Cosmetic Surgery Blog

From Drab to Diva In 5 Days or Less! (on a budget)

So, you have less than a week to look your absolute best for a special event, media appearance or photo shoot. In a perfect world, we’d look fabulous and pulled together every waking moment and we’d have a team of specialists to get us there. Sorry to say, but for most of us, that can take a considerable amount of time, money, and effort. In the real world, we work hard, have families to care for, and we have numerous responsibilities that keep us from being able to concentrate on our appearance 24-7. Let’s face it; even A-list celebrities take breaks from eating perfectly, working out every day and getting their glam on! Unfortunately, the need to look more than just ‘presentable’ can pop up at any time, and usually with only a few days’ notice. Don’t fret just yet, I have actually pulled off a complete turnaround numerous times and I am now going to let you in on the little secrets. What? Do you think I have a beauty entourage following me around all the time? Ha! I wish!

Day 5 – You’ve got less than a week!

• Hair: You don’t want your hair to look a mess on such an important day. This is probably the #1 concern. Call your hairstylist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Tell him, or her, you are in a bind and have to look great FAST. Be flexible with your appointment times, after all it is you who desperately needs his, or her, services. I suggest getting the appointment about 2-3 days before the event. Just in case you have any issues that need to be dealt with; missed color/bleach application areas, any haircut mishaps, etc. Unless your routine is down pat and you trust your stylist implicitly then you could even get him, or her, to color, cut, and style it for you the day of the event if you are so inclined.
• Skin: Do NOT get a facial before an event if you are not accustomed to them. You will break out, you will have red marks from extractions, and you will be upset about them. Just as well, do not change products, do a home peel, or use anything you may feel you may have sensitivity to; this includes new cleansers, sunscreens, etc. If you want to exfoliate and are not accustomed to home microdermabrasion creams, or chemical exfoliants (the latter which you shouldn’t apply within 5 days before an event anyway), use exfoliating gloves and your normal cleanser. Changing anything up now may trigger an acne flare up, and that’s the last thing you need this week. *If you have an angry, red pimple popping up you may wish you get a steroid injection at your dermatologist as soon as possible in case you bruise and for it to actually work.
• Nails: Nothing says pulled-together like perfectly cared for nails. Call and schedule a nail appointment for about 1 to 2 days before your event. If you are not accustomed to long nails you may wish to go conservatively with length, they can take a little time getting used to. Otherwise, get a simple manicure. When I am taking a break from acrylics, I use Kiss brand French Manicure tips. They are applied with a few drops of nail glue, last about a week and actually look great. I usually keep 2 boxes on hand just in case I get called to do an appearance at the last minute. If you choose to go this route, you can apply them the day of quite easily. It takes me no more than 5 minutes now if I am in a pinch. *Don’t forget a pedicure if you are wearing open-toed shoes.
• Diet: If you feel you need to lose a few lbs, start now. If you normally eat very poorly, you can drop 5 lb pretty easily on diet alone in a week. Tunafish is a model’s best friend. Living off of tunafish and non-starchy vegetables, as well as plenty of bottled water can drop fat pounds and excess water weight pretty fast. I hate tunafish, but it works. Salmon fillets are one of my favorite foods on a daily basis, and if you hate tunafish like me, salmon works very well and it is good for you, too. Follow a low-fat, moderate calorie diet for a week and you are more likely to see a difference. Nothing tastes as good as thin feels, don’t screw it up.
• Exercise: Cardio helps burn calories and burning calories allows you lose fat inches. Don’t overdo any workouts, especially, if you are severely out of shape. I doubt you will be able to make a huge difference in muscle tone in 1 week lifting weights, but you can get rid of some fat via cardio, which in turn allows your muscle tone to be seen more easily. Like I said, don’t overdo it if you are severely out of shape. Walking lightly is good, but if you can, an aerobic workout like spinning classes or Tae Bo does wonders. If you already exercise regularly, continue your weightlifting sessions and increase your cardio if you have more fat to lose.
• Teeth: Although professional kits are best, if you don’t have access, purchase a drugstore brand bleaching kit. I suggest Crest Whitestrips Premium. The Premium Whitestrips are a mid-grade, affordable, easy way to whiten your teeth fast. The Premium kit is designed for 7 days, however, you can do it twice a day as directed and after 5 you should see a major difference. I used to keep a couple of kits on hand at all times until I started using Opalescence whitening gel. Places like Sam’s and Costco usually have good deals on the Whitestrips. They work without making your teeth too incredibly sensitive so this is a plus.
• Sunless Tanner: I do not advocate real tanning, or tanning beds, but I am a firm believer in sunless tanners. If you do not already have a good one that you use regularly (I suggest L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion in Deep), get a few and experiment on an areas of your body that will not show on the event day. MagicTan spray tans are fine but BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR BARRIER CREAM. If you don’t apply it correctly you will regret it. If you can afford it, a hand applied custom tanning session is the best—but expensive. If you go the sunless tanner route do it 2-3 days beforehand. Any less than that and you can’t correct shading irregularities should they occur, plus you’ll stink like tanner. It is also more likely to get on your clothing. Stay moisturized to prolong your “tan”.
• Instant Bronzer/Body Make-up: One product that I find is my best friend in the whole wide world before an event is the Maybelline Dream Glow Instant Bronzing Make-up Bronzer in Dark. I swear to you, if you blend this product correctly you will have a flawless “tan” and it isn’t a self tanner. No stinkiness and it works! It takes about 20 minutes to apply to your whole body. Only drawbacks? It can smear off on white fabric and there is a mineral make-up glittery look to it. I love this stuff. My make-up artist friend turned me onto it before a shoot. This can be used right before you put your outfit on, the day of the event.

Day 4

• Clothing: Do you have an outfit you’d like to wear? Get it dry-cleaned, pressed or otherwise laundered. Do you have the necessary under garments, stockings, etc.? What about accessories; shoes, handbag, jewelry? Plan it out now so your day is easier. Plan a back up outfit in the event your first choice doesn’t work out, or you soil it with cosmetics, or food or drink.
• Low Salt or Alcohol: Do not drink or eat a lot of salt the day before your event. This keeps bloated tummies and puffy eyes at bay.

• D-Day: You can do it!! Last minute details might be to eat very little, drink a good amount of water, check over your wardrobe, hair, make-up and “tan”. Just remember to give yourself enough time to do all of the above or it will look rushed. Never rush tanner, bronzer, or eyeliner! When you are ready to go, spritz on your favorite scent, give one last smile in the mirror, check for things in your teeth and nose, and knock ‘em dead, gorgeous!