Last Minute Party Makeover – Tips and Tricks

As summer ends, do you start with good intentions to get to the gym every day, have regular facials and a new ‘hair do’, so that you look great for the party season? But do you then find that invariably you just don’t have the time, so that when the hour arrives to ‘glam up’ and party the night away, you’re not in the shape you’d hoped for? If this sounds like you, then you’re not alone. But don’t despair! Here are some last minute quick-fixes to help you shine through the festive party season.

Tired, lifeless hair

If you haven’t been able to make it to the hairdresser and find that your hair looks less than party-ready, try these quick rescue remedies.

For frizzy hair that just won’t behave, apply two drops of shine serum, oil or spray into your palms and rub your hands together until the product is well-distributed. Now, lightly brush your hands over the top layer of your hair, and gently finger-pick the product through the frizzy strands to smooth them.

Split ends can make your hair look dull and lifeless. Revive your tresses by lightly misting a clean, soft toothbrush with shine-enhancing styling spray. Now, skim the brush across your split ends to smooth them down. You can also camouflage splits by wearing your hair up, or by using a flatiron to curl the ends under, making the ends less visible.

For a great last-minute emergency hair treatment, apply a hot oil product to your hair, pile your locks up under towel, and allow the oil to soak in for 30 minutes. Remove the towel and apply a deep conditioner to your hair on top of the oil. Now, rinse your hair clean using cool water and no shampoo.  

Complexion pick-me-up

For a quick complexion-brightening facial, use one of the many single-use, disposable face masks that are on the market. Vitamin C-infused face masks are wonderful for illuminating your complexion, while others are formulated specially to banish under-eye shadows. If you don’t have time for a Botox fix, try using a line-erasing, hydrating mask instead.

Face masks cost from as little as $5, right up to $120, depending on the brand, and there are products to suit all skin types.

Trim your curves

A great way of relaxing and trimming a couple of inches off your waist before a party is to have a body wrap. Body wrap treatments are offered by most beauty spas; they’re great for disguising cellulite and can also act as a detox.

The treatment begins with a full body scrub, and then a shower, before moisturisers and other herbal treatments are applied to your skin. You’re then tightly wrapped in a sheet and thermal blanket. You remain wrapped for half an hour while the wrap ingredients get to work. Finally, you will have another shower and intensive moisturising lotions are applied to your body.

The wrap will leave your skin silky smooth and hydrated, cellulite will disappear and you could lose up to three inches from your waist. Unfortunately, these effects are only temporary, but a wrap is a great quick-fix if you’ve neglected those gym visits!

A body wrap costs $100 upwards, depending on the treatment you opt for and the individual spa.

A great tip for a really glamorous finishing touch is to mix liquid bronzer with a firming body lotion, and then massage it into your skin. This will give your body a healthy, golden glow as well as temporarily tightening your skin.

If you haven’t had time for a leg wax, smooth baby oil onto your legs and shave them using a lady-specific razor. The oil gives protection to your skin, prevents it from drying out, and leaves your legs super-soft and satiny smooth.

Manicure reviver

You can prolong the life of your manicure by simply touching-up any tiny chips or nicks, and then applying a shiny, clear top coat over your existing nail polish. This will give your nails a lovely glossy finish and protect them from further damage. In fact, this quick cheat is so effective that your nails will look freshly manicured!

Another great cheat for eye-catching party nails is to apply a layer of glitter polish over your existing nail varnish. This trick neatly covers up chips and gives the impression of a brand new manicure. Finish off with a shiny top coat to seal the glitter and add a super-glossy wow factor.

In conclusion

If you’ve left your party body preparations to the last minute, don’t despair! You can still look gorgeous by trying some of the tips given above. If you have any great tips for a quick party makeover, share them with other readers in the comments section below.