Christmas ‘Party Season’ Tips

I think I’m still in denial that it’s nearly December as this year really has simply whizzed past, with a wonderful new baby in our lives. Early the other evening though, as I was out walking to soothe poor teething Baby Isabel before bed, I bumped into Maeve, one of my glamorous NCT Mummy friends. She was on her way out to a party, complete with fab sparkly dress and high heels. It reminded me afresh of all those clever tricks that one indulges in before a big night out and, with the Christmas party season just around the corner, I thought I’d share some insider tips with you, to ensure you have the most beautiful skin at all the festive gatherings.

Many of us spend ages debating which little black dress to buy and which killer heels look best, but skincare often comes last on the ‘getting ready to go’ list. And yet your skin is the one thing that people look at all the time!  The most important tip that I’ve picked up from the top make-up artists that we’ve worked with around the world, is that a great ‘face’ begins with great skin prep. I always swear too, that the time to start is actually the night before.

So, set aside just an hour or so to indulge in some true ‘me’ time, and your skin will glisten its thanks. Run yourself a delicious sensory Vital Oils bath (Comfort is my favourite for chilling out) and the skincare fun begins….. This is the time to dip into our ‘Special Treatments’ range – designed for you to ‘dip in’ and ‘dip out’ of, as you need. There are many star SOS treats here including deep cleansers, soothing masks and spot treatments; all designed to tackle a variety of skin issues. As with all our range, all the Special Treatments really do multi-task, making this the perfect ‘quick fix’ pit-stop for all your pre-party needs.

Everyone needs a good face mask before a party – it’s a prerequisite, as much as painting your nails. After cleansing, simply choose between Intensive Nourishing Treatment – a soothing moisture mask to intensively replenish lost moisture, leaving you with baby-soft skin (there is no better skin primer); or try Deep Cleansing Mask – a hard-working botanical mask to help rebalance and regulate oilier skins. (You can use all over, or just on specific areas such as the t zone or congested areas such as the jaw line). You could also use both these masks on different parts of your face, if you’re combination skin – for instance, Intensive Nourishing on dry cheeks and Deep Cleansing on the t zone. Then slough away dead skin cells on the body, to reveal luscious limbs for your LBD, with Energising Body Scrub – super-quick, this gentle foaming exfoliator works to energise and refresh the skin, shoulder to toe.

When you’re dry, finish your pampering session with Superskin Concentrate on the face, neck and décolletage - serious overnight skin-nourishing TLC for all skin types – and massage Superbalm into the cuticles on your hands and feet, sealing with Hand Repair to ensure your manicure is set off to its best.

And for the morning of the party? For those horrid emergency spots – why do they always rear their head before a big day?! – keep handbag-friendly Spot On to hand. This mini rollerball delivers a potent blend of non-drying essential oils to help tackle the causes of outbreaks, with tea tree, lavender and melissa as well as natural vitamin E.  If the day runs away, time is tight and you end up with only 30 minutes to go before the party, don’t worry! Opt for everyone’s hero, Brightening Treatment – this minute mask works quickly to brighten and bring a rosy glow to even the dullest of complexions, leaving skin soft, clean and radiant. What better emergency fix before you start making up? For your evening bag, as well as Spot On which you can also apply over make-up if necessary, take a mini Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer to refresh and revive all the senses, and a mini Botanical Aftersun Gel. Our minis are perfectly portable, and the Aftersun Gel really comes into its own to soothe aching ‘dancing in high heels’ feet!

For the morning after - ouch! – gently does it; reach quickly for soothing eye lotion Eyebright to calm puffiness around the eye area, and soothe weary heads. Sprinkle liberally onto two cotton wool pads, place over the eye area, and lie back for 5 minutes as Eyebright works its gentle wonders. (If you’re super-organised, pop Eyebright in the fridge as you leave the house for the party, so you’re ready for the morning after!) A spritz of Instant Boost from your evening bag will also quickly revive all the senses. Energising Body Wash is a great ‘morning after’ choice, and the eucalyptus in Cleanse & Polish also helps wipe away the cobwebs…

And a final tip…. I often find that I can start going down with colds and horrid winter bugs in the run-up to Christmas, when you’re super busy. Try a morning dose of this, instead of your double-shot skinny latte: add a spoonful of manuka honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon to a cup of hot water. This comforting drink helps ward off the baddies - another example of how our botanicals can work in so many ways, manuka honey in our Deep Cleansing Mask helps soothe the skin but taken orally like this, it can also help ward off infection. Most good supermarkets sell it alongside standard honey. It’s well worth the investment.

Happy partying!

Do come and share your own pre and post-party skincare tips here. We’d love to hear any of your own good suggestions that we can share during our next QVC shows - Liz & I both look forward to seeing you on QVC on Friday the 5th from 2pm!

Comments

[sam wigham]

hi caroline, lovely to hear your wonderful tips for getting ready to go out. i don't think i will wait till i go out but indulge tomorrow night when hubby has gone out and i've got 6 month old Ruby settled. oh for a relaxing bath and a little me time. i missed the lunch at the chewton glen - not sure if Liz did one this year. love to everyone. sam

[Sandra Miller]

Thank you for the tips. Not that I need a party to indulge myself with your range. Never has pampering been so exquisite. Will definitely try the tip with manuka honey and lemon.