Throughout the ages, people across the world have observed numerous New Year’s Eve customs and rituals to set the tone for the forthcoming year. In Spain, it is a tradition to eat 12 grapes, one on each chime of the clock; the Ancient Egyptians used to exchange earthenware flasks for prosperity; and in China, knives are hidden for the entire day so that people don’t cut themselves and jeopardize their families’ luck for the rest of the year.
Whatever formality you’re following, we’re certain that it involves dressing to the nines in the chic new outfit that you’ve already laid out. But have you covered your beauty bases? Read below for four skincare and beauty rituals that you can start now to ensure that you look flawless once the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve.
STEP 1: RELAX
During the holiday season, you might find yourself seriously neglecting your body. Additionally, the party-planning stress accompanied by late-night fêtes can take a toll on your skin. Unwind with a relaxing facial, like the Elemis Oxygen Skincalm Facial (US $150; AED/SAR 550), to relieve some stress and get your complexion in prime, glowing condition just in time for New Year’s Eve. Don’t make the mistake of getting a facial on the day of or a day before; book the facial in advance to allow your skin time to heal and also to avoid a red, swollen face.
Extend your me-time by booking a Swedish body massage after your facial to release any leftover tension and undo muscle knots.
STEP 2: PREP
Exfoliate your skin at least twice before Thursday; this ritual will prepare the surface of your visage to welcome the more rich, hydrating products. Use the Clarins Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream With Microbeads (US $31; AED/SAR 114).
Follow with a serum that is packed with antioxidants and then a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer (these are least irritating) to plump, brighten, and rejuvenate your skin. For extra moisture, put on the Too Cool For School Egg Cream Sheet Mask (US $24; AED/SAR 88) over your face before bedtime. To diminish the appearance of dark circles, massage a pea-sized amount of the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Eye Balm (US $29; AED/SAR 107) to your undereye area.
Clean all your makeup brushes at least a day in advance to ensure a flawless, germ-free makeup application on New Year’s Eve.
STEP 3: DIET (WHAT TO EAT)
Amp up your diet by incorporating healthy fats and oils that can be found in avocados and olive oil to replenish dry skin from the inside-out for a healthy glow. What you eat the night before can have an impact on how you feel the next day. Avoid steak dinners and oysters to prevent an upset stomach—you don’t want to be bed-ridden on New Year’s Eve.
STEP 4: HAIR
The leftover ingredients from your clean eating ritual can be used to give yourself a hot oil hair treatment or mask to promote shinier, silkier tresses. Mix one avocado with ¼ cup of olive oil and a tablespoon of honey in a small bowl and apply to your hair, letting it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. You can also use a generous amount of olive oil on its own (or replace with coconut oil), heat it up in the microwave, and massage it into your scalp. Allow it to sit in your hair overnight and wash it off in the morning to ensure your gorgeous mane is nourished, especially if you’re wearing it down. If you’re opting for a sophisticated updo, don’t wash your hair for a day or two so that your style is able to withstand a night of dancing.
