Georgia Day’s Guide To Party-Season Beauty Prep

Silent Nights

Ensuring there’s enough in the pre-party season tank is imperative for me. In an ideal world, that would mean retreating to a wellness retreat for a week, but in the absence of that, I’ve had to think again. Although massages, herbal teas and screen-free time play a part in my pre-emptive festive plan, it is good, sound sleep that matters most to me. And while my pre-bed ritual of OTO’s CBD Sleep Drops is now a non-negotiable for the deepest, most restorative sleep, I went one better recently and headed to Chewton Glen hotel to try out the brand’s new Sleep Soundly Ritual. I wish I could tell you more of what it involved but predictably (and wonderfully) I fell asleep. The good news was that the deep sleep didn’t stop there. According to my Oura ring (a new obsession of mine) my deep sleep levels increased (that’s the type of sleep that boosts your immune system and gets new neurons firing) the night after my treatment, and my restfulness and sleep efficiency were through the roof. I’m already plotting my return.

Flash The Lashes

This time last year I was sporting the world’s most glorious lash extensions courtesy of the brilliant Camilla Lashes. And while I still think they’re worth every penny (they last up to eight weeks) this year I’m investing in my own lashes a little more and heading to Blink Brow Bar London for a Dream Lash Lift/Curl. It’s a subtle change but it really does add something, plus it means your mascara doesn’t have to work nearly as hard. If your lashes are on the fairer side, you won’t regret adding a tint into the mix for some extra definition. If you are tempted to add to what you’ve got, they also do a range of semi-permanent lash sets which will add volume and length.

’Tis The Season To Be Smooth 

I don’t recall a time I’ve ever been so organised as I was when I booked a course of laser hair removal at the start of September. Since then I’ve been having my treatment at the Phi Clinic on Harley Street using the Soprano Titanium, a device by Alma – a company that specialises in making pioneering aesthetic equipment. Apparently, it’s the only clinically proven method of laser hair removal that’s safe for all hair types and skin tones, including dark tones and self-tanned skin. Because I was so organised, party-season me is now really starting to reap the skin-smoothing results. Silky, hair-free legs will, of course, always be fabulous but it’s the flawless underarms that have been the real thrill for me. I still can’t quite compute that it means no more shaving, stubbly regrowth and ingrown hairs ever (ever!) again.

Festive Face-Savers

With a busy schedule ahead I need to make sure I have my game face on. By that, I mean I need my skin to stay looking fresh, even when I’m feeling far from it. At this time of year, I want products that are all about repair and recovery, and that can fortify my skin against the upcoming onslaught of too much food and drink and too little sleep. Lately, I’ve been trialling a new product from Skinceuticals, a brand I have used for years, and so far I’m impressed. The A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced moisturiser is designed to address skin that’s been impacted by glycation, the process that occurs when fatty and protein-rich foods are exposed to high temperatures (hello Christmas canapés). On the skin, this manifests as a lack of firmness, more pronounced wrinkles and dullness, so this science-backed formula which restores elasticity, bounce and vitality is very welcome. Another product that’s made the cut is Orveda’s Omnipotent Concentrate, which takes a past-present-future approach to skin health, helping to repair past damage, maintain a present glow and bolster future resilience. I really think this brand, which is all about using advanced green biotech to help over-processed skin recover and thrive, is something special.

Party Mouth

For the other 11 months of the year, I am very much a nude lipstick kind of woman, but come December I start to be a bit more adventurous with my shades. Prada Beauty’s Monochrome Hyper Matte Lipstick in R27 will be my go-to this year. The only downside with bright or bold colours is that they require a little upkeep when they’re on, and a little more prep before they’re applied. If your lips at this time of year are anything like mine – dry, flaky and tight – then I can’t recommend this duo from Fresh more. First up, the Sugar Lip Polish removes any dead skin and leaves them buttery soft. As recommended by the knowledgeable staff in their Monmouth Street store, I now keep it in my shower so that daily application becomes a habit. Next I go in with the Sugar Mint Rush Freshening Lip Treatment, which is a bit of a mouthful but it is the best pre-lipstick balm I have found. The reason it’s so good is that it contains grapeseed oil, which helps soften the fine lines on lips meaning lipstick goes on more easily, stays put for longer, and looks smoother and more even.

Bring On The Bubbly

Nothing relaxes me more than a long, hot bath during times of busyness and stress, so come party season I will be wallowing with real conviction. My tinctures of choice are from Vieve’s new Bathleisure collection. It’s all lovely, luxuriant stuff but my favourites are the frothy Bath & Body Soak and the Bath Salts, which make such a dreamy addition to the water with their neroli, amber and sandalwood scent. You could always go one better and buy the Complete Bathleisure Routine. To complete the relaxing ritual, I shall of course be lighting a candle. But which one to see in the festive season in style? It has to be the Jo Loves Christmas Trees Candle.

Follow @GeorgiaLDay for more.