We expect to see the A-listers who descend on Toronto for the international film festival to look nothing shy of perfect when they stroll down the red carpet. But with a hair and makeup brigade and oodles of time and money to spend on getting flawless before the big day, it’s no wonder they all end up looking simply gorgeous. So, where exactly do the stars go to get red carpet prepped in Toronto? ELLE Canada has the scoop on where the Hollywood elite get pampered and relaxed before a night on the town.

The jewels
First things first. Chances are stars like Angelina Jolie has her designer duds already picked out and flown to Toronto awaiting her arrival at her Park Hyatt suite with Mr. Pitt. But she just might need to accessorize a bit. She wouldn’t have to venture far to find stunning pieces worthy of draping around an A-lister’s neck. Daniel Espinoza has been adding sparkle to celebs with his fine creations for years and his exclusive Yorkville shop in the Four Season’s hotel (a Hollywood hot spot) is in the perfect location for the star looking to pick up some bling. Another celebrity fave is Miles Mindham (located on Avenue Road), who brings anything but ordinary pieces to a red carpet outfit.

The relaxation
Ever notice that celebrities never look stressed out when they walk down the red carpet? Perhaps is has something to do with getting pampered all day long beforehand. And there are plenty of spas in Toronto and the Yorkville area to pamper a star’s every need and whim.

The Stillwater Spa located in the star-filled Park Hayatt would be the perfect, secluded place to get a signature massage or one of Stillwater’s Wholesome Body Buffers — which will leave the famous glowing from head to toe. We’re sure that Park Hyatt guests such as George Clooney and Matt Damon have stepped into the spa for a little R&R.

For those celebs wishing to venture out of the Yorkville area, they can hop over to King Street West and sneak into Hammam Spa, for an ultra-private 90-minute hot stone massage. Rumour has it Angelina stopped by last year to get a facial pre-red carpet.

The face
You won’t be seeing too many wrinkles, spots or breakouts on the TIFF red carpet, that’s for sure. Part of the reason why is because celebs religiously take good care of their skin and they don’t stop before hitting a premiere.

Hit up one of Yorkville’s top spas, Novo Spa for a Swissline Vitamin C Radiance Facial to plump and firm skin, remove imperfections and hydrate the skin giving it that perfect youthful glow. The spa has been a celebrity hot spot for years and even offers non-Hollywood types Film Festival Package deals.

Chi Spa located at 1 Balmoral Avenue, was a major celebrity hot spot for the Much Music 2008 Video Awards giving artists facials and massages before the show. Chances are you might bump into a celeb or two if you stop by. A 30-minute eye treatment is just what stars look for to erase jet lag (or last night’s party) eyes in a jiffy. Feel like getting the whole works done from head to toe? Chi spa offers a State of Bliss package that includes a facial, massage, body wrap and a mani and pedi in 5 hours.

The hair
At last year’s festival, stars headed a bit outside of trendy Yorkville to check out Exit Hair Salon just south of St. Clair on Yonge St. Stylists gave model Petra Nemcova red carpet worthy locks last year and we suspect they will have a roster of new celebs or the 2008 fest looking for updos and shine treatments.

Taz Hair is located in Yorkville for celebs who need a hair touch up before their big event. A quick updo and the stars will be all set to go at this Toronto favourite that is close to many hotels.

The extras
The look wouldn’t be complete without perfectly polished nails and flawless make up. Vikaspa is one spot you will surely find a celeb getting pampered. A-list fans include Natalie Portman, Robert Downey Jr., Hilary Swank and Nicole Kidman (rumoured to have had her nails done here). Not to mention Kate Hudson, who we suspect will be back at this year’s festival to get her make up and nails perfected.