It’s almost September, which means that the festive season, and more importantly the party season will be upon us before we know it! After missing out on the office parties and festive shindigs last year, many of us are both excited and anxious in equal parts to be able to get glammed up, go out, let our fabulous hair down, and hit the dance floor. Of course, alongside the endless parties is the shopping for gifts and organizing just about everything else. It is little wonder that you are often left bemused as to how you will get everything done and still turn up at the party looking like a queen!
To ensure you look your best in every photo – even those that will inevitably turn up on social media – we share some of the things that you will need to do in terms of hair, skin, and beauty prep.
1. Sort your skin
If you have been goofing on exercise, now is the time to make a lifestyle change—eat healthy, exercise, avoid alcohol, and sleep better—as well as establish a good skin care regimen, especially if you have issues that need to be addressed. A month or two ahead of time gives you plenty of time to get into a routine and take action to treat your skin.
2. Tend to your teeth
There is no better way to brighten any room or dancefloor than with a sparkling smile, so schedule an appointment with your dentist to remove stains, plaque, and traces of all the coffees and red wines you have been having. If you can’t get to the dentist to get it done, there are some great at-home treatments to give your teeth a Hollywood makeover.
3. Fine tune your feet
We can all agree that calloused and dry feet do not go well with any look, whether you’re wearing sexy stilettos or beautiful ballet pumps. Once or twice a week, exfoliate the hands and feet with a sugar scrub, before slathering them in moisturiser and popping on a pair of cotton socks overnight. They will feel smooth and supple when you wake up – ready for all that dancing.
4. Help your hair
A good hair care regimen is essential, whether you are going to a party or not, but if you’ve been skipping conditioning to beat the morning rush, it is time to get serious about your hair game. You have probably hear about it and are asking ‘should you use hair primer’? The answer is yes! A hair primer, like a makeup primer, prepares your hair and serves as the perfect base for everything else that goes on top. It makes styling your hair easier and faster, and it helps you achieve a finished look.
5. Enhance the exfoliation (but don’t overdo it)
We all know that exfoliation is the first step toward glowing skin but it can be a double-edged sword if done incorrectly or too frequently, so do it once in the week leading up to your big night. When exfoliating the face, lips, or body, use ingredients that are light and delicate. You want glowing, younger skin, not skin irritation and itchiness.
6. Help the hydration
Late nights of having fun, liquor, and an unhealthy diet are the scourge of your skin’s existence, so keep it moisturised and hydrated to ensure it is well-equipped to endure all of those sources of stress. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and then another glass before bed and always wear a good quality moisturizer.
7. Nail those nails (and hands and feet, while you are at it!)
There will be plenty of hand-shaking, glass-holding and admiration of your fabulous footwear, so it goes without saying that your feet, hands, and nails must be in excellent condition. Make an appointment for a manicure and pedicure a day or two before your event to ensure that your nails are impeccable and chip-free, and that your feet are in flawles condition.
8. Negate the nerves
A big event can be nerve-wracking, especially if it has been a long tme since you have met people in a social capacity or your first time meeting people. Perhaps you have gone through some big personal changes since you last went out and it has made things seem different. Take a moment to relax and calm your nerves – you are going to be great! Get serious with relaxation. Morph your bath into a relaxing haven with lavender candles, calming bath salts, and your favourite spa playlist, then follow up with a sleeping facial cream, to ensure you wake up with softer, more glowing skin. Also, make sure you get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to it so you have plenty of energy for partying.
9. Act on the acne
It has happened to all of us. We have spent weeks preparing ourselves for a big night out and doing all the right things to wake up on the morning with a big red pimple right in the middle of our chin or nose. It is the stuff of nightmares, but try not to panic – it is something you can deal with. Try to avoid picking it at it and popping it, however tempting that may be as it is only going to make it look worse. Make sure you have a makeup kit stocked with spot patches and pop them straight on, and then cover with concealer – job is done.
10. Get up and glow up
Keep a facial mist on hand to keep your skin looking healthy throughout the day, as well as blotting paper to keep oil and shine at bay. Remember that you want dewy skin, not greasy and sweaty looking skin. Apply a gentle green clay mask the morning of your event for an added boost of glow.
Our final tip is to relax and let go of your worries. You can look amazing but if you are feeling uptight and self-concious, you are not going to shine in the way that you want to. You are there to let your hair down and have a good time – so make sure you let your hair down and have a great time.
