I have always enjoyed the extra planning and prepping that goes into a special night out. Whether it’s a black tie affair or a more casual first date, glowing and radiant skin is always a top priority. Your skin is a reflection of what’s going on internally, so treating it truly goes beyond what we use topically and extends to the foods we eat and the lifestyle we live. The days leading up to your big night are just as important as your
day-of routine.
My top lifestyle tips for glowing skin include getting plenty of rest and eating whole, clean foods. Staying hydrated with lemon water is also wonderful to help detox and eliminate bloating and puffiness in the face. Get moving with exercise and enjoy plenty of fresh outdoor air to increase circulation, which will oxygenate and nourish the skin on the inside. All of these things help your skin repair, rebuild and look its absolute best.
A few days before my big night out I love to perform some mild exfoliation with a facial scrub or enzyme. I suggest applying the enzyme before stepping into the shower, as the moist heat will increase the enzyme activity and eat away at the dead surface cells to smooth texture and improve the appearance of pores. If you can get to the spa, I would strongly recommend a dermaplaning treatment, which works even deeper to smooth skin’s texture while removing any tiny vellus hairs, a.k.a. the “peach fuzz” that can interfere with a flawless makeup application. You’ll be left with soft, supple skin. Another benefit of dermaplaning is that any hydrating or active ingredients that you apply after your treatment will absorb even deeper and work more effectively.
Another favorite professional skin care procedure is a microcurrent treatment. Microcurrent is one of the most natural and safe non-invasive modalities to rejuvenate the skin with immediate results. It’s like a non-surgical facelift that instantly tones, lifts, firms and helps “re-educate” the facial muscles. Microcurrent uses low-current energy that stimulates cells to produce collagen and elastin, while lifting and toning the skin. When this is done in conjunction with a facial, it also assists in product penetration, which means your skin will absorb more nutrients at the cellular level, resulting in a younger and healthier appearance. Additionally, microcurrent can help reduce acne flare-ups, calm rosacea and redness, reduce inflammation, and lift the jowls and eyebrows. Incorporating microcurrent into a facial with dermaplaning is a fantastic option and tops my list for pre-date treatments.
A spray tan is another quick and easy option to achieve glowing, sunkissed-looking skin. It’s perfect for tops that expose your shoulders and arms, or dresses that bare your legs. See a professional for a beautiful tan, or use quality at-home self tanning products. Whichever you opt for, definitely stay away from tanning beds, which are far worse and more damaging than even a tan from the sun.
The night before your big date, be sure to get to bed early and aim for seven to eight hours of beauty sleep. The day of the event, perform a light exfoliation with a physical buffing cream. A buffing cream is very gentle, and smooths skin and removes dead skin build-up. This ensures that your makeup will apply smoothly and help avoid any dry patches. Don’t forget the lips! Use a lip polish to gently exfoliate and prep for lipstick. Your lips will be left extra soft and plump!
After you’ve gently exfoliated, relax with a hydrating mask. Choose a mask that addresses your skin condition; whether it brightens, controls oil or calms redness or acneic skin. This will give your skin an immediate boost! Once removed, apply a hyaluronic acid hydrating serum followed by a moisturizing cream and makeup primer. This will provide the perfect base for your makeup application. Cosmetics will float on the skin’s surface and last longer throughout the evening.
When applying makeup, choose a foundation that not only matches your skin tone but is also appropriate for your skin condition. Layering with a moist makeup sponge and setting with a light powder will ensure makeup stays where you put it and boosts the longevity of the colors applied. Throughout the evening, you can refresh your makeup with a powder foundation and mist with a setting spray to avoid an overly powdered look. Look for a purse-sized lipstick, mascara and blush for ease of use and a compact for easy carrying and effortless touch-ups.
Now go on out and have a fantastic evening, knowing you have prepped for your special night. Remember, nothing looks better than a great smile!
Denise Dubois is the founder and owner of Complexions Spa for Beauty
& Wellness, which has locations in Albany and Saratoga Springs.
