“These Are The Beauty Essentials I Swear By Pre-Party Season”
Whether it’s a big birthday, wedding or The Handbook Christmas party, I like to give myself a little extra prep beforehand. Nothing too complicated, just the sort of beauty groundwork that helps me feel confident, polished and ready for whatever the occasion brings. These are the three products I swear by to get party-ready…
You know when you look in the mirror before a big event and think, ‘I could really do with a bit of help here’? Well, this is the mask I reach for! №98 Beauty’s THE // MASK is a gorgeous gold hydrogel face mask that feels like a mini facial without having to leave the house (or book anything in!).
It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients, including vitamin C to help brighten and even out the complexion, alongside clever actives that help smooth and firm the look of skin. Basically, it’s a lovely little pick-me-up when your skin is looking tired, dull or just in need of some TLC.
I can often be found with the mask on while I’m rushing around trying to find a pair of tights with no holes in them or frantically searching for the missing earring to complete the pair I want to wear. Back to my face…I simply peel it off and pat the leftover serum into my skin. No rinsing, no faff, just glowy hydrated skin.
For me, ‘party skin’ is about skin that appears well-rested, bright and as though you’ve had a facial and eight hours’ sleep, rather than been up answering emails until midnight! So, it’s no surprise I turn to a product formulated by the queen of glow herself, celebrity facialist Keren Bartov, for skin that’s good enough for the red carpet.
This clever multitasker combines exfoliating acids with brightening ingredients such as niacinamide and tranexamic acid to help smooth skin texture, even out the appearance of skin tone and bring back some radiance. Basically, it does all the hard work to guarantee fresher, smoother and more glowy skin, which is exactly what everyone wants before a big event.
It’s not a cheap buy, but once you’ve used it, you’ll see exactly why this serum has a waiting list and why it’s nothing short of miraculous. However, this isn’t a product I leave for the night before, but one I add to my routine in the run-up to an occasion. So, plan ahead. Introduce it gradually, particularly if your skin is sensitive, and don’t forget your SPF on top.
Party prep shouldn’t stop at the neck. This bodycare indulgence is one of those products that makes an everyday shower feel considerably more luxurious. It’s formulated with vitamin C and ginger extract to help refresh dull-looking skin, so a great choice if your party dress exposes your arms/legs/back etc.
The fragrance is a real highlight for me, with its lovely warming notes of ginger, black pepper and cedarwood. It has such an uplifting, invigorating smell, the sort of scent that makes you feel ready to head out to a party, even when it’s pouring with rain outside! But the main takeaway is that it leaves your skin looking noticeably brighter. And really, if you’re going to all the trouble of finding the perfect dress, it’s only right to give a little love to the skin you’ll be showing off!
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
