Your big event beauty prep

As the Oscars took over our TVs, newspapers, magazines, (and social media feeds) earlier this week, it got us thinking about the amount of beauty prep that goes into big events, and how much effort A-listers really go to in order to look their best.
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There’s skin that needs plumping, refining and blemish-free perfecting, not to mention hair in desperate need of TLC, and that’s just the beginning.
So whatever event you’ve got coming up - here are four beauty preparation tips and must-have products that will help you look like a star from top-to-toe.
Show your locks love...
We put our strands through a lot of trauma on a regular basis, so it’s little wonder they’re often left looking lifeless. In the lead-up to an event, use a weekly hair mask to replenish your strands’ strength and shine. Whether you’re on a budget or after something luxe, there are plenty of options for you, no matter what your hair type.
bh recommends: Moroccanoil Weightless Hydrating Mask, Bumble & Bumble Mending Masque, Redken All Soft Heavy Cream
Get your beauty sleep…
Tired, dark circles and puffy peepers can prevent you from looking your best, so prioritise getting enough Zzzs and maximising your skin’s renewal process with a diligent night-time regimen.
bh recommends: La Mer The Eye Balm, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Recovery Complex II, Clinique All About Eyes, Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector
Buff dead skin cells away…
There’s no denying the power of a faux glow, but it’s the prep we take to ensure it goes on smooth - and stays that way - that matters most. If you’ve ever read the instructions on the back of a tanning product before, 99.9 per cent of the time it’ll tell you to exfoliate first. That’s because you need to buff those dead cells to avoid dry, flaky and patchy skin, clogged pores, breakouts and congestion. As a general rule of thumb, we should all exfoliate our face and body “once or twice a week” says Nivea Skincare expert Robyn Hutch. Note to self: start exfoliating, now!
bh recommends: Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains for Face, Molton Brown Gingerlily Body Polisher
RELATED: Why you need to exfoliate
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Whiten those chompers...
When you’re a little over two weeks out from your big bash, it’s time to nix the coffee, red wine and fizzy drinks. A brighter smile is a no brainer when you’re gearing up to look your best, and just a half-hour at-home whitening session can make all the difference.
bh recommends: Oral-B 3D White Whitestrips, Opalescence Go
What other ways do you prep your appearance in the lead-up to an event?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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49 Member Comments
Sunless tanner and hair dye are things I generally do leading up to a big event.
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Great article. I love the prep to a big night out
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Exfoliate, tan and the white strips for teeth!
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Great article. some good tips here
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So exciting, love all the preparation
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The Moroccan oil hair masque looks divine
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Water water water
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I love Clinique products so am very interested in trying this eye cream.
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Hair treatment (joico, Goldwell), face mask (that exfoliates, like Zelens or PTRoth pumpkin ones), eye patches (sos innoxa), body buff (diy coffee orange tangerine scrub), smooth shave ALL OVER (yup!) + IPL, then next day all ready to go in a pretty dress ...oh and I sleep 9-10 hours =D
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Yep, yep, yep! Hair mask on, face mask on... followed by nourishing eye cream and lip oil, nails done!
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My hair is looking a bit lifeless so a hair mask sounds like just what I need. Whiter teeth is always good too for a big event.
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As a wedding hairstylist for a decade I cannot agree with this article. It is no secret that if you want an updo no hairstylist would want your hair soft and slippery. I even ask my clients to colour their hair before the big day if possible so that it is slightly damaged and hold the style up for more volume and last longer.
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I tend to leave things to the last minute, but I do straighten my hair so a heat protector is important.
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I wish that I had a fancy schmancy event to prepare myself for!
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I love planning for a big event with military precision. Planning my outfit, accessories, makeup and making the necessary beauty appointments. Love, love, love.
In fact, sometimes I enjoy the preparation more than the event.
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Wow isn't there just so much for us ladies to do!!
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Loads of water & plenty of sleep - not always easy if you're super-excited about the event though!!
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Not many big prep night outs for me but when they do come around, I do like to apply the nail polish on toes and hands and definitely spend more hours on my hair to get it right.
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Planning well ahead re dress, hair, makeup always makes the big day less stressful
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Mani's and pedi's are a must! I agree with hair treatments too.
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Teeth whitening is definitely a must for a major event!
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It is very rare that I would even go to an event but the prep is more important than the makeup!
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It's a good idea to do all these before a big event. Other things are pedicures and manicures, and fake tans :)
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