One of Hollywood's most anticipated nights is approaching, with the legendary Met Gala just days away. Scheduled for May 4 in New York City, the exclusive event draws celebrities, athletes, and A-listers who spare no effort to look their best. This year's dress code, 'fashion is art,' aligns with the gala's overarching theme of 'costume art.' Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos, 62, worth an estimated $224.2 billion, and his wife Lauren Sanchez, 56, are the primary sponsors.
Beyond outfits, facial skincare is paramount, with Hollywood increasingly relying on non-FDA approved peptides, GLP-1s, and stem cell therapy. A popular pre-gala treatment combines HydraFacial and Laser Genesis, costing under $1,000. Celebrities like Beyonce and Kate Winslet favor HydraFacial, while Kendall Jenner credits Laser Genesis as her 'skincare secret.'
What Are These Treatments?
Susan Hirsch, PA-C at Manhattan Aesthetics in NYC, explains: 'HydraFacial and Laser Genesis are perfect for big events like the Met Gala because they deliver fast, visible results without downtime.' Both are 'lunchtime procedures' easily integrated into any routine. The HydraFacial deep cleans, exfoliates, and hydrates using a specialized dermabrasion machine, while Laser Genesis targets the deeper dermis for overall rejuvenation.
Testing the Treatments
I tried both treatments at Manhattan Aesthetics days before the gala. Before the facial, my skin looked tired and sallow, especially under my eyes. The HydraFacial began with a gentle acid peel that stung briefly, followed by a suction tip to remove debris and dead skin cells—a pleasant sensation. Hirsch notes, 'Eliminating buildup encourages cellular turnover, giving a nice glow and reducing last-minute breakouts.'
Next, the machine infused a cocktail of antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. Antioxidants protect the skin, peptides repair damage, and hyaluronic acid rehydrates. 'Coming out of a harsh winter, hyaluronic acid makes a big difference because dehydrated skin is prone to lines and wrinkles,' Hirsch adds. The treatment ended with 15 minutes under a red light panel, which felt strange but boosted collagen and reduced inflammation.
After the HydraFacial, my skin glowed with a 'glass skin' look, blackheads on my nose vanished, and I was left glistening. The difference from when I arrived was dramatic, explaining why celebrities opt for this quick fix before red carpet events.
Laser Genesis Experience
Nervous about laser treatments, I was reassured that Laser Genesis is non-ablative and won't damage the skin's surface. The nurse practitioner promised it would 'lock in' the glow. The less-than-ten-minute treatment involved a heated laser that felt like tiny pinches, slightly spicy around the lips but overall quick. My skin turned red temporarily, resembling a day at the beach.
That night, I received compliments, but the real difference emerged over the next few days. My makeup applied more easily, my face remained glowing, and the milia under my eyes appeared reduced. I fully understand why this combination is the go-to pre-Met Gala treatment.
Caveats from Experts
However, NYC facialist Samantha Susca warns against trying these treatments for the first time before a major event. 'Both are very safe, but there's always potential for sensitivity or allergic reactions. It's not recommended to try them for the first time right before a big event. If you've had them before and know your skin's response, they can be done the day of or day before.'
This year's star-studded guest list includes host committee members Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Misty Copeland, Lena Dunham, Angela Bassett, Sam Smith, and Chase Sui Wonders. The gala marks Anna Wintour's first as Vogue's global creative director and chief content officer for Condé Nast, with Chloe Malle taking over as head of editorial content for US Vogue. Malle is the daughter of actress Candice Bergen and filmmaker Louis Malle.
