Party season skincare is mostly about doing the basics well, not buying a new product for every event. This guide lists the party-season skincare buys worth having, what each one does, and a simple plan for the days before a big night.
What does your skin need before a party?
The same things it needs the rest of the year. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face when you wake up, before bed and after sweating, with warm water and a mild cleanser applied with your fingertips (AAD skin care tips).
It also says scrubbing irritates skin and recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. Washing before bed matters most in party season, because it removes makeup and pollutants.
That is the whole plan, and the products below are tools for it. If you are unsure of your skin type, the AAD suggests talking with a board-certified dermatologist before you start a routine.
The party-season buying list.
Seven product types cover almost everything. You probably own two or three already, so check your shelf before you shop.
1. A gentle cleanser.
Look for one that is gentle, non-abrasive and free of alcohol, as the AAD advises (AAD face washing guide). Apply it with your fingertips, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
2. A moisturizer.
The AAD suggests applying it to damp skin, and moisturizing your face and lips even if your skin is oily (AAD budget skin care guide). Choose one labeled non-comedogenic, which means it should not clog pores.
3. A sunscreen you like wearing.
Daily sunscreen is for more than the beach, and a dress with bare shoulders is a good reason to remember it. Pick SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours if you are outdoors.
4. A simple serum.
This one is optional. If you already use a serum and your skin likes it, keep using it, and do not add a new one in the last week.
5. A lip balm.
Dry lips make lipstick look patchy. Apply balm at night and again about ten minutes before you put on your color.
6. A sheet mask for the night before.
A mask will not change your skin overnight, but it makes a calm ritual, and it is more fun with a friend. Choose one that is fragrance free if your skin is sensitive.
7. A face roller or a gentle massage.
A roller is a pleasant way to wind down and to apply your moisturizer. For more on what facial massage can and cannot do, see our guide to the benefits of a facial massage.
What I would skip
I would skip any strong new treatment in the week before an event. A new peel, a new acid or a new device is how a good plan turns into a red face on the night.
How do you build a party-skin countdown?
Think of the plan in four stages. The earlier ones are about consistency, and the last ones are about being gentle.
- Weeks before: use the products your skin already likes, every day.
- The last week: add nothing new, and drink water through the day.
- The night before: cleanse, moisturize and go to bed on time.
- The day of: moisturizer, then sunscreen, then makeup.
Small habits count for more than big gestures in that last week, and a glass of water by the bed is one of them.
Wash again after the party, even when you are tired, because sleeping in makeup is the easiest mistake to avoid. If you are still choosing the outfit, these holiday party dresses go with any of the plans above.
How do you read a label?
Fragrance, in plain words
The FDA says fragrance ingredients can be listed simply as "Fragrance", and that some components of fragrance formulas may cause allergic reactions in some people. It does not have the same legal authority to require allergen labeling on cosmetics as it has for food.
If your skin is sensitive, the FDA suggests choosing products that are fragrance free and reading the ingredient list carefully (FDA on fragrances in cosmetics).
Try any new product on its own, a few weeks before the event, so you know how your skin reacts. For the makeup that goes over it, see the biggest beauty trends.
Party skincare questions, answered.
How early should I start preparing my skin for a party?
Start a few weeks ahead with a steady routine of cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. The last week is for consistency, not for new products.
Should I try a new product before a party?
Avoid it. Introduce new products weeks earlier, one at a time, so a reaction does not land on the night.
What if I have acne or another skin condition?
Talk with a board-certified dermatologist. The AAD recommends seeing one if you do not like something about your skin.
