Every January an amazing gala is held by a non-profit organization with which I've been involved for the past few years: The AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Volunteering at the event (helping with registration, managing the silent auction, taking photos) is always rewarding and fun -- and it's nice to have such a good reason to get fancy for a night!
Proctor & Gamble Beauty invited me to try a few of their products and share my beauty routine for big events, and it couldn't have come at a better time with the gala right around the corner. My priority at events like this is fostering support for the organization, of course, but it's also a lot of fun to put on a new dress and get prettied up. It reminds me of getting ready for prom (way back when), and even for my wedding!
For me, getting ready starts the day before an event. I try to relax and do the things I know I won't have time for the next day, like painting my nails. I take a long, hot bath with epsom salt and a few drops of lavender essential oil, and actually take the time to, you know, shave my legs for once. The Gillette Venus & Olay Razor is easy to use (hello, you get to skip the shaving cream!) and it smells so good, I swear I only fantasized a little about what it must taste like. I typically skip things like body wash in my daily routine, but setting aside an hour for a hot soak the day before an event allows me to indulge in the things I don't always have time for. The Olay Sensitive Body Wash is so gentle, I'm starting to think I should prioritize it on the regular.
As far as hair goes, this was my first time trying Pantene Damage Detox Weekly Rehab Crème, but it's not going to be the last. Even though I lost a little bit of volume after using it (my hair was back to its bouncy self the next day), the crème made my hair crazy soft and really shiny. I couldn't stop touching it...and neither could Kristie!
One last thing I'm glad I did this time around (maybe the thing I'm most glad I did) was use Crest 3-D White Strips. I haven't necessarily been an adult when it comes to taking care of my teeth (I currently have a grand total of five cavities...ugh), but at least this way I can look the part. My favorite shade of orangey-red lipstick definitely looks better against whiter teeth. I originally only planned to keep the strips on for only ten minutes since I have sensitive teeth, but they felt fine, so I kept them on the whole recommended 30! And honestly, the strips didn't bother my sensitive teeth at all.
That routine, along with a good deodorant and comfy shoes, is a great start to an evening on your feet as a volunteer for a gala event -- or even on the red carpet.
Time for style talk. This year I'm planning to go the little black dress route, with an Erin Fetherston rental from Rent the Runway, and a few pops of color: red nails and a turquoise H&M foldover clutch borrowed from my sister (thanks, Phoebe!).
Special occasions like this call for trying something new. I used this tutorial to get retro waves that I feel like maybe I should wear every day now? I mean, right? I felt so glamorous.
Appearance isn't everything, of course, but when I need to be on my game (interacting with potential donors, greeting our clients, assisting board members), feeling like I look good helps to put me in a better mood, making it easier for me to be enthusiastic and helpful.
So not to let all this hard work go to waste, I rely on quick lipstick touch-ups in the bathroom, along with a swipe of mascara. And the little things matter. Before the gala starts, make whoever's working alongside you pinky-swear to tell you if you get lipstick on your teeth at any point throughout the night. Trust me on this one.
(Like the mural behind me? I do, too! And kind of need it in my living room. I wanted to make sure to credit the artists, so C3 2012: Carolyn Clayton, Dana Wilde, Darya Diamond, and Perry Huntoon, here's to you guys. Keep making great art, and I'll try to keep finding purses to match it.)
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
