40+ Celebrity Stylist Secrets to Nail That Red Carpet Look

When it comes to luxury fashion and celebrity style, nothing beats the magic of a red carpet appearance. It looks so easy, but behind every stunning look is a lot of hard work and planning.

From slimming shapewear to last-minute dress changes, Hollywood stars use many smart tricks to look perfect. We’re revealing the top celebrity beauty secrets, styling hacks, and red carpet makeup tips that the rich and famous rely on. Some of these tricks will really surprise you!

Padding it Out

Think padded bras are only for the chest? Think again. Some celebrities use padded underwear for butt enhancement to get that perfect red carpet silhouette.

Take Kristen Bell, who confidently wore butt pads to the Golden Globes. She explained, “It’s like a padded bra—but for your butt!” These body contouring products help stars feel confident and curvy in form-fitting gowns.

Shape Up

Today’s fashion is all about embracing your shape—but also knowing how to highlight it. Layering shapewear is a hot trend that gives stars smooth lines and sculpted curves.

Kim Kardashian, the queen of shapewear and founder of SKIMS, has mastered this art. Her methods have inspired many other celebs to launch their own shapewear brands. The right shapewear can completely transform how an outfit looks—and how you feel.

Perfect Tailoring

Most of the glamorous dresses stars wear on the red carpet are borrowed from luxury designers—and they’re not made to fit right off the rack. That’s where professional tailoring comes in.

Stylists make sure every dress fits like a glove, using custom pins, tucks, and alterations right before the event. A poor fit can land a star on the worst-dressed list, so custom tailoring is a must.

Get a Grip

Slipping on the red carpet? Total nightmare. That’s why stylists use clever non-slip shoe hacks to keep celebs steady and safe.

Some use double-sided tape on the soles, while others stick sandpaper inside the shoes for extra grip. These quick fixes prevent embarrassing moments in front of the cameras.

The Dye’s the Limit

Finding the perfect pair of skin tone pantyhose can be tricky, especially when nothing off-the-shelf matches. That’s when stylists get creative.

They custom-dye tights using coffee or food coloring to perfectly match the celebrity’s skin. It’s a quick solution to a common fashion emergency.

Perfume Problems

Looking amazing is only part of the red carpet experience—smelling great matters too. To make their signature perfumes last all night, stylists use a simple hack.

They apply a thin layer of Vaseline on pulse points, like behind the ears, before spraying perfume. This helps the fragrance stick and stay longer.

Wet Wet Wet

The sleek, wet hair look is one of the biggest celebrity hairstyle trends right now. Stars like Kim Kardashian and Zendaya have totally owned this edgy style on the red carpet.

But here’s the shocker—it’s not water creating that shiny finish. It’s actually hair-safe lubricant! Yes, using a small amount of personal lubricant helps keep the hair shiny and sleek without drying out too fast. Just be ready for a deep wash afterward!

Don’t Sweat It

Red carpet events are packed with hot lights, flashing cameras, and tons of pressure. Sweating is totally normal—but shiny faces in photos? Not so much.

To keep sweat under control, stylists apply a tiny bit of deodorant for face sweat on high-perspiration areas like the forehead, upper lip, or around the nose. It’s a red carpet beauty secret that keeps celebrities camera-ready and matte all night.

Protect the Pits

Even with strong antiperspirant, some celebs go the extra mile to avoid underarm sweat stains. Stylists often tuck a pantyliner inside the underarm area of dresses or tops to soak up sweat and save outfits from damage.

This trick is a game-changer for red carpet gowns—but it’s best used with dresses that have sleeves or thicker fabric.

Caught on Tape

Wearing a bold or low-cut outfit on the red carpet? Celebs trust fashion tape to keep everything in place. It helps lift, support, and secure clothing to avoid wardrobe malfunctions.

Whether it’s taping a dress to the chest, lifting cleavage, or holding fabric in place, body tape for fashion is a must in any stylist’s emergency kit.

It’s All an Illusion

Red carpet dresses are getting bolder with every event—featuring sheer panels, cutouts, and almost see-through designs. So how do stars avoid wardrobe malfunctions?

