Around this time the party invites start rolling in. And while a Saturday spent getting a blow dry and turning pruney in a bubble bath is always the best pre-party plan, when it’s an office shindig, such luxury is a little more tricky to factor in. Since you’ll probably be doing your makeup in the toilet – sharing a red lipstick with your nearest and dearest colleagues – we’ve rounded up 11 tips that will make everything else a little easier. Hacks by the bucketload.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Book an office room for an 'important meeting'
Naughty? Yes. Incredibly smart? Too right.* Book a room for the last hour of the day, and avoid the toilet huddle. Crack out the snacks (and the Jason Derulo), and get to work on that liquid eyeliner. *You might get fired for this.
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2 One product fits all
Like a beauty-savvy Transformer, if you can find an eyeshadow that triples up as a brow powder and liner you’re onto a real winner. Some have been known to contour with it too (proud mum). Find a warm-toned brown that’s multi-purpose, and your pre-party makeup will be extra easy.
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3 Stock up on samples
This one’s cheeky, but aren’t we all. Every free beauty item you’re offered in the lead-up to Christmas, take it. Perfume samples, face masks, stash them all. In fact, go up to counters, request to try things out. Keep all in your locker at work – this is now an essential collection that you can turn to throughout the party period (and they’ll squeeze into your out-out clutch bag).
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4 Curl your hair, stat
This is like something from a JML advert that shouldn’t work, but just does. If you’d like hair with bounce and tousled curls, do this: spritz volumising spray at the crown of your head (and ‘rough up’ for texture). Tie your hair into a ponytail then separate into three sections and curl. Add hairspray then take out your bobble. Wide-barrel-tong-look curls, without the effort.
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5 Do a face mask (at your desk)
It’s not weird if a lot of you do it… Stick on a facemask at 4pm, and you’ll be glowing by the time the party rolls around. There’ll be no judgement from your peers if you can get them involved. Everyone loves feeling fresh. Side note: if it’s a sheet mask, maybe check with your boss that it’s cool first.
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6 Get threaded on your lunch break
Threaded brows hold a mighty good shape (your therapist can literally create an arch for you, if it’s lacking). Freshly tweaked brows will allow for easier product application and stay looking ‘strong’ all night. Best news? Takes around ten minutes, maximum. So you can do that bit on your lunch break – more time for creating a playlist later.
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7 Do the bag pack pre-work
You know the fear when someone shouts ‘taxi's here’ and you’re yet to do the bag pack. Made worse when tipsy and your foundation's gone rogue. If only you'd transferred everything to your 'little bag' earlier. Make sure to do that on the day of your party. Makeup essentials (if you bother with that), cash, everything. Slide it into your main bag and save the panic later.
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8 Dry shampoo is the gift that keeps on giving
Your hair may look clean, it may well be clean, but tomorrow morning (post-dancing, chatting, buffet perusing), it may look less fruitful. Apply dry shampoo when styling your locks for your party, it’ll add extra volume on the night, and absorb into your locks for a non-greasy situation tomorrow. It’s like 2-4-1 styling.
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9 Save battery on your phone
To save battery on an iPhone (in order to document your ‘best night ever’), make sure to head to ‘Location Services’ and turn off everything. No use Caffe Nero knowing your whereabouts at 2am. Also, extreme temperatures can affect your charge, so keep your phone tucked into that already-packed clutch bag to avoid the frosty chill of the UK.
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10 Get your nails done before the day
The overarching theme with getting ready for events such as these, is to do as much as possible in advance. The same goes for your nails. While I'm sure there are others amongst us who adore the smell of nail polish, it's not usual deskside etiquette. Why not go all out and try gel nails instead? A gel mani lasts two weeks plus, so you can reap its shiny benefits for more than one festive soirée.
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11 Have a tactical sandwich
The well-played snack. That no mans land between lunch and finishing work is a treachorous time for all (biscuits, crisps, even fruit – it's all welcome). If you're going to be dabbling in a beverage or two at your work party, it's best to line the stomach so that A) said beverage won't take it's toll too quickly B) you won't get too overprotective of the cocktail sausages on the buffet table. Grab yourself a sandwich.
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