Even if your day-to-day beauty routine is minimal, you may be inspired to kick your holiday routine up a notch. Between the parties and special events to visiting with friends and family you only see on occasion—you’re likely to be in a lot of photos. It’s more than just aesthetics, you want to look as festive as you feel. These tips will help!
#1 Hair
Schedule an appointment at the salon at least 1 week before the event you want to look your best for. This will trim away dead ends and refresh your color. Also, inquire about whether you should deep condition your hair or try a new product or two. If you are feeling adventurous, consider a new hairstyle for the New Year.
You may also want to have your hair and makeup professionally styled for special events. For your convenience, see if you can have someone come to your house.
#2 Nails
Painting your nails is a little something extra that can refine your holiday look. Schedule an at-home or salon manicure and pedicure a day or two before your event. Have fun with it and consider gel nails and maybe a festive color and decals. This might be red and green polish, snowflake decals, glitter for New Year’s, or a bold color or design you wouldn’t normally wear.
Just remember, gel nails need to be touched up every 3 to 4 weeks, so plan accordingly. If you don’t wear gel polish year-round, it will need to be removed professionally.
#3 Brows and Lashes
The holidays are also an excellent time to refine your eyebrows and eyelashes. You have a variety of options to choose from, including:
- Lengthening mascara
- Eyebrow waxing or threading
- Eyebrow gel
- Eyebrow tinting
- Eyelash lift and tint
- Glue-on or magnetic lashes
- Temporary lash extensions
Yes, you can find fake lashes or extensions that create a look that is natural and refined. Or go for a bold holiday look.
#4 Makeup
Consider heading online or to your preferred makeup counter for a few new cosmetics. Maybe new lipstick, eye shadow, bronzer, or perfume. If bronzer isn’t right for you, consider a foundation, powder, or highlighter with light-reflecting particles. This will minimize the appearance of scars, acne, discoloration, or imperfections.
If you plan to spray tan, wait at least 24 hours after you wax. This requires more than one trip to the salon but waxing after a spray tan leaves streaks—and waxing before can irritate your skin.
As we mentioned above, consider at-home makeup application or spray tan.
#4 Wax and Shave
We covered when to wax before you spray tan, but there are a few other considerations:
- If you will be flying during the holidays, shave or wax at least 2 days prior. Shaving and waxing sooner can leave your skin more susceptible to bacteria.
- For a smoother shave, gently exfoliate beforehand with a loofah or body scrub.
- For a smoother wax, gently exfoliate 2 or 3 days beforehand, but not the day of.
- If the skin on your face is sensitive or acne-prone, thread facial hair instead of waxing.
#5 Skin Care
Depending on where you live in the country, the air outside is likely to be colder and drier this time of year. So, if you haven’t yet, it’s time to switch from your lighter AM moisturizer to a thicker and creamier daytime cream. Don’t forget a nourishing overnight mask and eye care products that will help you look refreshed after a late night.
Keep your skin looking its best with a multi-step AM and PM skincare routine that includes exfoliating 2 to 3 days per week.
Also, consider a spa facial the week prior to your special event. Or incorporate at-home beauty treatments into your holiday season skincare routine.
Here’s to a happy holiday season!