Hot off her Golden Globe win and BAFTA nomination, Australian actor Rose Byrne is making the awards ceremony rounds. Next up: the Oscars.
Rose Byrne has always been a standout talent, but the recent recognition for her lead role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You feels like a long-awaited moment. Until now, she’s mostly starred in light-hearted comedies (with a few exceptions), but this more serious role seems to mark a welcome and illustrious turning point.
Naturally, the release of the film has been followed by a whirlwind of premieres and red-carpet appearances, concluding with the Oscars on Sunday 15 March. Rose — who’s nominated for Best Actress — is set to be one of the standout attendees, but how does one prep for such a high-profile spectacle?
Luckily, Rose has shared a few of her beauty secrets over the years. Here’s a look at how she may well get ready for day, along with some tips for looking red carpet ready year-round.
The perfect SPF
As any beauty enthusiast knows, sun protection is key.
Rose, who splits her time between Australia (where the sun shines for most of the year) and the US, takes SPF seriously.
Though it’s not been confirmed whether she still uses it today, in 2018, Rose told Today about her favourite sun protection products, including the Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer SPF 50+ Anti-Ageing Sunscreen (£46).
But she’s also told New Beauty that she likes Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (£36.50) .
Using SPF year round is ideal, since sun exposure is cumulative, says Dr Ed Robinson, a leading non-surgical cosmetic doctor. “Protection all year means better, healthier skin as a base for makeup,” he explains. “Plus, many of these events begin outside, meaning prolonged sun exposure on the day as well.”
He also suggests applying suncream as the final step in your skincare routine before makeup, and if you know you’re going to be outdoors, reapplying it every two to three hours.
The best make-up friendly SPF according to Dr Ed? The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, because it has an “invisible, primer-like finish that can blur the look of texture and help foundation apply smoothly, which is great for events where the makeup needs to last.”
A well-timed facial
Unsurprisingly, Rose is no stranger to a facial and she appears to favour natural treatments over invasive options like injectables.
When she’s in New York, she’s been known to visit Fabricio Ormonde, and she also told Today that she’s a fan of in-store facials at Kate Somerville.
According to skincare expert Justine Masters, a good facial before an event can refine pores, smooth skin texture, boost circulation and improve hydration, leaving skin with that all coveted natural glow.
“Makeup then applies more seamlessly, sits better on the skin and lasts longer,” she adds, “which is essential for confidence when being photographed at a big event.”
But timing is everything. Justine recommends scheduling an event-specific facial three to five days before the big day for a glowing, makeup-friendly finish.
For advanced treatments such as microneedling or plasma fusion, aim for at least four weeks in advance, while simpler treatments such as those that are hydrating or glow-focused can be done two to three days before an event.
For at-home skin treatments, Rose shared with New Beauty that her favourites include the Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel (£163.08) and the Allies of Skin Multi Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum (£80).
Read more: The secrets to Jessica Alba’s stunning skin
Dr Ed recommends the Triple Acid Peel for resurfacing and smoothing skin texture but cautions against using it the night before an event — it’s best to incorporate this treatment seven to ten days beforehand.
For hydration, the Allies of Skin serum uses hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin and antioxidants to enhance the complexion. Dr Ed suggests applying it to damp skin and sealing it with a moisturiser to lock in hydration.
Consistent, affordable classics
Rose takes great care of her skin year-round, which, as we know, makes all the difference when it comes to the day.
According to New Beauty, her go-to staples include Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Toner (£10.37) and Weleda Skin Food (£15.95).
Toner isn’t essential, but a well-formed one can be helpful when used thoughtfully, says Dr Ed. “They provide a first layer of hydration after cleansing and help the skin absorb serums and moisturisers.”
However, it’s important to avoid toners with astringents or alcohol, which can irritate the skin, especially before an event.
Rose’s Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Toner is great for a quick refresh and hydrating boost, but he advises patch-testing if you have sensitive skin.
Year-round and pre-event LED masks
Back in 2019, Rose was spotted using an LED mask on set before a shoot and, while, we can’t be certain she uses one year-round, these masks are now hugely popular for improving skin texture and boosting collagen production.
In the final hours before an event Dr Ed recommends sticking to gentle treatments such as hydrating masks or LED light therapy, instead of more intense treatments that could stress the skin.
He adds, “The closer you get to the event, the less you should change your routine. It’s not the time for experimentation, as even great products can cause a reaction if your skin is stressed.”
Read more: Are LED face masks worth the money? Our honest review
Complementary makeup
After all that skincare prep, the makeup that follows is the key to bringing it all together.
Rose’s makeup artist James Molloy shared with OK magazine that the secret behind her flawless complexion is the Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint (£37).
For the Oscars, this ‘second skin’ effect is perfect for daytime and red-carpet appearances, providing ample cover, but letting natural beauty shine through.
Feature image: Alamy











