Imagine standing in front of a mirror while decking up for the NYE party, only to realise that your skin looks really dull and sallow. Such a bummer, right? Yes, you may be able to cover it all up with your faithful tube of concealer and that pan of highlighter you oh-so-love, and that’s alright too. But let’s be honest, makeup definitely looks and feels a lot better on clear, soft and well-hydrated skin. So, if your skin doesn’t look quite as nice as you’d like it to, fret not, we’ve got your back. Read on as we talk about the perfect pre-party glowing skin regimen that won’t just help your makeup sit better but also nourish, rejuvenate and energise your skin to make you feel your dewiest-self.

Step 1: Cleanse, don’t strip

The number one rule before applying makeup: always start with clean skin. Find a face wash that regulates excess sebum production without stripping your skin. Using circular motions, gently rub your cleanser into your skin to remove impurities, dirt and oil. Avoid any aggravating ingredients or harsh scrubs. Look for cooling ingredients like tea tree oil to soothe, and niacinamide to prevent breakouts.

Step 2: Mask up

Face masks allow ingredients to penetrate better into your skin in a short amount of time. They trap the moisture to create a film that helps to hydrate and detoxify. Nourishing cleansing masks that are infused with moisturising ingredients like shea butter will help reduce inflammation and rejuvenate the skin.

Step 3: Tone and mist

A mild toner replenishes the skin with antioxidants and calming ingredients. It also helps minimise the appearance of enlarged pores and removes any residues of dirt that could clog them. Hydrate using the sandwich method by layering your skincare products in a way that hydration gets locked in.

Step 4: Moisturise and glow

It’s also the most important time of year to moisturise as colder weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Skin is stripped of its natural moisture by central heating, low humidity and cold winds so it’s important to replenish any moisture loss to keep the skin looking and feeling thoroughly moisturised as well as hydrated.

Hydration is key for optimising skin plumpness and glow, hyaluronic acid is perfect for this, so layer the collagen rich cream over your serum for optimum results. Your skin is now smooth and ready to apply your party make-up.

Proper levels of hydration on the skin are fundamental to keep it regenerating and functioning at its best. Remember, oily skin types have no reason to skip this step – as they need to stay hydrated as well to keep the dermis healthy. A lightweight water-based formulated moisturiser will effectively hydrate your skin without clogging your pores.

Step 5: Prime using face oil

Face oils help in boosting free-radical defence, lowering inflammation and regenerating skin cells. Do not forget your neck. Your neck needs moisture too. Slather a few extra drops of your face oil onto your neck area and dab.

Aloe vera is bursting with vitamins that help skin heal itself, and it's gentle enough to use on the most sensitive skin.

Step 6: Eye care

Hydrating your under-eye area is important to avoid any creases while applying concealer. In the gentlest way massage your under-eyes with a very small amount of a rejuvenating eye cream, or double up the potency with an eye mask.

Step 7: Use gua sha to stimulate blood flow

Massaging your face with a gua sha helps lift and sculpt your face, draining the lymph node, which reduces puffy eyes and face. Scrape with repeated strokes on the skin's surface, to stimulate muscles and increase blood flow. Store your gua sha in the fridge for added coolness.

Step 8: Hydrate from within

Aim for beautiful skin from within. The late nights and indulgence which tend to occur at this time of the year all take their toll and can leave us feeling, and looking, very tired. Drinking two litres of water every day will flush out toxins and give you a natural glow. Making sure you are fully hydrated before the party will make you feel so much better in the morning – you can thank us later. For post-party hydration, why not try some warm water with a twist of lemon – both refreshing and hydrating!