Special Event Checklist

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For some people, there are plenty of special events that happen throughout the year such as weddings, first dates, birthday parties and vacations. Some of these special events are planned months in advance, while others are unexpected and last minute. As for the latter, these events can cause lots of stress – even in regards to the littlest of details. So in order to help with these stressful situations, here is a list of things that’ll ease the anxiety of getting ready for special events.

Pamper your Eyes

The area around your eyes can be revealing at any age since it shows how little sleep you’ve had, and how much alcohol you’ve binged on the night before. Even if your eyes are seemingly healthy, it’s okay to give them a little pick-me-up before a special event. To begin pampering your eyes, brew some green teabags and allow them to cool before placing the bags over your closed eyes for 10 minutes; additionally, make sure to you lay on your back. Cucumbers are also a great way to perk up the skin around your eyes.
While you’re taking care of the eye area, don’t forget to touch up your eyebrows if they’re looking a bit rough. Going to a salon a few days before your special event and getting eyebrows professionally shaped will help keep them clean and tidy for the big day. Don’t wax them the same day as the special event since your skin could be irritated and red for several hours afterward.


Hair Care

Your hair is another one of those things that can cause anxiety because there are about a million different styles you could do with it such as braids, soft waves, headbands, pony tails…..the list goes on!
Other than how you plan to style your hair, the health of your strands is of top importance. To ensure that your hair is manageable, remember to get regular trims to remove split ends. The night before your event, use a hair mask of any kind to allow the locks to absorb moisture and tame fly-aways. Coconut oil is great for this; apply it to both your scalp and hair for an all-over treatment. To pump up your hair a little, use volumizing shampoo and conditioner because this gives your hair more bounce while making it appear fuller.



Important Nail Care

If you’re not able to get a manicure or pedicure, it’s up to you to make sure your nails are clean, filed and painted. Your hands make a big impression, so keeping them clean and moisturized is also important.
Trim your nails and file them so that they’re evenly shaped. Push your cuticles up or trim them with a cuticle trimmer. And don’t forget to wash and dry your hands well. Paint them a nude or pale pink color for a classic style, or give yourself a French manicure. Apply a top coat and follow up by massaging oil or hydrating cream on your hands – focusing on your cuticle area.

Whiten Teeth

Special events are often flooded with cameras and picture-happy friends/family, so you’ll want to look your best in the pictures. Having a bright, white smile can boost your confidence and will always make a good impression. Use teeth whitening strips before your event so that you can be confident.

Get Plenty of Rest

It’s never a good idea to skimp on sleep, especially if you’re going to an event the next day! Sleep is important and can make or break your skin’s complexion, your mood and overall confidence. Getting enough sleep will allow your body to rejuvenate cells, and reduce puffiness, redness, pimples, and dark circles around your eyes. Your concentration will be better, you’ll have more energy, and you won’t feel sluggish halfway through the day when you’re getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Unfortunately, getting enough shuteye is easier said than done in some cases. So if you’re too excited to sleep or just out of time, splash cold water on your face in the morning to tighten pores, and give yourself a face massage using ice cubes; just avoid putting the ice directly on the eye area since this can cause irritation or blood vessels to burst, which leads to skin discoloration around your eyes. It also helps to do some light exercises like jumping jacks, pushups, or yoga when you roll out of bed.
Caffeine is also a troublemaker when it comes to sleep, which is why you’d do well to avoid drinking sodas, coffee, or tea before bedtime.

Drink Water

Water is underrated and just as important as sleep since it keeps your skin plump, and helps to clean up your complexion. Unfortunately, drinking water can become monotonous, but by adding a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice, the water’s flavor and antioxidant powers can be boosted, thus giving your skin another pick-me-up. White or green teas are also refreshing drinks to try when you’re out and about.
While we’re discussing what you should be drinking, let’s talk about what not to gulp down. Alcohol is packed with unnecessary calories and causes a drying effect on your skin, making it an all-around bad idea. And as we mentioned before, avoid drinks that are packed with caffeine too.



Don’t Overdose on Carbs

While there are healthy carbohydrates, there are also unhealthy carbs to avoid altogether such as bread and pasta. These carbs can cause you to bloat, which is an instant confidence deflator!
So instead of eating whole grain or white bread toast for breakfast, try brown rice bread instead with a cup of fruit and egg whites. And for dinner, prepare brown rice noodles for your pasta rather than the whole grain variety, paired with a lean protein like salmon, turkey or chicken. It’s always a great idea to eat raw fruits and vegetables with every meal to increase energy and aid digestion. Also, eating less sugar and salt helps you feel your best. Knowing that small changes like this really impact how your body feels, it’s important to start the changes sooner, rather than later.

Facial at Home/Salon

About a week before the event, either go to a salon for a facial or give yourself one at home. Facials encourage blood circulation, which gives your complexion a healthy glow. If you’ve never had a facial before, it’s important to give yourself a few days to allow your skin to calm down following the treatment. If you’re doing the facial at home, use products that you’ve tried before or those designed for sensitive skin, and try the products a month or so before the event. 


Exfoliate your Face and Body

Exfoliating the skin on your face and body encourages the regeneration of new skin cells, while getting dead skin off of the surface to reveal fresh-looking skin underneath. Some people like to exfoliate daily or every other day depending on personal preference.

Use a Hydrating Daily Moisturizer

Moisturizers are important because they hydrate your skin to keep it supple, and help retain the skin’s elasticity as well. Moisturizers free of harmful ingredients such as parabens and alcohol are best, so read the labels before using a product.

Tips on how to prepare for Special Events

It can be overwhelming when looking at a list like this and trying to find time to make all of the appointments, so here are a few ways to take the stress level down a notch. As soon as you get word of a special event, mark it on your calendar. Refer back to the list and mark your calendar for the expected time of waxing, facials, manicures and pedicures. This way, you’re not rushing around a week before the event trying to make time to get all of the above done.