Welcome to Day 14 of no more procrastinating (the important, non-urgent things in life). Click HERE for the beginning.

Yesterday I went over the “big-day” essentials in preparation for homecoming- but it could apply to any other event that you’d like to look your best. Today I’m going to reveal a longer plan that you’d want to start a month before the big-day. I found this plan in one of Instyle’s beauty specials, only it revealed the “tricks” celebrities use in preparation for the Oscars and so on. As silly as it may or may not sound, it actually really did help me look and feel my best the two times I tried it.

To me, it’s always been a fun way to count down the days until homecoming, and a its a great way to schedule in some much needed mommy-time. I think most mom’s know how easy it can be to forget to do that.

So if you have a special event you’re planning on going to, or you just want to look your best for your vacation, or just “because,” here’s a great plan that really targets all the categories, and will have you truly  looking your best. This works best if you schedule them in your calendar… writing things down make things happen.

The Plan:

1. Moisturize hands and feet every night before bed with lotion, or Vaseline (my favorite), and apply nail oil (great for dry, brittle nails). Hands and feet deserve love too.
2. Shop makeup. Pick a new lip color you want to rock. Try it well in advance to make sure it works for you and you feel comfortable in it. Lip color is as important as a killer set of shoes.
3. Book your hair appointment: 2 weeks before is considered the optimum amount of time for your hair cut and color to settle into its ideal shade, shape and length.
4. Try on your outfit at least a couple of weeks before the big day. Include your hairstyle, and makeup look, to ensure sure it works. Ask yourself whether you should wear your hair down or up, ponytail, or bun, etc.
5. Pop your vitamins. Think omega-3 fatty acids…so important for shiny hair.
6. Try a homemade facial about mid-month. I used 2 tbs of honey, two egg yolks, and one SMALL drop of milk (think REALLY small…it needs to be thick). I left it on for 10 minutes, and It made my face super soft and really helped to shrink my pores even though I only used it once! Love it!
7. Next, try a homemade hair mask. (I use two eggs, one capful of olive oil, and whisk thoroughly. I wrap with a shower cap, or plastic bag and elastic, and wrap with a towel. Leave in for 30 min-2 hours, and wash thoroughly).
8. Try a self-tanner lotion about 7 days before, until you’ve reached your desired “tan.”
9. Try a “hand spa.” Soak your hands in some warm water and a drop or two of your favorite essential oil for 5 minutes, then use an exfoliate cloth, or solution (like sugar and water) to scrub your hands. Finish with some hand lotion, or Vaseline, and wear some cotton gloves overnight. Makes your hands crazy soft.
10. For 7 days before the big day, use a no-hot tools policy, where for seven days you spare your hair the iron. This ensures shiny, shiny hair. On the day of, blow dry your hair on highest heat to ensure the most shine. For me this meant buns, and updos!
11. Do your eyebrows 10 days before.
12. Try an under eye serum a few days before if you don’t already.
13. On the big day: walk/run in the a.m. for at least 45 min to increase blood flow to your cheeks. Don’t forget your manicure and pedicure.

Do your hair and makeup a couple of hours before the event. Try sliding an ice-cube over your pores to shrink them right before makeup application, and don’t forget to moisturize before you apply your foundation. This is the one day I like to use a primer to really look pulled together.Double check your makeup application in the sunlight to ensure everything looks fine. Smile and knock em’ dead.

Do you have any beauty prep rituals?

Amanda