Quick beauty fixes for last-minute Christmas party prep
The holiday season always seems to sneak up on us and suddenly you’re racing from work to a Christmas party with barely a minute to spare. Cold weather, heating, and long days can leave your skin dull, hair flat, and your makeup fading by mid-morning. The good news is that there’s no need to go home and freshen up and miss half the festivities. Read on for some fast beauty fixes to help you step out looking polished and party-ready in minutes. With your glow revived, your confidence is boosted and you can focus on enjoying the celebrations.
Hydration and highlighters: Add an instant glow to your skin
Winter skin can always do with an extra push to make it look fresh and rested. Spritz on a hydrating face mist to instantly soften tight skin and help makeup sit more smoothly. Follow this with an anti-dullness primer with light-reflecting pigments that blur without looking glittery. If your eyes are looking tired, use a brightening concealer where you see shadows (usually the inner corners and just beneath the lower lashes) to lift the face. Then dab a bit of cream highlighter on the cheekbones and along the brow bone for a healthy sheen. It’s a simple trio (mist, primer, concealer) but it lets you create a fresh base in under five minutes.
Dry shampoo and holding spray: Glam hair in under a minute
When your hair has gone flat, frizzy, or fallen victim to humidity, quick fixes can work wonders. Massage a little dry shampoo into the roots for instant lift, then flip your hair upside down and brush it for extra volume. Use heatless curls (wrapping sections around a silk ribbon or sponge rollers) to add shape as you get ready. If your style needs help staying put, mist a holding spray lightly over the lengths to lock in shine and volume without the crunchiness of regular hair spray. Finally, look to sparkly clips, velvet headbands or other accessories to add a touch of last-minute glamour.
Bold reds and shimmer: Statement makeup that won’t slide off mid-party
A few strategic edits is all it takes to update daytime makeup. Swap out a neutral (or bare) lip for a bold red or berry shade, swipe on some shimmering eyeshadow, and tap highlighter into the inner corners of the eyes to brighten your expression. Choose long-wear formulas (especially for eyeliner) that can survive warm, crowded Christmas venues. A quick setting spray is the final step to help everything stay put until the final toast.
Christmassy shades and scents: Fast nail and fragrance updates
If you don’t have time for a full manicure, a fresh coat of polish in a festive shade (think ruby, emerald, metallic gold) will tie your look together nicely. High quality nail stickers or press-on nails can also look surprisingly polished. For fragrance, layer a fun festive scent (with cinnamon notes, perhaps) with a matching body mist so you can top up subtly before leaving.
Turn a rushed afternoon into a glowing party look
You don’t have to arrive at a post-work Christmas party with flat hair and this morning’s eyeliner. With these quick simple tricks and some good products, you can transform a fading daytime look into a confident, party-ready one. So go and make the most of that holiday celebration (even if you did get ready at record speed).
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