How to Prep Your Skin for a Big Holiday Party

The holiday season in the Philippines is always packed with back-to-back celebrations. We’ve got office parties, Christmas reunions, weddings, and all the in-betweens. It’s one of the busiest times of the year socially, and of course, we all want to look extra polished when we show up. Whether you’re headed to a year-end party or walking down the aisle as part of a bridal entourage, now is the perfect time to level up your skin prep.

Here’s the honest truth: the secret to every amazing makeup look isn’t the foundation or the contour, it’s actually the skin underneath. Prepping your skin ahead of time ensures your makeup glides on smoothly, lasts longer, and looks stunning in photos (even with flash!). So if you’ve got a big event coming up, here are a few tried-and-tested ways to get that glowy, even skin just in time.

First up is sheet masking. It sounds like a commitment, but doing a sheet mask every day for two weeks before your event is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your skin. I usually do it during lunch breaks, especially if I’m working from home, but nighttime works well too. Think of it as consistent hydration therapy for your face: it plumps up the skin, evens out texture, and helps rebuild your moisture barrier. After a few days, you’ll start to notice your skin looking more dewy and makeup-ready. A personal favorite of mine? The Saborino sheet masks. They’re convenient, quick to use, and don’t leave your skin feeling sticky. They’re perfect for those who don’t want a 12-step routine.

Now, if you have a bit of budget to spare, especially if you’re in the bridal party or starring as the bride yourself, consider getting a laser treatment 2 to 3 weeks before the big day. This gives your skin enough time to calm down and reveal the full effect. I highly recommend Fotona or Picosure lasers, which can dramatically smooth out your skin and lighten blemishes. You’ll notice a real difference in texture and clarity. I go to Skin 101 for this as they’re consistent, well-priced, and have locations all over the metro.

Another game-changer? Grooming your facial hair. This makes such a difference in how makeup applies and photographs. Shaving the upper lip (aka the femstache), cleaning up your brows, and even lightly shaving areas like your forehead and jawline helps remove fuzz and smooth out texture. This is especially helpful if you’ll be under bright lights or flash photography as your base will look more flawless and less textured. You don’t need to go full-on dermaplaning (unless you love it); even a gentle shave can do wonders. Just make sure to do this about three to four days before your event so your skin has time to settle.

Finally, a quick word of caution: avoid introducing new products into your routine too close to the big day. As tempting as it is to try that viral serum or miracle peel, it’s best to stick to what your skin already loves. The last thing you want is an allergic reaction or breakout days before your party.

So there you have it, your pre-party skin prep plan! It’s not about changing your skin, but supporting it so that it shows up looking its best. With a little planning and a lot of hydration, you’ll be glowing all the way from the photo booth to the dance floor.