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The right prep the night before beats anything you can do an hour ahead — here are 9 essentials.
My top pick: The single biggest mistake before an event is trying something new that day. Everything here should be tested beforehand.

1. Exfoliating Mask (48h Before)

Exfoliate two days ahead, never the morning of. Shop aha exfoliating mask on Amazon →
2. Hydrating Sheet Mask

The night before, for plumped skin. Shop hydrating sheet mask on Amazon →
3. Under-Eye Patches

20 minutes before makeup. Shop under eye patches depuffing on Amazon →
4. Facial Massage Tool

Gua sha or roller for circulation. Shop gua sha facial roller on Amazon →
5. Lip Mask

Overnight lip treatment the night before. Shop overnight lip mask on Amazon →
6. Cooling Ice Globes
To reduce morning puffiness. Shop ice globes facial on Amazon →
7. Hydrating Primer
A dewy base under makeup. Shop hydrating primer makeup on Amazon →
8. Setting Spray
To lock everything in for the night. Shop setting spray makeup on Amazon →
9. Never Try New Products
Why event day is the wrong day to experiment. Shop skincare travel set on Amazon →
The bottom line
Exfoliate 48 hours ahead, hydrate the night before, de-puff on the day. And never use a product for the first time before something that matters.