Celebrity makeup artists know something the rest of us often forget: glowing skin starts long before foundation touches your face. So when I discovered the exact skincare routine used to prep Ali Larter's complexion for the big events like the Screen Actor's Guild, I was immediately intrigued.
The Landman star looked effortlessly radiant on the red carpet, with the kind of fresh, lit-from-within glow that usually has me assuming an army of professionals, expensive treatments and very good lighting were involved.
Instead, the routine was surprisingly simple. Created by makeup artist Kelsey using a handful of Ultraceuticals products, the focus wasn't on covering imperfections but on hydrating, calming and supporting the skin before makeup was even applied. Naturally, I wanted to see whether it could deliver the same kind of dewy results in real life.
© InstagramThe skin-first approach
According to Kelsey, the secret to Ali's luminous red-carpet complexion wasn't foundation or highlighter.
It was hydration: "For Ali's skin prep at the Actor Awards, I kept everything hydrated and balanced with Ultraceuticals," she explained.
The goal was to create a complexion that looked healthy, plump and supported, allowing makeup to sit seamlessly on top. It's an approach that makes perfect sense. When skin is hydrated and functioning well, makeup doesn't need to work nearly as hard.
Step one: a gentle cleanse
The routine begins with the Ultraceuticals Ultra Calming Cleanser. Designed to remove impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin, it creates a clean, comfortable canvas for everything that follows.
The first thing I noticed was how gentle it felt. My skin felt refreshed after cleansing, but there was none of that tight, squeaky-clean sensation that often signals you've gone too far. Instead, my complexion felt balanced and calm.
Step two: the hydration boost
Next came the Ultra B² Hydration Mask. Enriched with Provitamin B5, it's designed to replenish moisture and comfort dehydrated skin.
This was probably the standout step for me. After removing the mask, my skin felt noticeably softer and looked visibly more hydrated. It had that smooth, supple quality that instantly makes your complexion appear healthier. I could immediately understand why a makeup artist would include this step before a major event.
Step three: plumping and barrier support
The next layer was the Ultra B² Hydrating Serum. Rich in B vitamins, the serum is designed to deeply hydrate while supporting the skin barrier and improving the appearance of fine lines and firmness.
Kelsey described it as the step that gives skin a "plump, healthy bounce", and I can see exactly what she meant. My skin felt fuller, smoother and more hydrated, with foundation applying far more evenly than usual.
© InstagramStep four: don't forget the eyes
The under-eye area is often the first place dehydration shows up, particularly if you've had a late night or spent too many hours staring at a screen.
Kelsey used the Ultra Moisturiser Eye Cream to keep the area smooth and hydrated before concealer application. It absorbed beautifully and left the delicate skin around my eyes feeling soft and comfortable without any heaviness.
Step five: lock everything in
The final hydration step was the Ultra Moisturiser Cream. This rich moisturiser is designed to lock in moisture and reinforce the skin barrier while maintaining long-lasting comfort throughout the day.
After applying it, my skin felt deeply nourished but not greasy. Everything looked smoother, calmer and noticeably more radiant.
The finishing touch
No skincare routine is complete without sun protection. Kelsey finished Ali's red-carpet prep with Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturising SPF 50+ Hydrating.
Unlike some sunscreens that can pill or leave a white cast under makeup, this one sat beautifully on the skin while maintaining that healthy glow.
My verdict
What impressed me most about Ali's skincare routine wasn't any dramatic transformation. It was how healthy my skin looked.
There were no complicated techniques, harsh exfoliants or miracle claims. Instead, every step focused on supporting the skin barrier, restoring hydration and creating the healthiest possible canvas.
By the time I applied makeup, my complexion looked smoother, my foundation blended more easily and I needed far less product than usual.
Even better, my skin still looked fresh hours later. It's easy to assume celebrity red-carpet beauty comes down to clever makeup tricks, but this experience reminded me that the best glow often starts with skincare.
