I spoke earlier in the week of the rituals to employ the morning after the night before, but what about the routines to bring into play the evening before the evening in question. Madness I know. But for true million dollar fabulousness it’s all about the work you put in 24 hours before the event. It’s got to be noted that this isn’t something I indulge in on a weekly basis – ain’t nobody got time for that – but on the odd occasion where I feel the need to look a little more fancy schmansy than my usual ‘hair in a pineapple, tracksuit bottoms’ get-up. A good one to pull before NYE perhaps? Big night prep. I’ve got it covered.
So it’s the evening before the exciting date in your diary and you’ve got an hour or so to preen, where do you start? Now it’s a bit of an obvious one but – drink water. Like loads of it. Drinking pints of the stuff should always be on your agenda (note to self: practice what you preach) and I find it’s the one single thing that perks me up and makes my skin looks all peachy and glowy the fastest. Mum-like lessons out of the way let’s move onto the good stuff, but there’s one more thing to touch on first. It might not be glamorous of activities but it’s good to remove all unwanted body hair (though for me that fills up the whole hour window) – pluck, shave, whatever else. Nice. That should do you through till the next day.
Skincare-wise I’d suggest keeping things simple and not out of the ordinary – allergic reactions and rashes are not chic. Though there are three items that I incorporate into my routine only for special occasions. I don’t slough my skin all that often, but before something big a good exfoliation does it some good and makes things nice smooth come the next day. Oskia’s Micro Exfoliating Balm does the job without being too harsh. Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Overnight Facial works as a serum, oil and moisturiser so I tend to massage that on too. For eyes I like to pop on the Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels partly for comedy value and partly cause they feel amazing. They also help to make things a little less puffy too – though the same sensation can be delivered courtesy of two cold spoons.
Another two things to do before bed concern hair and tan. For hair I propose applying some sort of dry volumising spray (a.k.a Oribe’s Dry Texturising Spray) and whipping it into a loosely secured bun; when you wake up in the morning you’ll be the proud owner of slightly wavy locks, with oomph that do what they’re told. Just style as usual. Now I’m not a huge tanner these days, but if my limbs are making an appearance a subtle wash of colour is appreciated. Tarte’s Braziliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Face and Body Self Tanner is brilliant for depositing a light sheen of bronze without too much stink – it’s a must-pick-up if you’re ever in the US – though a good UK-available alternative is the This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan.
I always like to see to my nails the night before; when I tend to leave it till the actual day I always end up with one shakily-applied layer that gets smudged all over my dress/clutch bag/tights/face as I’m legging it to the tube. Throw on whatever colour you want (fingers and toes if the peep-toes are being dusted off) and finish with a massage of the Butter LONDON Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil into your beds to keep things looking nice and shiny till the morn.
You will go to the ball….and look bloomin’ fabulous.
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