The Christmas countdown aka party season is officially ON! With lots of you racing out to post-work parties with minimal pampering time, here are my tips for pre-party prep to make getting ready more of a pleasure than a chore!
ON THE INSIDE… give skin and hair a boost with supplements like Gold Collagen Forte and Hairfinity. I’ve noticed my skin looking more plumped since using Gold Collagen, a liquid food supplement packed with skin boosting vitamins and antioxidants. Hairfinity is a vitamin supplement for healthier, stronger locks - and if it’s good enough for Kim K…. (side note: I’m not a fan, but no-one can argue that the woman’s hair is amazing!).
BELOW THE SURFACE… a mega dose of hydration helps skin glow and hair shine. I’ve been using Hand Chemistry Hyaluronic Concentrate on my body for a boost of intensely hydrating hyaluronic acid; I usually layer this under a body cream like La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume (for dry, irritated skin), treating it almost like a body serum. This combination is the best I’ve tried for keeping eczema patches at bay and leaves my skin much more comfortable.
For the face, GlamGlow Power Mud is quick, easy and gorgeous to use with instant brightening results. A unique mud to oil formula, it dries clear (no need to panic if the doorbell rings!) and deep cleans to leave my skin extra smooth and glowing. I then go in with Bioderma Hydrabio, a mega nourishing drink for my skin to replenish lost moisture (full review here). I’ve already raved about L’Oreal Absolut Repair Lipidium and this instant resurfacing mask is my top pick from the range for helping undo damage caused by colouring and heat styling.
ON THE SURFACE… a gel mani means nails stay immaculate for up to two weeks, no worries about redoing chipped nails between parties. I do mine at home with a SensatioNail home gel kit, on offer at half price in Boots this month… (think I’m going for Dusk til Dawn - a go-with-anything blackened plum - and gold glitter tips).
Self tan is back a go-go with a little more flesh being bared in party dresses and St Tropez Self Tan Sensitive Bronzing Mousse is my go-to for a foolproof, light golden colour that doesn’t look out of place in December.
I dug out my Micro-Pedi this weekend for the first time since Summer and my feet are looking a lot prettier as a result, hard skin be-gone! If you’re planning to get your toes out in strappy sandals, I suggest you do similar, or at least dig out the foot file. I’ve also been slathering on Weleda Foot Balm, great for both softening skin pre-high heels and soothing tired feet with lime-scented goodness between parties.
Just add make-up and a little black dress… you’re good to go!
