeup brush even touches the skin.
According to Pati Dubroff, the celebrity makeup artist behind Margot Robbie’s most stunning red-carpet looks, prepping your skin with the right tools and techniques makes all the difference. Here’s how to bring that same glow into your own routine.

Star with a facial tool

Even five or ten minutes with a face roller or microcurrent device can make your skin instantly radiate. Dubroff explains that these tools stimulate blood flow, making your complexion look fresh and awake before applying any makeup.

Her favorites? ReFa rollers for a simple, no-charge option, and NuFace or Ziip Beauty devices for micro- and nanocurrent stimulation.
For long-term benefits, alternate the tools a few times a week, moving always up and out, never down.

Mix and Match textures for a lively glow

For a complexion that truly glows, layer your products with intention. Focus on hydrating and moisturizing the edges of the face, while applying a mattifying primer to the center — the forehead, chin, and nose — to keep shine in check without relying on heavy powder.

Dubroff recommends different foundation textures: creamy formulas where you meed coverage, and lighter, liquid-based ones on the outer edges for a natural glow. If you need to tone down shine, use blotting powder sparingly, applied with a tiny brush for precision- over – powdering can flatten your look.

Place Color Thoughtfully

Youthful blush lives on the apples of your cheeks. Smile widely to find the perfect spot, and avoid the sides of your nose and eye creases. Cream formulas work best, with softly diffused edges. For longer wear, lightly layer powder blush in a matching shade.
A touch of contour can subtly define your cheekbones — choose shades that complement freckles or natural tones for an effortless finish.

Keep Lines Soft

Harsh eyeliner can look severe and take too long to perfect. Dubroff’s tip: soften your edges. After drawing a line, use a small brush to blend it out. Even a cat eye looks more polished when slightly diffused. For extra longevity, apply a matte eyeshadow in a similar shade on top of the liner.

Refresh Skin Before Evening Events

Heading from work to a party? Don’t just pile on makeup — wipe off your foundation and start fresh. Dubroff emphasizes that fresh skin elevates every other part of your look. Leave your eye makeup intact and simply rebuild around it for an effortlessly radiant evening appearance.

Pro Tip: Great makeup starts with prep, precision, and subtlety – the right tools and techniques will make your skin look luminous, alive, and completely red-carpet-ready.