Inside the Met Gala Prep: A Week in the Life of Sophie Carbonari
Long before celebrities ascend the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the 2025 Met Gala—whose theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrates Black dandyism and the influence of Black culture on fashion—there’s a flurry of meticulous preparation happening behind the scenes. Lymphatic massage therapists are booked, hair and makeup artists coordinate schedules, and nail techs ensure every cuticle is pristine. At the center of this orchestrated beauty ballet is Sophie Carbonari, the Paris-based aesthetician and founder of her eponymous skincare line, trusted by stars like Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.
This year, Carbonari arrived in New York three days before the gala with suitcases filled with toners, moisturizers, cleansers, and bespoke tools, ready to prepare eight clients for fashion’s most glamorous night. Here’s an inside look at her packed schedule and the care that goes into keeping Hollywood’s elite red-carpet ready.
Thursday, May 1 – Paris: Final Preparations
Carbonari began her day in Paris at 9AM, meeting with photographer Gabrièle Laborde to finalize her travel wardrobe. She chose pieces that resonated with the Met Gala theme, including ensembles from Ganni, John Smedley, and Mango, as well as a couture Zuhair Murad jacket for a special dinner at The Fifth Avenue Hotel, aptly titled “The Modern Flâneur.”
Next, she headed to her Palais Royal studio to gather and sanitize her tools, ensuring every instrument was ready for the coming days. Then came the packing of her meticulously curated products: five botanical face oils, two hyaluronic acid toners, three restorative masks, two exfoliants, a cleansing oil, and a foaming cleanser—all part of her signature line. Once the formulas were prepped, labeled, and packed, she confirmed her flight and reviewed the upcoming tasks before a brief rest.
Friday, May 2 – Transatlantic Skincare
With a 3AM wake-up call, Carbonari streamlined her pre-flight routine: hydrating shower, compression socks, cozy layers, and of course, passport check. Gabrièle arrived at 4:45AM, and they made their way to Charles de Gaulle Airport. During the flight, Carbonari maintained her skin ritual: thermal spray from La Roche-Posay, toner, her signature S serum, eye cream, and Tocobo Vita Glazed lip mask, topped with collagen under-eye patches.
Upon landing in New York, they headed straight to The Fifth Avenue Hotel for a light lunch of bluefin tuna crudo before setting up for her first client at 5PM. The evening was brief, as she retired early with the help of melatonin, preparing for the intensive day ahead.
Saturday, May 3 – A Glamorous Marathon
A 7AM breakfast with lattes, fresh fruit, and eggs set the tone for a day of precise skincare artistry. Carbonari’s morning began with a session for Tyler Mitchell, followed by a rejuvenating facial for Tracee Ellis Ross at noon. Her SC Protocol—an intricate method combining fascia work, sculpting massage, and advanced skin analysis—targets circulation, lymphatic flow, and deep tissue mobility for lasting skin health.
At 3:30PM, stylist Solange Franklin received her tailored session, after which Carbonari dashed to Sephora to perfect her Sophia Loren-inspired makeup, settling on eyeliner from Make Up For Ever.
By 5:45PM, it was time for “The Modern Flâneur” dinner. The evening’s skincare routine included toner, niacinamide, and Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50, followed by layers of her S serum, Westman Atelier concealer, Pat McGrath foundation, and a curated selection of lip and eye products. Carbonari mingled with the likes of Fast Company editor Yasmin Gagné, designers Charles Harbison and Charlie Casely-Hayford, jewelry designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey, and Solange Franklin, creating a blend of skincare expertise and social elegance.
Sunday, May 4 – VIP Treatments
The day began at 6AM with a grounding Bathorium Charcoal Garden Detox soak, providing a moment of calm before a schedule packed with tailored sessions. Alina Cho visited for a hydration-focused facial, followed by lunch at Café Carmellini featuring oysters and Japanese sardines.
Afternoon appointments included Regé-Jean Page, whose natural elegance paired seamlessly with Carbonari’s restorative facial techniques, and Drena De Niro, for whom a deep, fascia-sculpting session restored balance and radiance. The day concluded with preparation for a highly confidential VIP facial scheduled for Monday morning, ensuring every detail was meticulously planned.
Monday, May 5 – The Big Reveal
The VIP client arrived at 8AM for a final session, with Carbonari fueling herself beforehand with a warm muffin, fresh fruit, and a revitalizing juice blend of orange, carrot, and ginger. Each tool and product was checked and double-checked before departure. At 11:50AM, she checked out of the hotel, bags in hand, and headed to JFK Airport, poised to return to Paris by early morning—ready to rest before stepping on set for a jewelry campaign shoot later in the week.
The Art of Met Gala Skincare
Carbonari’s week illustrates that red-carpet beauty is more than surface-level glamour—it’s a blend of science, ritual, and precision. Every massage stroke, serum application, and minute adjustment is designed not just for appearance, but for long-term skin health. With a schedule that balances high-profile clients, meticulous preparation, and creative expression, Sophie Carbonari exemplifies the artistry and dedication required to keep the stars glowing for fashion’s most iconic night.
