Your essential beauty checklist for big events
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The best way to feel confident? Get prepared! We all love looking and feeling our most glam at special occasions, so try following our ultimate beauty checklist and you’ll be all set to light up any room.
One month before:
1. Start body brushing
You’ve found the perfect dress, now you just want your legs to look their best. Say hello to body brushing. Encouraging lymphatic drainage, it will give you super smooth and toned skin. Use the body brush to work in long, sweeping strokes, brushing skin from the ankles up. Repeat a few times a week and you’ll see real results in time for your big day.
2. Treat your feet
Our feet are often the most neglected body part, and this means they need plenty of love and attention in advance. So start buffing your feet and applying an intensely hydrating foot lotion now – then they’ll be ready to rock those gorgeous strappy sandals you’ve spotted!
3. Do make-up trials
Doing a trial make-up run now will help you see whether you need any new additions. You could try a new shade of lipstick, or perhaps swap your usual black eyeliner for blue or green. If you want some guidance, try getting your make-up done at a beauty counter in a department store. Most are willing to do this for free – although you may end up splashing out on some of the products they use – but, hey, it’s for a special occasion!
New make-up is a great way of getting a new look without going too extreme – or permanent. You might be surprised at how much different shades or contours can lift you, and the big event will be the perfect time to show it off.
One week before:
1. Avoid the orange
Wary of using fake tan? Try applying a gradual tanning lotion each day in the week leading up to the event. This will help you build up your desired shade slowly for that just-right glow.
2. Get a trim
A fresh haircut often makes you feel a little too self-conscious, whereas once it’s had a week or two to settle down, you feel great and super hair-swishy! So book in for a trim (and a colour if you dye your hair) a week or two in advance, so you’re feeling and looking fresh for the special event.
3. Upgrade your brushing
A dazzling smile is always in vogue. If you want your teeth to be brighter and whiter for your big day, try the Oral B 3D White Luxe Glamourous White Toothpaste, which removes up to 100% of surface stains in just three days. (Yes, you read that correctly!)
The day before:
1. Book a mani-pedi
It’s time to get those nails done to give the final touch to your look. If you’ve chosen a dress in a dark colour, why not go bright with your nails? Alternatively, a blush or nude nail is a classic and neat way to complement your look without clashing. Worried about chips and cracks? Consider gel polish, which lasts for up to two weeks.
2. Wash your hair
If you’re opting for an elaborate ’do, wash your hair the day before. The reason? Squeaky-clean hair loses its shape more quickly and can slip out of hair grips more easily.
Treat your hair to an intense 3 Minute Miracle Pantene Conditioner and it will look just as clean, shiny and nourished the next day, but will be easier to manage.
3. Get beauty ZZZs
As well as ensuring you have enough energy for the big day, a good night’s sleep will give your skin cells optimum time to repair and rejuvenate themselves – so be sure to head to bed early the night before. And don’t forget to apply your Olay Regenerist 3 Point Night Anti-Ageing Moisturiser to really make the most of your skin’s overnight repair process.
On the day:
1. Drink some water
Make sure your drink lots of water on the day to keep your skin hydrated – it will help to plump the skin, fill in fine lines and wrinkles, and enliven a dull complexion. Even better, have a cup of hot water and lemon, as this will help detoxify your skin, too.
2. Wake your eyes
Olay’s new Deep Hydrating Eye Gel is perfect pre-party, as it will give you that wide-awake look for a whole 24 hours (hey, you never know how long you’ll be on that dance floor!).
It’s packed with skincare heavyweights including niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) and hyaluronic acid, as well as natural favourites like witch hazel and cucumber extract, which combine to give your delicate eye area an extra moisture boost. Tip: Keep the gel in the fridge for added cooling relief.
3. Ace your base
Before doing your make-up, apply Olay Luminous Whip SPF30. Not only will it moisturise and hydrate your skin, but it will absorb in seconds, leaving a smooth, matte finish, which is the perfect base for make-up. So you’ll have glowing skin, but without the oily finish that can cause your make-up to slide off your face as soon as you walk out the door!
Now all that’s left to do is apply your make-up, style your ’do, throw on your glad rags, and go have the time of your life!
What are your top tips for getting ready for a big event? Share them with us in the comments section below.