Do you have a prom coming up? Or a black tie event, a graduation, a wedding? Maybe nothing at all, but here is a beginner’s guide to (my personal) guide of beauty resources for big events.
1. If you’re planning to wear your hair up for an event, don’t get any keratin treatments done a couple of weeks before. Your hair will not stay in place.
2. Start dress shopping as early as possible. The more you leave things for last minute, the more hectic things will get.
3. Don’t buy dresses too small in hopes that you will lose a lot of weight in time. Buy it as per your current size. Drastic short term weight loss is unlikely.
4. Try the dress on at least 3 times before the event - once when you buy/ receive it; once when your event is about a week away; and 2-3 days prior. The reason being that weight can fluctuate. If you need to give it for alterations, you need to have a few days on your side. Make sure you have the right underwear.
5. Don’t get any facials done a couple of days before your event. Get it done a week or two prior, in case you break out. A lot of women make the mistake of getting facials done last minute or drastically changing their routine for just a few days. Your skin can’t get used to the change so fast and as a result, you break out on the day of the event. Stick to your original routine as much as possible.
6. In my experience, square shaped nails chip the most. If you’re unsure about what sort of nails to get, get a classic French nail, it’ll go with everything.
7. If you’re driving there yourself/ with a friend or in a vehicle that will be parked at the event, it is a good idea to carry an extra pair of flats. Keep it in the car if needed.
8. If you can afford to splurge, best to get waxed rather than shaved. If you have sensitive skin, be careful. You can easily get waxed 2 weeks before the event - waxed skin tends to stay hairless longer, and you won’t accidentally cut yourself with the razor.
9. Your clutch should have oil blotting paper (Sephora has good ones), perfume sample, a little cash, card, lipstick, hair tie and mints.
10. If you’re buying new shoes for this event, break into them. Put some talc powder around the edge of shoes and try to walk at least 3-4 minutes everyday until the event. Wear thin socks initially so that you don’t get any injuries.
11. If you’re stuck between two outfits, or if you have more than one event to attend to in a row, make an outfit PDF. Take pictures of yourself in each outfit, with its corresponding jewellery, accessories and shoes. Upload each outfit + accessories + potential hairstyles + make up looks + nails (the last three can be sourced from Pinterest) to Microsoft Word/ Apple Pages. Place each look on each page. Make sure that everything is clear and visible. Export it to PDF. You can print it if you like.
12. Don’t eat anything junk one week before your event. Start your days with lots of water, green juices, fruits and vegetables. Refrain from alcohol, smoking.
13. Start whitening your teeth a month before the event (if you’ve been given that much notice). Crest is decent.
14. If you’re getting your hair and make up professionally done, it really is a good idea to have a trial run, unless the MUA is tried and tested by you.
15. Plan the day of the event carefully. If your MUA tells you that the make up will take an hour, hold it as 1.5 hours. If your hairdresser says 40 minutes, hold it as 1 hour. Make a schedule for the day so that you are not late. Ensure you have enough time for photos!