Party season: two words that instil excitement and fear in equal measure. With annual friend get-togethers, work parties and the endless 'we must catch up before Christmas' drinks, it’s a marathon not a sprint. Forget champagne on Christmas morning; what most of us want by 25th December is a really long lie-in.
Already panicking at the thought of your crammed iCal? Fear not, conquering party season just needs some careful planning, and here at R29 we’ve got you covered. From wardrobe tweaks to makeup hacks and technology must-haves, go the distance this party season with these tricks.
1. Try a deskside face mask
Thought you couldn’t do a face mask at your desk? Think again. Granted, you may get a few stares in the office, but this genius dry sheet mask offers a skincare boost without the hassle of removing your makeup. Using smart Korean-inspired technology, this dry textured mask injects a cocktail of skin-loving vitamins, floral extracts, peptides, oils and butters deep into the skin. Expect a brighter, smoother and more hydrated complexion (even if you’re just about surviving on coffee and hangover Five Guys).
Charlotte Tilbury Revolutionary Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask, £18, available at Charlotte Tilbury
2. Swap your wallet for a micro bag
Time is of the essence during party season, and the less faff the better. Throughout December, keep your wallet and essentials in a dance floor-appropriate bag. An easy way to up the ante on any outfit, it also saves time when getting ready. Simply stash your other belongings in a canvas tote and leave in the cloakroom or office.
Topshop Dina Diamante Drawstring Bag, £20, available at Topshop
Mango Methacrylate Bag, £89.99, available at Mango
**PROMO FEATURE**
3. Invest in a lifeproof foundation
Long lasting foundation is a non-negotiable in any party season makeup bag. After all, there’s nothing worse than catching sight of your face post-3am to see that your makeup has gone south. Luckily, crafting a base that doesn’t budge needn't take serious time, skills or an extensive kit. With CYO’s Lifeproof Long Lasting Foundation you simply shake, squeeze and blend your desired level of coverage using fingers, brush or a sponge. Hydrating, non-cakey, smudge-proof and lasting up to 24 hours, this foundation is everything we want from going out-out makeup.
CYO Lifeproof Long Lasting Foundation, £7.50, available at Boots
4. Style your hair with dry shampoo
On those days when you find yourself snoozing your alarm for the 14th time, dry shampoo is your saviour. While your standard dry shampoo does a great job of masking your unwashed sins, a texturising spray goes a step further to provide texture, volume and that 'just-styled' finish. Mist on dry hair and scrunch with your hands for a tousled finish, or spray with your head tipped upside down for a fresh and bouncy look.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, £41, available at Cult Beauty
Ouai Haircare Texturizing Hair Spray, £22, available at Cult Beauty
5. Avoid feet fatigue
No one wants to end their evening making a barefoot dash for an Uber with their heels in hand. As that annoying teacher/parent/friend probably once told you: By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. Instead, prevent blisters and sore soles by making sure you have insoles in your heels and pack some rollable flat shoes in your bag.
ASOS Gel heel cushions, £3.50, available at ASOS
Rollasole Rollable Flat Shoes, £11.95, available at Rollasole
6. Never run out of juice
Did you even go out if you didn't Instagram it? It's the perennial question of the digital age but becomes even more pertinent come party season. Selfies and stories aside, there’s nothing more annoying than trying to track down a lost friend or booking an Uber when your phone is flat. Enter our favourite technology invention of late: portable chargers. This one comes without wires (because who has time to untangle those) and in on-trend marble. Keep this on your desk at work or pop in your bag, and ensure you never see that frightening 1% again.
Typo Wireless Charger, £25, available at Typo
7. Keep your energy levels up
Keep this pocket-size rollerball on hand for those inevitable frazzled moments. The invigorating blend of rosemary, grapefruit and geranium essential oils will give you the energy you need while calming your cluttered mind. Simply roll on your pulse points and take a few deep breaths to inhale the scent.
Neal's Yard Remedies Remedies to Roll for Energy, £8, available at Neal’s Yard
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