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—comes the behind-the-scenes scramble to secure a glam team. Appointments with lymphatic massage therapists are booked; makeup artists, hair stylists, and nail artists are called in; every inch of skin, strand of hair, and nail cuticle is meticulously prepped. Among those on speed dial is Sophie Carbonari, the Paris-based aesthetician—and founder of her eponymous skincare line—who counts celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga as clients. This year, she descended on New York three days before the famous First Monday in May, armed with suitcases full of toners, moisturizers, and cleansers to prepare eight guests for “fashion’s biggest night.” Below, a look at her packed schedule, including her session with actor Tracee Ellis Ross, a glamorous dinner at The Fifth Avenue Hotel, and a highly confidential facial with a VIP client.
Thursday, May 1
Just four days out from my Met Gala residency at The Fifth Avenue Hotel, I began my final day at home in Paris at 9AM. I met with my photographer, Gabrièle Laborde, and together we finalized my outfits for the trip. Of course, I wanted my looks to be in alignment with this year’s Met Gala theme. We decided on pieces from Ganni, John Smedley, and Mango, and for a special dinner on Saturday at the hotel called “The Modern Flâneur,” I had the honor of wearing a couture jacket by Zuhair Muradat.
Then I was off to my studio in Palais Royal to collect my tools. Each instrument was carefully sanitized, along with my pots and workstation, as I prepared for the weekend’s production cycle. After that, I had to gather all the products I’d need over the next few days: five botanical face oils, two hyaluronic acid toners, three restorative face masks, two distinct exfoliants, a cleansing oil, and a foaming cleanser, all of which are my own creations. When all of my formulas were prepped and labeled, it was time to pack, confirm my flight, and review the remaining tasks before a brief rest.
Friday, May 2
With a 3AM wakeup call, I streamlined my routine for the flight to New York—no makeup, a hydrating shower, compression socks, and cozy layers. And my passport? Check.
Gabrièle arrived around 4:45AM, and we were off to Charles de Gaulle. Once we checked in, I took time to review my client schedule and logistics for the busy days ahead. We finally boarded at 7:20AM, and I applied collagen under eye patches from Abib and took melatonin. Four hours later, I began my in-flight skincare routine: La Roche-Posay thermal spray, toner, my signature S serum, eye cream, and Tocobo Vita Glazed lip mask.
When we landed in New York, we headed straight to The Fifth Avenue Hotel, where we had a light lunch—bluefin tuna crudo—and began setting up the room for my first client at 5PM. Sorry, I can’t say who!
I went to bed around 7PM, aided by melatonin, in anticipation of a packed Saturday.
Saturday, May 3
Gabrièle and I debriefed over a 7AM breakfast that included lattes, fruit plates, and eggs, Danielle, my strategic marketing manager, confirmed our finalized client schedule.
My first session of the day was with Tyler Mitchell, one of one of the most sought-after American photographers. And at noon, my beloved Tracee Ellis Ross stopped in for a deeply rejuvenating treatment. Born from nearly two decades of expertise, my method, the SC Protocol, combines precise fascia work, sculpting massage, and advanced skin analysis. Where most treatments chase surface results, the SC Protocol works from the inside out—activating circulation, lymphatic flow, and deep tissue mobility to support long-term skin health and balance.
Next up was powerhouse stylist and creative visionary Solange Franklin at 3:30. I was with her for about an hour, after which I ran out to Sephora to find the perfect eyeliner for my Sophia Loren-inspired makeup look. I ended up buying one from Make Up For Ever.
At 5:45PM, it was time to get glammed up for “The Modern Flâneur” dinner. Skincare first: toner, a touch of niacinamide from The Ordinary, and a swipe of Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50 to keep any blemishes at bay. Following generous layers of my S serum, I used my Westman Atelier concealer and Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish foundation. I used Glossier’s lip liner in Nip and Buff on my upper eyelids, Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat liner in Icon Baby, a pale pink hue, for the under-eye, and my new Make Up For Ever eyeliner. I finished with Merit’s Flush Balm blush in Rouge and Glossier’s Futuredew Solid.
I arrived at dinner for an unforgettable evening alongside Fast Company editor Yasmin Gagné. We were joined by Harbison Studio designer Charles Harbison, fashion designer Charlie Casely-Hayford, jewelry designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey, and the wonderful Solange Franklin.
Sunday, May 4
At 6AM, the day began with a grounding soak, courtesy of the Bathorium Charcoal Garden Detox bath soak—an indulgent discovery from the hotel that I now consider 100-percent Sophie-approved. It was so calming—the perfect ritual to recharge my mind and body for another busy day. Afterward, it was time for a morning catch-up with Gabrièle and Danielle via text, where we responded to press requests, coordinated the remainder of the residency, and mapped out our upcoming content strategy.
I welcomed the ever-elegant Alina Cho for a tailored facial experience at 11AM. As a respected journalist and fashion authority, Alina’s mere presence elevated my morning. Our session focused on hydration, sculpting, and radiance. Then it was time for a culinary pause at Café Carmellini, where I devoured a balanced meal of fresh oysters and Japanese sardines. It was the perfect fuel for my 3PM session with the magnetic Regé-Jean Page. Best known for his role as the Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton, Regé-Jean brought his effortless elegance to the room.
Drena De Niro followed Regé-Jean for a restorative facial at 5PM. With a career spanning both sides of the camera in films such as A Star Is Born and Joy, Drena carries a creative depth that inspires me. The treatment was designed to reset and revive, in rhythm with her grounded energy.
I set the evening aside to prepare for a final, confidential VIP appointment scheduled for the next morning. I planned for the session to focus on my signature fascia-sculpting technique designed to lift, contour, and ground the client ahead of a major red carpet appearance. While Gabrièle and I awaited confirmation from the client, we had dinner, after which I turned in early—grateful, centered, and ready for the first Monday in May.
Monday, May 5
My client stopped by at 8AM, and then I had a quiet moment of nourishment: a warm salon muffin, a vibrant plate of fresh fruit, and a revitalizing juice blend of orange, carrot, and ginger—my go-to trio for energy and clarity. I packed after, and I must have checked everything a hundred times—making absolutely certain that not a single tool, product, or note was left behind. At 11:50AM, with bags in hand and a full heart, I checked out of the hotel and slipped into a taxi en route to JFK Airport. My arrival back home is set for 5:55AM, just in time for a brief day of rest before stepping on set for a jewelry campaign shoot on Wednesday.
—as told to Daise Bedolla
Photographed by Gabrièle Laborde / Courtesy of Sophie Carbonari