Getting Holiday Party Perfect
The holiday season has arrived and with it, a calendar full of festivities that you’ll want to look your best for, so let the holiday party countdown begin as I divulge tips to help you prepare for that big event
Get svelte
I’m not one for extreme dieting or going on endless “cleanses.” I believe in maintaining a “detox” lifestyle in general (strict abstinence from processed foods, refined sugar and grains), but if you need that extra boost, you’ll want observe the following:
Keep hydrated: Drink water and green tea (the latter stimulates your metabolism and is packed with antioxidants). I also recommend drinking aloe vera juice, which aids in digestion and makes your skin glow. And try adding green juice to your regimen — it’s excellent for detoxification and improves your energy levels. Avoid alcohol, as it’s high in calories and inhibits your metabolism and digestion.
Rid yourself of that bloated belly by removing refined carbs from your diet. I shall refrain from enumerating the disastrous effects of wheat on your health; suffice it to say, cutting out bagels (and other doughy foods) will deflate the puffiness from your gut and your face.
A few days before the party, increase your exercise routine to a minimum of an hour a day (90 minutes is even better). Do a mixture of cardio, weights and stretching.
Get enough sleep, which means between 7-9 hours for most people. Lack of sleep can cause cortisol levels to soar, which in turn leads to rapid weight gain and poor general health. If you want to look and feel terrible, deprive yourself of sleep.
Get gorgeous
Get into the salubrious habit of dry brushing — it removes toxins and gets your skin glowing.
Get rid of any residual puffiness around your eyes with tea bags: brew two green bags, let them cool and place them on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. You can also try 100% Pure’s Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream. The caffeine in both the tea and this eye cream tightens and firms the skin around the eyes.
For a flawless complexion try Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. This is the perfect pre-party product, as it brightens your skin and imparts a well-rested look.
For great-looking hair, on the day of the party be sure to use a volumizing shampoo for extra body, followed by deep conditioning hair masque. You can also try a DIY hair pack made from fresh avocado or bananas, both of which give great shine.
Finally, I reiterate: get some beauty sleep. All your efforts will be for naught if you’re sleep-deprived; maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion is impossible without adequate sleep.
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.