The Holiday Party Beauty Countdown

Most party prep can wait until a day or two before, which is excellent news if you're a last-minute person. Do your facial a few days out, your spray tan and nails a day or two before and your blowout the day of.

The invite came in. The outfit is (mostly) decided. Here's the order we'd do everything in.

Your party countdown

3 to 5 days before: Facial. Gives your skin time to settle if it gets a little red.

2 to 3 days before: Wax, lash lift. Leaves time for any redness to settle.

1 to 2 days before: Spray tan, gel manicure. Your color settles and your nails are still fresh.

The day of: Blowout. It looks its best right after styling.

Whenever you need it: Massage. Because it's December.

Don't try anything new the night before

A holiday party is not the time to meet your first-ever peel. Save the experiments for January.

Forgot until tomorrow?

It happens to the best of us. A blowout and a fresh manicure can do a lot of heavy lifting, and both are easy to find on short notice. Lately has same-day and next-day openings around LA if you need a save.

Questions we get

How far ahead should I get a spray tan? A day or two before is a good rule of thumb, so your color has time to settle.

Can I get a facial the day before an event? You can, but a few days ahead is safer, especially if it's a new treatment or you have sensitive skin.

How do I make a blowout last through the party? Go easy on anything that adds moisture, keep a little dry shampoo in your bag and stay out of the steam around the buffet.

Xoxo, Lately