Photo: Will Vendramini

Get prepped for party season with this head-to-toe beauty countdown

As the invitations roll in and the social calendar fills, it’s important to prepare. Enlisting the help of those in the know is non-negotiable. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up a range of beauty treatments to consider for a flawless festive season.

Four weeks out
Book in for a consultation at Prescription Skin Care to assess your skin’s needs. From facials and peels to Botox and more, the team will have you looking your best. Whether it’s a specific treatment you’re after or a skincare overhaul, the experts will put you in good stead. There’s also a plethora of premium products available, including Aspect Dr and Ultraceuticals.

Two weeks out
A whitening session two weeks out (if you opt for in-chair whitening) will ensure enough time to get over the period where you shouldn’t be drinking coffee or wine. Or, try the take-home trays which are often considered the superior choice. Luckily, The Tooth Company offers a free assessment so you can figure out which option is best for you at the time.

Three days out
Now is the time to lush up those lashes. We recommend you book in for a Yumi Lash treatment from either East Day Spa or Spring Spa, which gives you the effect of lash extensions, without the added damage. The use of a keratin-infused serum naturally lifts and extends the lashes, lasting up to 10 weeks, covering the best of the summer fun. Being mascara compatible (although it’s best to avoid the waterproof variety) it’s guaranteed to make your peepers pop.

The day before
If a spray tan is what you seek, booking an appointment for the day before the event will ensure a bronzed, streak-free glow. Spring Spa in Ponsonby has ample parking nearby, making the dash to and from the booth (sans bra) a breeze. Tan in the City and Loft Skin + Beauty also come highly recommended. If you want to perfect the art of self-tanning, discover the expert’s guide to achieving a golden glow, minus the mess.

The day of
Attention blondes: If a fresh cut and colour is calling, Chloe Zara is the one to make it happen. Likewise for those blessed with bountiful curls, Commune‘s Leigh Keepa will have them looking their bouncing best. For a blow wave, Dry & Tea‘s Tāne Tomoana is rated as one of the city’s best. Once your tresses are tended to, consider treating your talons to a mani-pedi. Favourites Spring Spa, The Art of Nails and The Nail Bar Ponsonby offer express services that will see your nails shaped, tidied and finished with a lick of gel polish.

The final, and arguably most important pre-party step, is putting your best face forward. Whether a natural, dewy look is your signature, or full-on glam is more your speed, trust the professional to take the stress out of achieving it come the day of. We recommend making an appointment with Phoebe Watt, Beauty by Alexandra or Rae Sacha — these talented makeup artists know how to enhance your features and always give us exactly what we need.

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