N¥E . PRE PART¥ PREP

It's hard to believe that this glitter filled, champagne popping, slightly dreaded celebration, in which we welcome the new year, is already upon us. But it doesn't have to be dreaded if you go into the night with low expectations, surround yourself with great friends who you wouldn't mind kissing at midnight, and plan a party prep routine, complete with a badass playlist to set the mood and get you moving.

My morning prep began quite early – it was either my excitement or this horrid flu that wouldn't let me sleep in. I did a quick dry exfoliation of my entire body with my Merben Dry Brush to prep for my aprés-shower self-tanning session, followed by a long hot shower to cleanse my hair and shave all my bits and bobs – ever so important in case you find a cutie for midnight. I've been loving the Karora Express Bronzing Mousse for all my tanning needs – it gives a subtle hint of colour when left on for an hour or a truly bronzed look when left for three. I chose the latter time frame and while waiting for the mousse to dry, which usually takes 15-25mins, I applied my face savior – the boscia Luminizing Black Mask. This product is pretty harsh, and therefore not for everyone, but it gives my skin a fresh start, leaving my complexion smoothe, clear and bright – but beware of the redness that is surely to ensue (hence why I use it so far in advance of my party). The last thing I did for this portion of my party prep was getting my lips countdown-ready – aka I loaded on Lush's Popcorn Lip Scrub, ate half of it, and let the rest slough away dead skin. Don't worry the dead skin part won't be included in any of my pick up lines tonight.

Everyone rocks a different look for NYE, but there is one thing that is always incorporated, glitz & shine. And I have a group of glitzy faves that are perfect for the evening ahead – and truly any other party you attend this year. I incorporate glitz all the way down to my primer, which is the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance – it leaves a subtle, healthy glow and ensures that my makeup will last through the dancing and champagne showers. Once I have my makeup look set, I like to go back in with a bit of my MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study to further highlight my face – focusing on the brow bone, down the center of the nose, inner tear ducts and of course cheekbones. Bare Study is the perfect middle ground between gold and silver, so it pairs well with any look I choose.  I also want to add some shimmer to my legs now that they are nice and tan, and I do that with a bit of the Gleam Body Radiance in Rose Gold – hint: applying it down the center of the legs and arms will help you appear slimmer. Once that's complete I'll slip into my dress, apply some Atelier Cologne in Vanille Insensée to lure in my pray, and stash my Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil in my bag to moisturize throughout the night.

How do you prep for the wild night ahead?

AM¥     XO