Tick all the boxes for the festive season for a perfectly polished look to take you from event to event with minimal stress
Words by Elaine Price

Up to a week before: Nail itA good manicure should last a week to ten days with little evidence of chipping or peeling. This is the time of year to invest in the best and set aside some time to treat your manicure as a full-on pampering session. Rushing will undoubtedly end in smudging and allowing that extra half hour will ensure a high-gloss professional finish.There are few places in West Essex that can compete with the ‘twinkle toes’ nail bar at Gini Bhogal, Beauty Just Around the Corner. Begin with the incredible Sundari hand or foot treatments based on Ayurvedic inspired massage techniques to relax the mind and body, the perfect way to wind down before the fun begins. Then choose your look from the renowned Bio Sculpture or Shellac nails that will see you through the party season with long-wearing, durable and flexible formulas in a stunning range of colours. For the real party girl, go for the Minx Nails option and stand out from the crowd in sparkly metallics, personalised graphics, and photo-quality designs. With a full range of acrylics, gels and quick refreshers for the inevitable accident, there is little that cannot be achieved for your nails, and your toes will undoubtedly...twinkle!

Three days before: Go with the glowThis time of year doesn’t really lend itself to a deep mahogany, save that for the summer months and opt for a light, natural glow that will just take the winters edge off pale skin. For a soft, even finish a spray tan is hard to beat but allow a couple of days before a big event to allow the colour to settle and avoid marks on your much-coveted new outfit. Exfoliate your skin well, ideally the day before, paying particular attention to rough areas such as heels, knees and elbows, and moisturise thoroughly.On the day of your spray tan, run a cleansing wipe over your skin to take off excess moisture, this will help to avoid streaks and smudges.With some amazing new formulas out there, there is no need to worry about the smell of a spray tan, or any detrimental effects on sensitive skin. We are great fans of the organic tanning treatment, Liquid Sun, available from Oolong which Abigail Adams has gone to great pains to source and test for the kind of standards she expects of all her natural, organic products. Described as a honey-dipped glow with anti-aging and skin firming properties, this is a real multi-tasker with some very effective ingredients. Why just tan when you can treat your skin at the same time? Time to unleash those legs!

On the day: Get blown awayThe only way this season is big hair! Full volume and tousled waves that only a true professional can achieve. Check your diary, take note of your events and book accordingly to make sure you’re the belle of the ball. This should be the last box to tick in your countdown to getting gorgeous as no true party girl wants to squash a fabulous blow-dry in her sleep, so plan carefully, count the hours and leave just enough time afterwards for those finishing touches and a little glass of something nice!With the kind of credentials that come with styling for the likes of Bjork, Annie Lennox, Courtney Love and Jimmy Choo, you’ll be in great company having your party style created by Coco Salon. From blow-drys to hair-up and a range of world renowned straightening treatments, the choices are endless. And if you want to add that extra something, they are also specialists in extensions. Be daring this season! Plan well and you cannot help but reveal your inner goddess.

Get in touchGini BhogalBeauty Just Around the CornerCuckfield House1-3 Wellington RoadWanstead E11 2AN020 8530 0555

Oolong Holistic Hedonismwww.loveoolongtime.com07951 101 049

Coco Salon180 Queens RoadBuckhurst Hill, IG9 9BD020 8559 2279