Ali Larter’s Critics’ Choice Glow Was All About Skin Prep

Landman queen Ali Larter stepped onto the Critics’ Choice Awards red carpet in Santa Monica on Sunday, January 4, with radiant, camera-ready skin—and according to her makeup artist, that lit-from-within glow came down to thoughtful skin prep via Amazon.

Celebrity makeup artist Melissa Hernandez turned to NassifMD Skincare, the doc-developed line from Beverly Hills, CA facial plastic surgeon Paul Nassif, MD to create the perfect canvas before makeup. “Red-carpet skin has to look flawless both up close and on camera,” Hernandez explains. “Everything starts with prep, and these products hydrate, smooth and help makeup wear beautifully all night.”

Hernandez began Larter’s routine with the brand’s top-selling Detox Pads ($35). The exfoliating pads gently refine texture and smooth the skin, helping foundation and complexion products apply more evenly.

Next, she layered on the Hydro Screen Serum ($55), a lightweight hydrator known for plumping the skin without heaviness. “It gives that fresh, healthy bounce you want before makeup,” Hernandez says.

For the under-eye area, Hernandez reached for the Age Defying Eye Renewal Serum ($60), a go-to for keeping concealer looking smooth under bright lights. “It hydrates and smooths without slipping, so everything stays in place.”

To lock in moisture and support the skin barrier, Hernandez then applied the Skin Barrier Protection Cream ($55), creating the seamless base for long-lasting complexion products.

Finally, Hernandez finished skin prep with a mist of the 3HA Insant Hydrating Facial Mist ($51), a step she relies on before and during makeup application. “It keeps the skin hydrated and adds that natural glow that always looks incredible on camera,” she says.

With Landman generating major buzz and awards season in full swing, Larter’s red-carpet beauty routine proves that expert skin prep is the real secret behind a flawless glow—and the best part is that nearly every product she used can be to our doorstep before Wednesday.