There’s something special about this time of year. As we hurtle towards December, the days become longer and the mood becomes lighter, as diaries are soon filled with family gatherings, office drinks and celebratory cocktails with friends.
While every Christmas season is special, this one feels particularly jovial. After two years of derailed plans, it’s finally time to go “out-out”.
Our favourite thing about the party season? It gives us an excuse to try the sophisticated beauty looks—think elongated winged liner, ruby red lipstick or va-va-voom ghd curls—that we’ve been saving on Instagram all year.
But while our feeds are a constant source of inspo’, sometimes the best hair and makeup tips come from the women around us. Ahead, three real women share their pre-party beauty prep.
“A sparkly eye, glowing skin and bouncy curls are my party requisites.” Kayla, 24
PREP
“When I have a special occasion on my calendar, my starting point is always my outfit. From there, I can decide which of my beauty rituals will suit the style I’m going for—but an express face mask is always a must to prep my skin.”
MAKEUP
“To brighten my eyes, I can’t go past the Charlotte Tilbury cream eyeshadow pots to help me look more awake (something I rely on after a long week at work!). If I’m wearing a strapless or off-the-shoulder dress, I’ll apply Recreation Luxury Body + Hair Serum Oil across my collarbones for a subtle glow and through my hair for a silky look.”
HAIR
“As my hair is naturally straight, big bouncy curls make me feel instantly dressed up—so I can’t leave the house until I’ve created waves with my ghd straightener. Mum bought me the ghd travel size version about three years ago as a gift, which is brilliant as I travel interstate for work often. But now I’ve perfected my curling skills, I’m ready to upgrade to the luxe full-size ghd.”
“This Christmas, I have my eye on The Deluxe Gift Set from the ghd Grand-Luxe Collection, as I know it’s something I’ll use not just during the party season, but all year long.” – Kayla, 24.
“Party beats, silky legs and a smokey eye are on my playlist.” Jen, 34
PREP
“My pre-party ritual starts with putting on an epic playlist before you hit the shower. There’s nothing better to get you in the mood to party than a pre-prepared list of classic ’90s hits as you steam up the bathroom mirrors. Don’t forget the legs—if they’re on show, they must be fuzz-free and silky smooth. Almond butter for the win!”
HAIR
“You know it’s a special occasion if the hair tool comes out—a party is the perfect excuse to spend a little extra time on my hair to rock the curls. It’s all about the flick of the wrist and (sometimes, a little too much) hairspray.”
FRAGRANCE
“Before I walk out the door, I always give myself a spritz of perfume, making sure to dab behind the ears for long-lasting wear.” – Jen, 34.
“I prepped two days in advance of my last big event.” Mia, 26
PREP
“Usually, I never tan, get my nails done or get eyelashes done—but recently, I was a bridesmaid for a friend’s wedding and I decided to go all out.
“Prep for this event started two days in advance with a full body exfoliation and at-home tan using Bondi Sands. The day before was hair wash day, using a colour shampoo and conditioner followed by a hydrating mask.”
MAKEUP
“When I am getting ready to go out for an event, I will always look for a natural bronzed look that is not too heavy on the eye. I always like my makeup light and natural looking. My usual go-to for inspiration is Shay Mitchell or Kendall Jenner.
“On the day of the wedding, I spent a lot of time on skin prep, using the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, Cryo-Recovery Face Mask and Magic Cream. Then I did my makeup with a glowy base, soft smokey eye and plenty of mascara.”
HAIR
“For any special ‘glam’ occasion, I always do my hair the same way. I create curls using a ghd, then wait for the hair to cool before brushing it out to an S wave. To finish, I spritz all-over with a glossing spray for extra shine.” – Mia, 26.
Brought to you by ghd.
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