The answer is illusion fabric—a sheer, nude-toned material that gives the look of bare skin while offering full coverage. It’s often used with lace, embroidery, or crystals to create that luxurious designer dress look without risking exposure.

Reserved For the VIPs

Top designers don’t just hand out dresses to anyone. For the biggest red carpet events, they create custom VIP fashion collections—exclusive to celebrities and high-profile clients.

These one-of-a-kind outfits ensure that no two stars show up wearing the same dress. For stylists, it’s all about securing celebrity-exclusive designer wear before someone else does.

Red Carpet Bready

Suede shoes are classy but incredibly hard to clean. One drop of water can ruin them. So how do stylists clean luxury suede heels right before a red carpet?

Believe it or not, the trick is stale bread. Gently rubbing a dry piece of bread on the suede helps remove dirt without damaging the material. It’s a weird hack—but it works in a pinch.

Beauty is Pain

Heels may look amazing, but they’re painful—especially for long red carpet events. That’s why many celebrities use CBD foot cream to numb pain and avoid blisters.

By applying CBD cream before slipping into stilettos, stars can walk the carpet confidently and comfortably. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves fashion but hates the pain.

Scarf Trick

Makeup smudges can ruin a designer dress in seconds. That’s why makeup artists use the silk scarf trick to protect outfits during the final glam steps.

Wrapping a silk scarf around the face while changing helps prevent foundation stains on high-end fabrics. It’s a simple but effective solution for preserving expensive fashion pieces.

Berry Shiny Hair

Redheads naturally stand out on the red carpet—but the real secret to that shiny hair? Not salon treatments, but cranberry juice.

Nicole Kidman once shared that rinsing her hair with cranberry juice enhances shine and color. The acidity helps seal hair cuticles, giving red hair a glossy, rich finish without expensive products.

Iron Out the Creases

A beautifully tailored dress can lose its elegance if it creases before the cameras flash. So how do celebrities avoid wrinkles after riding in a car?

Actress Naomie Harris revealed she lay flat in the car for an hour on her way to the Golden Globes. The result? A perfectly smooth Armani designer gown with zero creases.

Palette Cleanser

Red carpet looks aren’t just about dresses—they’re about glowing smiles, too. But not every celeb has time for a last-minute professional teeth whitening session.

Some makeup artists apply a bit of white eyeshadow to the teeth area in photoshoots to create the illusion of a whiter smile. It’s not edible—but it’s camera magic.

Lashing Out

Photos last forever, so celebrities need makeup that pops on camera. Instead of heavy falsies, makeup artists now prefer individual lashes for a more natural, defined look.

Whether it’s subtle elegance or full-on drama, individual eyelash extensions add depth and beauty that translate perfectly in photos.

Strap In

Strappy high heels might look gorgeous, but they can be painful after hours of standing. Stylists use moleskin cotton padding inside heel straps to prevent rubbing and tightness.

This heel comfort hack not only protects the skin but makes it easier for stars to stay poised on the red carpet without limping.

Radiant Legs for Days

Ever noticed how celebrities have glowing, flawless legs? No expensive spa treatment needed—just Vaseline and body lotion.

Rubbing a mix of both onto the legs before hitting the carpet creates a smooth, radiant look that reflects light beautifully in photos.

Unsticking Zippers

Wardrobe malfunctions are every stylist’s nightmare. When a zipper gets stuck, instead of forcing it, they grab a bar of soap.

Running soap along the zipper’s teeth helps it glide smoothly, saving the outfit—and the day.

Draw a New Hairline

Thinning edges or sparse hairlines? No problem. Stylists now use eyebrow pencils and eyeshadow to fill in hairlines and roots, creating the illusion of fuller hair.

Jen Atkin, celebrity hairstylist to the Kardashians, uses this trick to add instant volume and definition.

These Boots are Made for Walking

Those tight thigh-high boots may look amazing, but getting them on? Not so easy. Stylists have discovered a genius way to slide them on smoothly—by using plastic bags over the feet.

The bag reduces friction, helping boots glide on without tugging or stretching the leather. This boot-wearing hack is perfect for anyone struggling with snug fits.

