Before the Flash: The Skin Prep Behind the Met Gala with Allies of Skin
As the Met Gala descends on New York City, the biggest names in fashion, entertainment, and culture come together for one of the most photographed nights of the year. Behind the glitz and glamour, fans rarely see the prep before the lights go up – specifically, what it takes to show up camera-ready when every flaw is magnified in high definition.
Leyen Tran, a resident facialist at Allies of Skin, an award-winning, science-led skincare brand, says the answer starts long before a single product is opened. Her holistic approach to red carpet prep ensures skin receives maximum benefits. "For me, skin prep for the MET Gala is a form of healing energy work as much as it is skincare," Leyen explains.
The brand offered an exclusive facial to MET Gala attendees, designed to rejuvenate and energize clients in anticipation of a night full of flash photography – but those inspired by the high-fashion event can find products with similar ingredients and imitate Leyen's techniques to enjoy their own luxury skincare moment on a budget.
Before applying anything, the expert facialist starts with stress reduction and circulation. "The face holds so much tension, emotion, and stagnation, especially after travel and high-pressure environments," she says.
Using guided breathwork, aromatherapy, and sound healing, Leyen calms the nervous system, shifting the body into rest-and-recovery mode. In this state, heart rate slows and inflammation eases.
Next, she incorporates sculptural facial techniques – lymphatic drainage, fascia release, and gua sha – all shown to help reset the nervous system and improve circulation. Using her hands and a smooth flat gua sha tool with contoured edges, Leyen applies light pressure and repetitive movements across the face, reducing puffiness and sculpting the jawline.
Each technique works to boost circulation and cellular receptivity by guiding excess lymph fluid back into the circulatory system. "As the body settles, circulation returns, and the skin becomes more receptive. This is when you start to see the face soften, lift, and come back to life," she explains.
Allies of Skin's scientifically formulated products are then applied from thinnest to thickest consistency, locking in each layer so it fully absorbs before the next is applied.
"From there, I combine microcurrent technology with targeted actives like Allies of Skin's Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum and Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum, alongside the Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist to rebalance the microbiome and deeply hydrate, restoring the skin's integrity from within," Leyen explains. The brand also offers the CE15 Bakuchiol Firming Oil, which improves elasticity and firmness while softening uneven skin tone.
Growth factors repair and regenerate skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and texture, while Bakuchiol — a natural retinol alternative — delivers similar results without the sensitivity or redness typically associated with the synthetic version. One less thing to worry about the night of.
"The result is an elegantly snatched, lit-from-within glow that becomes the perfect canvas for everything that follows on the red carpet," Leyen concludes.
Top (Before) | Bottom (After)
Whether heading to a red-carpet event or doing self-care at home, everyone deserves maximized hydration and glow for a photo-ready look.
Those looking to find their perfect products can take Allies of Skin's one-minute skincare quiz for a tailored routine.
