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E! Illustration/Benjo Arwas
Whether you're hitting the red carpet or just having a night on the town, a flawless beauty routine can bring your entire look together. But before you even get to the makeup step, there are prep steps you can take with your skin and hair to help create the perfect base.
E! chatted with Pritika Swarup, founder of Prakti Beauty, to get her step-by-step tips for the perfect red carpet look that she used while getting ready for the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party and Guy Oseary’s The Party.
"My approach to great glam really starts with healthy, nourished skin. My routine focuses on balance and deep hydration—especially in the days leading up to a big event," Pritika says.
From how to actually prep your skin the day before a big event to the hair rituals Pritika relies on, and what makeup product gives her skin a “luminous” finish, Pritika exclusively clued us in on all of her favorites that you're going to want to shop ASAP.
Keep reading for all of Pritika's favorite products and tips.
What does your skincare routine involve in the days leading up to an event like this? Are there any products you rely on for glowing, red carpet-worthy skin?
"The night before, I always double mask. I start with Prakti’s PaviPure Detox Mask, which helps draw out impurities, refine pores, and clarify the skin so everything feels really clean and fresh."
Prakti PaviPure Warming Detox Mask
Natural AHAs and kaolin clay work together to draw out impurities and exfoliate dead skin cells to leave skin visibly refined and pores minimized.
"Then I follow it with the MahaMask Moisture Treatment, which deeply hydrates and replenishes the skin. It’s the perfect reset for my skin before a big event."
Prakti MahaMask Pampering Moisture Treatment
Glow-boosting amla oil and turmeric butter come together to deeply moisturize and soothe skin, providing anti-redness benefits and skin barrier protection, nourishing and illuminating the complexion.
"The morning of the event I always rely on is Prakti’s PritiPolish Instant Glow Exfoliator. Exfoliation is such an important step before makeup because it removes buildup and allows your skincare to absorb more deeply, which creates that polished, luminous base where makeup just sits beautifully on the skin."
Prakti PritiPolish Instant Glow Exfoliator
"I have sensitive skin, so I love that it gently exfoliates while still brightening and smoothing the skin to bring out that natural radiance," says Pritika.
"Then I layer hydration with my holy grail hydrating duo: SundaSkin Essential Hydrating Serum and SapnaSoft Essential Hydrating Moisturizer to really flood the skin with moisture and create that plump, lit-from-within glow!"
Prakti SundaSkin Essential Hydrating Serum
This lightweight serum, made with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and white snow mushroom that hydrate and plump the skin, promotes an even complexion and enhances skin radiance.
Prakti SapnaSoft Essential Hydrating Moisturizer
This hydrating moisturizer provides deep hydration, intense moisturization, oil production regulation and cell regeneration, while natural ceramides strengthen the skin barrier.
What’s one hero makeup product you count on to feel camera ready?
"One product I love is Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Foundation Drops because it’s incredibly lightweight and gives the skin this beautiful, luminous finish. For me, the best red-carpet makeup is when your skin still looks like skin—just a little more radiant. A sheer, glowing base and a touch of highlight are key!"
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops
"It evens out your complexion while still letting your natural skin come through, so it never looks heavy or overdone," says Pritika.
What products do you use to maintain hair health and shine? Are there any products you love for red carpet events that give your locks an extra boost?
"One ritual I’ve been doing for years is a nourishing scalp oil massage. It helps strengthen the hair at the root and keeps it looking naturally glossy. I love massaging coconut oil into my scalp and I also use Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Scalp Serum, which keeps the scalp balanced. I usually do this twice a week."
"For red carpet days, I like to keep styling products really minimal, so the hair still has movement and looks natural. I finish with a little Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, which adds this beautiful soft sheen and smooths everything out without weighing the hair down."
Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
Think of this ultralight oil as liquid gold for hair. It's infused with jasmine, sandalwood, cassis, bergamot and argan extracts to work wonders on dry, damaged and color-treated strands.
What’s a beauty/wellness ritual you’d never skip ahead of an event?
"One ritual I never skip before an event is my Ayurvedic facial massage combined with breathwork, no matter how rushed things get. Most of the time we’re racing against the clock!
Abhyanga facial massage stimulates circulation, supports lymphatic drainage, and naturally sculpts the face so the skin looks brighter and more lifted. It also helps relax tension in the face, which makes such a difference before stepping in front of cameras. Then I do a few minutes of breathing exercises, usually a simple 2-to-1 breathing pattern, which brings my body back into balance."
What was the inspiration for your looks tonight? What makes these dresses feel special compared to other red-carpet dresses you’ve worn?
"My first look is a custom sculptural gown designed in collaboration with Swadesh and Manish Malhotra, and it really celebrates Indian craftsmanship at its highest level. It’s made from handloom Maheshwari tissue silk that was woven in gold for over 400 hours by master artisan Aasif Ansari, and finished with intricate zardozi embroidery, stones, and metalwork.
It’s especially meaningful to me because it spotlights the richness of Indian textiles and the incredible artisans who keep these traditions alive. Wearing it tonight feels like a love letter to my heritage, and it’s a personal mission of mine to help bring that craftsmanship onto a global stage like this."
"For another one of my looks tonight, I’m wearing Stéphane Rolland, who is known for his dramatic couture silhouettes. The black gown features a plunging neckline framed by oversized chain-like detailing, which gives it a powerful, modern edge. It feels very sleek and architectural, and I love how the bold structure of the dress contrasts with the elegance of the diamond and emerald zipper necklace from Swadesh.
I loved the idea of wearing two very different looks tonight—one that celebrates heritage and craftsmanship, and another that feels bold, modern, and architectural. Together they show two sides of fashion that really inspire me."
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