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Dr Tiina Meder
Founder and CEO of Meder by Dr Tiina Meder (founded in 2009), dermatologist and cosmetic safety expert, an experienced lecturer and speaker on the topic of dermatology and skin care, sharing her expertise around the world in Japan, Taiwan, IMCAS Europe and China, FACE, CCR, APAN (Australia, New Zealand), LNE (France, Poland, Ukraine) and Microbiome Connection (USA) to name but a few. Across her career she has had more than 50 articles published.
Ever found yourself staring in the mirror hours before a big event, wishing for an instant beauty boost? Whether it’s a last-minute party or a long-awaited wedding, the pressure to look your best is real. After 17 years running my clinic, I can assure you: everyone craves that quick transformation now and then. While express facials and red carpet treatments are popular in salons, you don’t always need a professional appointment to get glowing, healthy skin. With the right approach, you can prep your complexion at home — no matter your skin type.
Sensitive skin often means unpredictable redness, irritation, and discomfort. The good news? You can calm it quickly with a gentle, microbiome-friendly cleanser. Use it as a two-minute mask, then rinse with lukewarm water — never hot or cold, as extreme temperatures can worsen redness. Follow with a sheet mask rich in calming ingredients like centella asiatica, green tea, aloe vera, peptides, and prebiotics. If you don’t have a specialty mask, a thick layer of pharmacy aloe vera gel works wonders. After 10–15 minutes, rinse and apply a lightweight moisturizer before makeup. Always patch-test new products in advance to avoid surprises.
Further reading: Sensitive Skin and How to Care for It.
Dry skin can be especially challenging before an event, as flakiness interferes with makeup. Start with gentle cleansing, then use a creamy, nourishing exfoliator — think shea or jojoba butter with probiotic enzymes. Avoid harsh acids, which can cause irritation.
After exfoliating, apply a water-based moisturiser with hyaluronic acid or glycerin while your skin is still slightly damp. If you have another 20 minutes to spare, follow with a hydrating sheet mask enriched with hyaluronic acid, peptides and plant extracts. Layer a lightweight moisturizer with oils like sweet almond or macadamia, plus vitamin E and peptides, to lock in hydration. For extra moisture, mist with thermal water before moisturizing, but always seal it in to prevent evaporation.
Do you need additional motivation? Amazing British actress Carey Mulligan loves Hydra-Fill mask.
Oily skin, especially if acne-prone, needs careful prep to reduce shine and inflammation. Begin with a gentle, anti-inflammatory cleanser — often those for sensitive skin work best. Use cooler water to rinse, as it helps minimize pores and control sebum. DIY tip: splash your face with chilled green tea for its astringent and anti-inflammatory effects. Apply an oil-free serum with prebiotics, probiotics, and sebum-reducing plant extracts. Avoid heavy oils, coconut oil, and mineral oil in foundations. Use a mask with green tea, clay, or seaweed to calm the skin, and always finish with an oil-free moisturizer, even if you’re oily. Don’t skip this step — hydrated skin holds makeup better and looks smoother.
If you have access to beauty devices, microcurrent therapy can add a visible lift — opt for lymphatic drainage for oily skin, or rejuvenating modes for dry skin. LED light therapy, especially blue or white light, is another safe way to calm sensitive or acne-prone skin before a big event.
You don’t need a clinic to achieve radiant, event-ready skin. With tailored home routines and a few strategic products, you can address redness, dryness, or oiliness and create the perfect canvas for makeup. Check your bathroom shelf, invest in a few key masks and serums, and you’ll always be ready for your own red carpet moment.