The holidays offer the perfect moment to indulge in elevated self-care and radiate confidence from head to toe. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or attending a sparkling soirée, this two-week countdown is your guide to luminous skin, lustrous hair, and makeup that enhances your natural beauty.

Follow this curated timeline, complete with Editor’s Picks that deliver visible, transformative results.

2 Weeks Out: Reset and Renew

This is your self-care window. It’s all about nourishing your skin, strengthening your hair, and laying the foundation for a fresh, healthy glow. Start early to transform dull skin and tired hair into smooth, hydrated perfection.

Smooth and Hydrate Your Body

Exfoliate all over to remove dry, dull skin. Massage in circular motions while showering for glowing, even-toned skin. Editor’s Pick: L’Occitane With Crushed Almonds Delicious Paste gently buffs while moisturizing with almond oil for silky softness.
Hydrate immediately after showering. Lock in moisture while skin is still damp. Editor’s Pick: L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil absorbs quickly and leaves a beautiful sheen with a light, comforting scent.

Revive Your Hair’s Strength and Volume

Deep treat your strands. Use a nourishing mask once or twice a week to repair damage and boost shine. Editor’s Pick: Kerasilk Recovery Mask restores elasticity and smoothness, while the Kerasilk Repairing Spray strengthens and adds instant silkiness.
Switch to a volumizing or thickening shampoo. Choose based on your hair type for body and bounce. Editor’s Pick: V&Co Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner for normal hair or V&Co Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner for fine hair.

Renew Your Complexion

Exfoliate face and lips for an at-home microdermabrasion effect that smooths texture and boosts glow. Editor’s Pick: Dr. Brandt Advanced Face Exfoliator Microdermabrasion brightens and refines without irritation.
Commit to nightly rejuvenation. Apply a retinoid and vitamin-rich night cream to plump and smooth fine lines. Editor’s Pick: Mad Hippie Super A Serum helps refine texture, followed by Mad Hippie Triple C Night Cream for firm, hydrated skin.

Week of the Event: Perfect Canvas

Now that you’ve done the prep, it’s time to refine. This week is about maintaining clarity, brightness, and smoothness so your makeup sits flawlessly.

Boost Radiance

Use a brightening mask. A vitamin C mask helps refresh and energize your complexion for that lit-from-within glow. Editor’s Pick: Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel Mask Bright Plus delivers visible radiance and smoothness after just one use.

Keep Skin Clear and Calm

Stay consistent with your cleanser. Use a clarifying wash if you’re prone to breakouts.
Target blemishes. Dab on a spot treatment or lightweight cream to calm inflammation and keep skin clear. Editor’s Pick: Mad Hippie Blemish Cream soothes, treats, and hydrates problem areas without drying.

Refresh Your Hair Color

Refresh your color. If you’re blonde or highlighted, tone away brassiness for a salon-fresh finish. Editor’s Pick: Goldwell Blonde Highlights Anti-Yellow Shampoo and Conditioner revives brightness and maintains silky shine.

Hydrate Your Lips

Keep lips smooth and supple. Apply a repairing balm morning and night to maintain softness. Editor’s Pick: BYOS Peptide Lip Repair plumps and conditions, keeping lips hydrated for long-lasting comfort.

Day of the Event: The Glow Up

Today’s the day to shine. You’ve prepped, polished, and perfected—now it’s time to enhance your natural features with subtle glam and confident glow.

Voluminous, Touchably Soft Hair

Add volume and lift. Spray a root booster before blow drying to create soft, touchable fullness. Editor’s Pick: KMS Add Volume Root and Body Lift Spray gives instant lift and body that lasts through the night.
Finish with shine. Apply a drop of hair oil to the ends for a polished look.

Create a Flawless Base

Create a natural base. Apply a breathable foundation for light, buildable coverage that looks fresh and radiant. Editor’s Pick: No Makeup Makeup Foundation evens tone and gives a healthy, skin-like finish.
Refresh your eyes. Apply an under-eye gel to reduce puffiness and brighten. Editor’s Pick: Dr. Brandt No More Baggage Eye De-Puffing Gel instantly smooths and tightens.

Get Glamorous Eyes

Go for sultry, smoky eyes. Blend warm or neutral tones for depth, then add definition with mascara. Editor’s Picks: Blinc The Rare Gem Eyeshadow Palette offers rich pigments for both soft shimmer and dramatic looks, paired with Blinc Ultravolume Tubing Mascara for length and all-night hold.

You’ve prepped, polished, and perfected. Your skin is radiant, your hair shines, and your makeup enhances your natural beauty. The final step is confidence. Carry your glow into every gathering and let your effortless elegance shine through all season long.

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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel covering lifestyle news and current events. When she’s not busy writing about impactful brands and standout products, she and her husband can be found snuggling with their emotionally needy, perpetually sleepy golden retriever, or she’s chipping away at her Juris Doctor. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel.