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With 2018 in full swing, thousands of Aussies have booked their holidays for the year ahead, especially with the school holidays coming to an end with trips being more affordable. Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical island or going down the coast this summer, there’s one thing for sure, most of us will be plucking and polishing to get our bodies holiday ready.
Over 16 million people travelled in 2017, with thousands of beauty salons seeing a rise in holidaymakers coming in for pre-holiday waxes, spray tans, laser treatments and to get their hair and nails in shape as part of their holiday ritual before they head off.
“Beauty salons across Australia see a rise in people booking appointments to get themselves beauty ready from December right through to April, however many Australians get confused on the best time to get treatments before they go. For example getting a wax a day before you go can leave your skin red and sensitive to the sun, so treatments should be done at least three days before you go. It’s all about the timing and preparation,” comments Sarah Pelham, Beauty Expert at Bookwell, the beauty and wellness booking platform.
To make sure you feel fresh and look your best before your trip, Sarah Pelham has given her step-by-step guide to help get you ready for your vacation:
2 weeks before – Treat your feet…
Walk barefoot to and from the pool with confidence by making sure you take care of your feet at least one week before your trip. Remove rough skin by booking yourself in for a salon pedicure to receive soothing and exfoliating treatments as well as toe nail care. If you get your toenails painted with normal nail polish it can last up to 2 weeks and Shellac and SNS up to 3 weeks with a luxurious high shine finish.
Tip: Maintain that smooth feeling by regularly filing your dry skin before showering, followed by applying intensive foot lotion which will ultimately soften the skin and disguise stubborn calluses.
1 week before – Update your hairdo…
Make sure you have great hair and selfies by getting a haircut and colour at least two weeks before it’s time to depart. Get your hair trimmed to ensure it’s healthy and in good condition especially after any colour job as this will impact the overall results. Hair usually takes a couple of weeks to settle, so you’ll be feeling confident about your new mane. If you plan to be a mermaid by spending a lot of time in the natural elements be aware that your hair may get dry and stripped of moisture as well as being at risk of any new colour fading.
Tip: To prevent colour fading make sure you apply SPF hair protector and leave in conditioner before and even after entering chlorine or sea salt water. Also by wearing your hair up or with a large sun hat will protect against the elements.
Three days before – For a smooth finish…
If you choose to wax, it’s guaranteed you’ll look and feel silky smooth for weeks into your holiday as there’s nothing more annoying than shaving whilst away. Feel comfortable and carefree in your bikini by booking in with a beautician and getting a wax at least three days before you depart to allow your skin to settle, especially before going into the sun.
Tip: To prevent ingrown hairs, exfoliate your skin 48 hours before your wax. You can also buy ingrown hair products to use after your wax to keep your skin looking silky smooth and make sure you wear loose fitting clothes after your appointment to prevent redness and skin irritation.
2 days before – eyelash extensions… (have an eyelash glue test a week before you go)
For ladies who love wearing makeup – having eyelash extensions are a great way of streamlining your usual makeup routine and it’s the perfect way of having thicker and longer lashes that are waterproof. They will look great throughout your holiday, whether you’re swimming or just lazing in the sun – and you don’t have to remove them at night. Better still, they can last up to 3 / 4 weeks.
Tip: As the extensions are placed with glue, go into the salon a week before to have a skin test to make sure you aren’t allergic to prevent rashes or swelling. Also, there are different lengths and thicknesses. The therapist should be able to advise on the best lashes for you, for example, if your lashes are shorter and thinner, you won’t be able to have massive thick lash extensions.
1 days before – Get your glow on…
Finish off your holiday beauty prep by embracing your local salons tanning services to make sure you have a golden glow ready to hit the beach, or alternatively buy a lotion or spray from your local chemist. Getting bronzed up before you go will help make you feel holiday ready, plus it can even make you look more slender and toned!
Tip: Maintain your tan by going a shade darker in the process as it tends to last a little longer, as well as exfoliating 24 hours before applying and adding moisturiser to dryer areas like elbows, knees and feet to prevent patches. The next day enjoy getting your tan and then you’re good to go. Have an amazing trip!
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