The moment we have been waiting for is finally insight with restaurants, bars and pubs finally opening this weekend, it's time for the most exciting part of leaving lock-down; the beauty prep! With only 2 days to go until the biggest date in the calendar in months, it's time to dust off our makeup brushes, polish our nails and take our hair out of the messy bun it's been living in for the past three months. We have put together the ultimate beauty prep check list to make sure that you are on point and glowing for your first night out.
Body
Exfoliate
Skin regenerates itself around every 27 days, meaning that during lock-down your skin will have done this around three times or more, leaving behind dead skin cells on the surface. It's time to say out with the old to reveal the new glowing and healthy skin with a little exfoliation. Using either a body brush such as this Beech Wood Brush by Hydrea London or an exfoliating body scrub, massage wet skin in small circles applying pressure to boost circulation and shed away any dead skin cells to reveal the smoother and brighter skin underneath.
Hair removal
It's safe to say that we have all put off shaving our legs for a little longer than we usually would over the past months, keeping them safely hidden under our sweatpants. It's time to take action. Whether you're a shaver, epilator, waxer or are looking for something a little more permanent, we have all of the hair removal options ready for you to get that smooth, hair-free finish ready for that brand new mini dress that's been in your wardrobe waiting for this occasion.
Moisturise
Your skin never looks better than when it's properly moisturised. After exfoliating, make sure to apply a good body moisturiser to nourish your new skin and keep it looking plump and feeling soft.
Tan
Off course, no night out prep would be complete without tan! If you're looking for a subtle glow, a gradual tan is perfect for adding subtle sun kissed look. Or if you want to mirror that all out bronzed look that you should have got from a cancelled summer get away, try an instant tan suited to your complexion. Read our edit of how to achieve a glowing and streak free tan here.
Nails
Salons may not be open yet but that's no excuse. We have put together the ultimate beginners guide to nail art so that you can get the salon quality look at home.
Skin
Mask
A mask is the perfect way to revive and rejuvenate your skin to bring back radiance. With a mask for every single skin type and concern, take some me time among all of the prep work, put your feet up and let the concentrated ingredients sink into your skin to work their restoring magic. Not sure which mask is for you? We have outlined the best mask for each skin type from 111Skin, new to lookfantastic!
Hair
Mask
Just like your skin, your hair can benefit greatly from a targeted treatment such as a hair mask. Whether you're looking to target split ends, enhance your colour or bring back your shine, a hair mask is the answer. A best seller in the category, this No.7 Bonding Oil by Olaplex promises to repair, hydrate and eliminate frizz for glossy and smooth tresses.
In need of a little colour touch up? See our edit of how to touch up your roots to make sure your colour is consistent and covered.
Brows
Another case of DIY whilst we wait to be reunited with our brow technicians, mastering the art of brow maintenance is a skill that we all need to have at the ready for times like this. Read our edit of A guide to perfect DIY brows at home for everything you need to know to achieve perfect on point arches.
Makeup
Is there any better reason to treat yourself to some new makeup products than a special occasion? Equip yourself with only the best with our top picks for the most glam of glow ups.
Prime
Blur imperfections and smooth your canvas ready for foundation with a good Primer. The Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Foundation Primer will give you a smooth and flawless complexion that will enhance any makeup applied on top of it for an airbrushed finish. Read our edit of the best makeup primers 2020 here.
Base
Create the perfect even base for your look with the MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation. A cult favourite in the industry for its HD capabilities, the liquid formula delivers a comfortable, satin finish for up to eight hours. Available in a wide range of shades, the foundation is suitable for all skin types, moisturising and nourishing as it covers.
Perfect for a more lightweight coverage during the hotter months, the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector will help you achieve a flawless no-makeup look with a dewy, airbrushed finish. The formula works to care for the skin with its Hydrating Complex, a blend of Kukui Seed and Macadamia oils that lock in moisture for up to 24 hours, smoothing the complexion and keeping it plump and moisturised. The Perfector also contains Vitamins E and C to protect against external aggressors and SPF 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. The all round product will help you achieve and preserve the brand's famous flawless face.
Contour & Blush
Add depth and definition to your look with a sweep of bronze, blush and highlighter on top of your flawless base. Enhance your natural facial structure by applying your bronzer underneath the cheek bones, around the hair line and along the jaw bone, whilst adding highlighter to the higher points of the face such at on top of the cheek bones, down the bridge of the nose, under your eyebrows and on your cupids bow. Finish off with a pinch of blush on the apples of your cheek.
Eyes
Slightly higher in price but definitely worth it, your are guaranteed to fall head over heels with the Natasha Denona Love Palette. Create a =soft romantic look with matte blush tones of pink, purple and mauve both in lighter and deeper shades for an evening or night time look. Known for their premium quality formulas, this highly pigmented palette won't disappoint; expect glistening, crack-free colour all night long.
If you're looking for something long-wearing to last you whilst you make up for lost time, the 3INA Makeup The Cream Eyeshadow is a smooth and creamy formula that will add depth and definition. Combine the twelve stunning shades for a unique creation or wear alone for a summery, subtle look; no matter what you lighten your lids with, the Eyeshadow promises a luxurious shimmer finish, perfect for summer nights.
Lips
Get glossy with the Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss. The smooth formula glides onto the lips to deliver a high-shine finish without any sticky feeling for a lip look that will complement any complexion. The gloss not only adds shine and colour, but hydrates and plumps for a fuller looking lip.
Set
Since this is the first night out we've had in a while, we're out for the long run, which means our make up has to be too. Lock down your look to keep it fresh and flawless all night with a setting spray or powder that will prevent creases or smudging.
