Expert Session

How Celebrity Makeup Artist Jenna Kristina Prepped Nikki Glaser’s Skin for the Red Carpet

March 03, 2025

Photos by: Cindy Ord, Amy Sussman, & Jenna Kristina

For this year’s Vanity Fair Oscar Party, celebrity makeup artist Jenna Kristina used exclusively Oak products to prep Nikki Glaser’s skin. The end result? Soft, natural luminosity that looked just as effortless in-person as it did under the flash of a camera. Keep reading for Jenna’s approach to red carpet skin prep, plus the exact products she used to achieve Nikki’s lit-from-within glow.

What’s your philosophy on skin prep before a big event like this?

I like to condition, nourish, hydrate, and if needed, calm my client’s skin before events. I often gift them Oak Essentials products to use at home in the days leading up to an event. Their skin should be bright, smooth, and nourished—the perfect canvas for makeup application.

What’s inspiring you in beauty right now? What trends or techniques are you loving?

I’m inspired by people confident enough to try new things—or people that have found the products that truly work for them. I love clean, fresh skin, but to me, that’s timeless and not a trend. When it comes to makeup, I like to highlight one feature, whether it’s eyes, lips, or cheeks to help create a focal point.

What was your vision for the overall makeup aesthetic?

My vision always starts with bright, beautiful skin—because good makeup starts with impeccable skin prep. Oak Essentials helped me achieve that with its clean ingredients, a staple in any well-rounded regimen. But for Nikki’s overall Oscars look, we knew it had to be special. Since she's mid-tour and constantly flying, I focused on giving her skin some extra hydration. I know she’ll radiate effortless beauty, stealing the spotlight as she celebrates the Oscars.

Step 1: Smooth with Renew Face Polish

The foundation of any standout makeup look is smooth, polished skin, and I kick things off with Renew Face Polish. This gentle exfoliant is perfect for Nikki who has the most insane schedule of anyone I know. I had her take a small amount and massage it onto damp skin in circular motions, focusing on the T-zone and any areas prone to texture, like the cheeks or chin. The blend of finely milled walnut shells and hydrating oils sloughs off dead skin cells, leaving a soft, even surface that’s ideal for foundation. Pat dry to reveal a bright, prepped canvas that’s ready to soak up the next layers. This step ensures no flakiness or dullness peeks through the makeup under harsh lighting.

Step 2: Tone with Balancing Mist

Next, I reach for Balancing Mist to hydrate and reset the skin’s pH after exfoliation—a crucial step for anyone who needs to look fresh and dewy all night. I hold the bottle about six inches from the face and spritz lightly, letting the fine mist of chamomile and cucumber water settle into the skin. With a clean cotton pad, I gently press it in to remove any lingering residue and lock in moisture. This lightweight toner calms any redness (perfect post-travel or late-night shows) and preps the skin for serums and oils. The subtle, soothing scent also adds a moment of calm before the high-energy event, which clients appreciate amidst the buzz.

Step 3: Plump with Firming Plant Peptide Serum

To give my Nikki that lifted, youthful glow that's synonymous with awards season, I used Oak's Firming Plant Peptide Serum. This lightweight-yet-potent formula is a makeup artist’s dream for tightening and plumping the skin without heaviness. I dispense two pumps into my palms and pat it gently across the face and neck, focusing on areas like the jawline and under-eye region where firmness is key for camera-ready definition. The plant-based peptides and hyaluronic acid work instantly to smooth fine lines and hydrate, creating a taut, bouncy base that pairs beautifully with a luminous makeup look. For any special occasion this ensures the skin looks sculpted and vibrant, even after hours of walking down the red carpet.

Step 4: Hydrate with Ritual Oil

No look is complete without a glow, and Ritual Oil delivers just that. I use three to four drops, warming them between my hands before pressing them into the skin—concentrating on the cheeks, forehead, and temples. This luxurious oil, infused with jojoba and rosehip oils, imparts a natural, lit-from-within radiance that’s perfect for HD cameras and party lighting. It absorbs quickly, leaving a velvety finish that grips makeup without feeling greasy. For my client, this step enhances the skin’s luminosity, ensuring they catch the light effortlessly. It’s the ultimate prep for a dewy foundation application.

Step 5: Soften with Conditioning Lip Balm

With the face prepped, I turn my attention to the lips with Conditioning Lip Balm. A smooth, hydrated pout is a non-negotiable for any makeup look. I apply a generous layer of this rich balm, massaging it in with my ring finger to soften any dryness or lines. It sinks in beautifully, creating a plump, moisturized base that’s ready for lip color. I let it sit while I work on the rest of the look, wiping off any excess just before applying color to ensure a flawless finish. When lips are hydrated, they not only look fuller, but they also tend to keep lipstick on longer. I also add this to her clutch to touch up with throughout the night.

Step 6: Lock In Radiance with Luminous Body Lotion

I extend the prep to the body with Oak's Luminous Body Lotion. This lightweight, hydrating cream is ideal for giving the décolletage, arms, and legs a subtle, elegant sheen. I apply it to all exposed areas, blending it in until the skin looks silky and radiant. The nourishing ingredients ensure a non-sticky finish that won’t transfer onto fabric—a must for any red carpet look. This step ties the whole look together, making sure every inch of skin glows under the party’s ambient lighting.

Jenna's Red Carpet Beauty Kit

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