When it comes to exciting parties such as the festive Christmas get-togethers and New Year soirees that have come and gone, so much pre-planning is involved – comfy shoes, presents for loved ones, designing a makeup look, perfectly coordinating our outfits to our nail polish, and the list goes on.
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But we’ve all been guilty of denying forethought to our skin before a day or night out. Here we’ll share tips and tricks for a pre-party pamper night that will leave your face thanking you tomorrow. After all, glowing and healthy skin is the best accessory you can wear to a party!
Cleanse and remove excess dirt, makeup and oil
Removing all traces of makeup and dirt/oil build up from a busy day should be the first step in your pre-party skincare routine. I swear by Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for All Skin Types ($23.99 for 1.0L, available from Priceline) for a squeaky-clean finish that removes every ounce of leftover build-up on your skin. If you prefer something gentler or don’t have the time for a full cleanse, Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water ($11.99, available from Priceline) is fantastic at removing makeup without the need for rinsing. If your skin is exceptionally oily, using a natural toner that won’t irritate your skin like T.N. Dickinson’s All Natural Witch Hazel Toner ($6.59, available from Priceline) will promote fresh and clear skin.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the next step for glowing skin as it removes the oldest layer of dead skin cells from the outermost surface. A gentle scrub like the classic favourite St Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub ($9.99, available from Priceline) is fantastic at exfoliating the face gently yet effectively.
Face mask
A thin layer of a clarifying face mask over the face and neck can be a wonderful treat for calming and purifying the skin before a busy party period, where we can tend to neglect our skincare routine. They can act to reduce redness and blotchiness, as well as improve the texture of your skin. I highly recommend the Formula 10.0.6 Skin Clarifying Mud Mask ($8.99, available from Priceline) for a highly effective, no-fuss complexion perfector.
Moisturise
The final step to achieving that lit-from-within appearance is adding moisture back into the skin. Whilst the cleansing process can work miracles for refreshing the skin, it can leave the face feeling tight and sometimes dry. It’s important to finish off your routine with a nourishing moisturiser such as Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion ($11.29 for 250ml, available from Priceline) or face oil/serum such as Bio-Oil ($14.99 for 60ml, available from Priceline). Additionally, eye creams such as Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($41, available from Mecca) can make your under eyes feel luxurious and plump. And don’t forget your lips! Slather on a generous amount of lip balm such as cult fave EOS Lip Balm ($8.60, available from beautybay.com) for moist lips – ready for the long night ahead.
Images via thebeautycult.blogspot.com, priceline.com.au, mecca.com.au, beautybay.com
