5 things you should be doing to prep for party season

We’ve been warning ourselves with “the silly season is coming, get ready!” self-talk for weeks. But with what seemed like just a couple of blinks, December is here.

If you’ve got a dizzying number of events already appearing in your social diary, it’s time to get serious about your festive season beauty routine. 

As with many things, preparation is the key here. Putting in the groundwork now is guaranteed to save you a tonne of stress (and time!) in the weeks to come. From perfecting your base – the better your skin, the shorter your makeup routine! – to professional treatments that deliver results quickly, here are the top things you need to do to prep for party season.

# 1 / Solidify your skin care routine

When it comes to silly season skin care, simplicity is the name of the game. With so much happening, it’s not the right time to embark on creating a complex new 27-step skin care regimen. It is, however, crucial to fine-tune your existing routine to suit the season ahead (think late nights, the dehydrating effects of too many vinos, and a need for your complexion to be glowing at all times).

Although we don’t recommend starting a whole new routine, there are some products worth introducing into the mix if you’re not already using them.

Hydration is something that’s so important during the holidays – because, summer and alcohol – but is always something we could do with more of. Incorporating an ultra-hydrating serum such as Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum into your daily routine (and drinking more water!) will help you combat any alcohol-induced skin dehydration.

A brightening mask is another must-have for glowing skin. Garnier Fresh-Mix Vitamin C Tissue Mask is supercharged with vitamin C to leave your skin looking plump and feeling pepped up (great after a big night out)! Use twice a week at this manic time of year, and the night before any big event.

As the delicate under-eye area is one of the first spots to show signs of getting way-too-little sleep, a hard-hitting eye cream needs to be in your skin care arsenal. With its tinted, light-reflecting finish, Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment will have you looking like you caught a solid eight hours of shut-eye. It also contains botanical extracts and niacinamide to brighten dark circles and smooth lines.

# 2 / Get a facial

If you’ve been less than saintly towards your skin lately, a professional treatment can help get it back on track, fast. To really kick things into high gear, a chemical peel will have your skin glowing STAT. The AHA Enzymatic Peel at Laser Clinics Australia will thoroughly renew and refresh your skin, but is gentle enough that even dry, flaking or sensitive skin can give it a try.

# 3 / Invest in semi-permanent lash extensions

There’s nothing quite like a luscious set of lash extensions to really lift your look. Investing in a quality set of lashes will give you 24/7 glam, and provide a huge head-start when you’re doing a desk-to-dinner party dash. Have you ever tried to stick falsies on in the back of an Uber? Yep, we would not recommend it.

A lash extension application will last around three to four weeks before a maintenance appointment is required. So, if you book in within the next week or two, you can flutter your way through peak party time, including New Year’s Eve!

Owner and Director of Amy Jean Brow Agency, Amy Jean has some tips for prolonging the life of your new lashes.

“If you brush the lashes daily with a disposable mascara wand, this helps the longevity of the lashes as they tangle less,” explains Amy Jean. To keep them in good condition, you’ll also want to avoid piling on thick mascara. A light coat of a separating mascara like Amy Jean Lash Elevate Mascara will “ensure the lash extensions appear ‘flared’ and not clump together,” explains Amy Jean.

And while you’re giving your lashes some extra love, don’t forget about getting your brows in order. “A brow shape and colour adjustment in time for party season will keep you looking fresh in the eye area,” adds Amy Jean. 

A little effort now will save you from fussing with false lashes later. They last 6-8 weeks, which will get you through from now until post-New Year’s Eve!

# 4 / Supercharge your smile

A gleaming white smile is one of the best accessories you can arm yourself with during the party season. There are a number of at-home options for teeth whitening (try Oral-B 3D White Luxe Advance Seal 14 Whitening Treatments), as well as professional in-chair services. We love the Sparkling White Smile Triple Treatment because it will have your teeth between seven to 14 shades lighter in just three 25-minute sessions.

Founder of Sparkling White Smile, Alison Egan, recommends having your teeth whitened at least three days before an event and says it’s important to note that after the appointment, “you cannot consume any coloured food or drink for 24 hours, and coffee or red wine for at least 48 hours.” Good to know!

# 5 / Tend to your tresses

Trust us, healthy hair is a lot easier to work with. A fresh cut and colour with your hairdresser will instantly renew the look of your hair. Just make sure you get in quick as many salons are already booking out for the festive season.

If you can’t get in for a salon appointment, you can bring back the vibrancy of your hair colour with a clarifying shampoo and a toning product.

For a clarifying shampoo, we like Eleven Australia Deep Clean Shampoo. It will give your hair and scalp a thorough cleanse, removing excess oils and product build-up that can leave hair looking dull and lifeless. As a nice bonus, it contains orange oil and smells absolutely delish.

If you need to refresh your existing colour, toning products are the way to go. We like the customisable Kérastase Touche Chromatique range, which comes in four shades (Cool Blond, Cool Brown, Copper and Red). You just add 10 drops to the Kérastase Reflection Masque to enhance colour vibrancy, tone any brassisness and add shine.