With holiday office parties, white elephant exchanges and events with our friends and families in the works, you’ll want to make sure you look your best in the upcoming months. Take a look at these holiday beauty tips to ensure you’re party ready.
Skincare
The holidays are a time to indulge, and when it’s comes to beauty, you’ll want to indulge in good skin care specialist in order to keep your skin in the best shape possible. Estheticians are specialized skin experts and can help evaluate your skin to determine your skin type. They can then tell you what types of products will help or cause damage, providing you valuable advice about what actually causes acne. An esthetician can determine how to best create a regular skincare regime that works with any particular skin ailments and medications a doctor has prescribed. Depending on your individual needs, estheticians can also perform customized facials to help those with dehydrated skin (from dry, winter weather, one too many cocktails and not enough water) rebalance their skin’s moisture balance. Most specialists will also tell you that in order to maintain a healthy performance it’s best to schedule an appointment every three months and when the season changes. Give yourself an early Christmas present and see a skilled esthetician to get clearer skin as soon as possible.
Makeup
If ever there were a time to get glam, Christmas season is it. Break out of your usual go-tos and try something a little bit different. Try applying a glitter liner (if you don’t have glitter liner on hand, you can also take a small brush and use a bit of gold eyeshadow) and apply it over your regular, black liner for an extra bit of holiday sparkle, or, consider finally giving that winged liner look a try. The classic, smoky eye is a great look for the holidays as well, and the good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated. To create a quick-and-dirty smoky eye that looks as beautiful as it is effortless, wipe a cream shadow across your eyelids and under the bottom lashes… just one step and you’re set! Or, if you’re looking for a bit more shimmer, try using an illuminator or translucent, glimmering shadow on your eyelids and cheekbones for an iridescent glow. If all else fails, a bold, red lip is always a winner — just make sure to keep your eyes and cheeks understated.
Hair
If you’re thinking of dressing up your hair for the holidays, consider trying a braided high pony. Simply start with blow drying it straight (no need to perfectly smooth) and then pull all of your hair into a high ponytail and begin a simple, three-strand braid. If you have bangs, you can use a flatiron to tame them backwards towards the ponytail and then pin, leaving a bit a volume. If a ponytail feels a bit gradeschool to you, a half-up, mini faux hawk may be just the thing to give your holiday look some edge. Using a bit of Big Sexy texturizing powder, create the “faux hawk” by separating the middle section that’s two to three inches wide at the top of the head. French braid the section so that it goes straight back, secure with bobby pins and then tousle. You can style the rest of your hair however you please: curly, straight or wavy, and then voila: instant holiday chic.
Recovery
All that celebrating is hard work…and is equally hard on your body. Holiday foods are usually fairly salt and sugar laden, which unfortunately, can cause water retention, puffiness and dull-looking skin. In between all the party-going, it’s important to take some time to recalibrate your system. You’ll want to make sure to drink plenty of water and caffeine-free fluids, such as peppermint or ginger tea. If you’re unsure of just how much fluids you should be drinking a day, an easy measurement method is to multiply your weight in pounds by 60%, or two-thirds. If you’re suffering from some major under-eye swelling, go old-school and cut up a couple of chilled cucumbers. Place them gently on your eyes for 20 to 30 minutes and allow the cucumber’s anti-inflammatory properties to naturally calm those unwanted bags.
Use these beauty tips to your advantage and look your absolute best this holiday season.