Keep Your Windex Handy

Ever noticed how celebrities’ shoes look brand-new and shiny on every carpet? The secret? Windex or glass cleaner.

Stylists spray it on patent leather shoes and heels, then wipe them down for a mirror-like shine. It’s a budget-friendly trick for sparkling shoes—even off the red carpet.

Deodorant Marks Be Gone

White deodorant marks on black clothes? A total style fail—especially when cameras are flashing. But stylists have a quick fix: rubbing a dryer sheet or nylon sock over the marks.

This removes the residue instantly and works on nearly all dark fabrics, making it a must-have in any celebrity stylist kit.

Shoes Too Big

Have you ever noticed celebs walking the red carpet in heels that seem one size too big? It’s not a mistake—it’s a comfort strategy.

Larger shoes help prevent foot swelling and blisters during long events. Stylists often add gel inserts or padding to help with fit and walkability.

Short King Secrets

More male stars are proudly embracing height-increasing shoes to give them a confidence boost on the red carpet. Whether it’s a subtle heel insert or a bold high-fashion boot, these lifts help “short kings” stand tall.

Celebs like Tom Holland are changing the game—proving that great style has no height limit.

An Impressive Feet

Strappy heels and open-toe designs leave nothing to the imagination. That’s why celebrity pedicures are serious business before any event.

For stars with uneven or short toenails, stylists use acrylic toenail extensions to create a clean, uniform look—because every inch matters on the red carpet.

Banish Those Blemishes

Breakouts right before a red carpet event? Celebrities know the struggle too. The fix? Diaper rash cream.

This gentle cream reduces redness, puffiness, and acne inflammation fast, calming the skin before makeup is applied. It’s a stylist favorite for emergency blemish treatment.

Jaw-Dropping

Good posture makes a big difference in photos—but your jawline posture matters too. A popular celebrity technique called mewing involves pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth to make your jawline appear sharper.

This subtle move is a no-cost, natural facial contouring method that works instantly in pictures.

Alive and Sticking

How do celebrities pull off backless gowns, plunging necklines, and ultra-high slits without a wardrobe fail?

They use adhesive underwear, also called stick-on lingerie. This fabric offers coverage and support, while staying invisible under any outfit.

Camera-Ready Skin

Flawless, dewy skin is now the red carpet standard. One major prep step? Dermaplaning.

This technique removes peach fuzz, dead skin, and dirt using a facial razor, creating a smooth canvas for makeup and a radiant, airbrushed finish.

Plump It Up

Celebrities often book emergency Botox appointments right before big events to smooth wrinkles and plump skin.

While it’s not for everyone, Botox injections are a popular option for achieving youthful, red carpet-ready skin in a short amount of time.

Hand Cream Hack

Stylists love products that serve double duty. Hand cream not only keeps skin soft, but a dab can also tame flyaways and add shine to hair in a pinch.

It’s the perfect on-the-go solution when you’re limited on products.

Oil In a Day’s Work

For celebs with naturally oily skin, blotting is a must. When blotting sheets aren’t available, stylists use coffee filters to absorb excess oil.

This budget-friendly trick leaves skin matte and makeup intact—without clogging pores.

Gloss Like a Boss

Forget eyeshadow. The latest red carpet trend is using lip gloss on eyelids for a glossy, dewy effect.

It’s bold, reflective, and adds a touch of shine to the eyes—perfect for editorial-style photos.

Cinch in a Pinch

Want a cinched waist and hourglass shape in any outfit? Stylists loop a ribbon or shoelace through the dress lining and pull it tight to shape the body naturally—no tailoring needed.

It’s a red carpet styling trick anyone can try.

Vitamin B(eer)

It sounds strange, but celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones swear by washing hair with ale.

The Vitamin B and iron in beer help add shine, volume, and strength to dull hair. Just rinse thoroughly to avoid the scent!

Dramatic Static

With flowing fabrics and quick changes, static electricity can cause clingy, bunched-up dresses. Stylists use hairspray on fabric to neutralize static and keep clothes in place.

This trick also helps with smooth hair styling—making it a red carpet must-have.