Everyone I know has a pre-party routine they simply have to do right before a big event. If I have something big planned, I never leave home without sitting through a whole multani mitti routine because it does wonders for my pores. I know a few friends who’ll wash their faces at different intervals leading up to the party evening. And my best friend needs to start her skincare and makeup routine at least three hours before leaving, to make sure her skin is glowing like the North Star.
Over the years I’ve come to realise that these little things are not just to primp up, they do wonders for my confidence! I always feel so much more ‘myself’ in an unfamiliar situation when I do these things, versus when I don’t. So while there’s no universal right or wrong way to prep for a party, here are a few things you can do to look and feel your best before a big night out!
Cleanse
Everything always starts with clean skin. Make sure you’ve done all your cleansing steps before hand, at least an hour before you need to get dressed! A lot of my friends like to go in for a professional facial, threading and face shaving a day before the event. I have really sensitive skin so I personally take it a step down and just go for a good old double cleanse routine to save some time and money!
Hydrate And Plump
Follow with your usual moisturiser and hydrating serums. I like going in with a sheet mask infused with ingredients like aloe vera, rice water or even hyaluronic acid. Eye masks are a great way to ensure there’s no puffiness and a lip mask is a no brainer because who wants chapped lips ruining your look?
Add Some Dimension
One thing I never fail to do before a big event is a gua sha routine. Trust me, this completely changes the way your face looks – especially if you start a week before the event. I usually use the serums from the mask to do these but you can also go in with a lightweight face oil or moisturiser. If you don’t know where to start, you can find a super easy-to-follow list for face massages here.
Take Care Of Breakouts
For all you acne girlies, I suggest skipping the heavy hydration and going in with a hydrocolloid patch or spot treatment. Do this religiously for a few nights before the big party and your skin should be glowing on the day of.
Reduce Inflammation
Now sometimes, even if I’ve been diligent with my routines and been eating well, there’s a big pimple on my face the next morning. When this happens, I’ve realised two things. First, no one really notices it as much as you think they’re noticing it. Second, there are ways to reduce the redness. So don’t pop anything, because it’ll only leave a nasty scar. Instead, try a clay mask or an acne patch (you can even do your makeup over some of them!).
At the end of the day, pre-party routines are more about boosting your confidence. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, these common steps are a practise I employ to make myself feel my best when I need to look my best. Here’s hoping they work for you too!
Featured Image: Instagram
