Christmas Cracker

By WLR Staff, Helen Griffiths

As we hit the ultimate party season does your stomach turn at the thought of party invites? Do you hide away in the corner so no-one notices you? Or, do you have to get absolutely blotto for added confidence (slurred words, telling everyone you love them and getting up on the dance floor to do your chicken dance (classic) aren’t very attractive).

If this sounds like you, read the following advice and you will turn into the Belle of the ball this season, and no, the fairy Godmother won’t be waving her magic wand, it’s all down to you. Roll on …

Join the brownies

Who said faking it isn’t great? Fake tan can hide a multitude of sins and make us appear slimmer and leaner (bonus). St Tropez is the best option but at £25 a bottle it can be a tad expensive. If you’re saving your pennies this month opt for Boots No.7 fake tan - at £9.50 it’s a cheaper alternative to St Tropez, it leaves a fantastic lasting colour and is tinted so you know where you’re applying it.

Drink, drink and drink …

Water (sigh). Drinking water reduces water retention by flushing out toxins. This will make you appear less bloated and help you to squeeze into that little black dress that hasn’t seen light of day for a while. If you can go without your caffeine fix for a few days, I’d advise you not to drink coffee or tea for at least 48 hours before the ‘big’ night, as this can cause you to appear and feel bloated.

Batwings

Oh yes, the lovely batwings that cause so many of us to feel self conscious about the tops of our arms. The best accessories to cover this problem area and to look even more fabulous than you already do are pashminas and this seasons capes or stoles (there are many choices on the highstreet).

Wrap up this season

The Universal contour body wrap has been many people’s saviour for a last minute fix to shift the flab. You can lose inches and the results last days. Costing around £45 it is expensive but the results are said to be fantastic and really outweigh the cost. Give your local beauty salon a ring to see if they specialise in this treatment.

Make up with make up

Applying make up shouldn’t be rushed. It’s like art, it can either make the ‘canvas’ (your face) look fantastic or a complete mess. This season smoky eyes and dark greens are very fashionable. The natural look has also made an appearance thanks to Dolce and Gabbana, so learning to fake the ‘naturale’ look with a touch of lipgloss, mascara and a flesh coloured eyeshadow will leave you looking like a born beauty. If you’re trying out a new lipstick, test it on the back of your finger as this skin has the same pH as your lips.

Wear the right size

Wearing clothes one size too small will make you look larger than you actually are. It will also let any excess ‘rubber rings’ you have hang over and be on display for everyone to see, which cannot be comfortable physically or mentally. Wear clothes that are the correct size and you’ll sail through the evening.

Hangover cures

The worst thing to come out of Christmas has to be the hangovers. You wake up either hugging the toilet with a wish washy stomach or, if drinking heavily is a regular thing you’ll wake up in bed with a banging head and a furry tongue. Then, it gets worse you have to do it all again TONIGHT! Here’s the plan of action: Down a pint of water, have a hot shower, wash the barnet (smelling like last night’s kebab will make your stomach turn), and go back to bed with a pint of water on your bedside table. When you wake you will feel more revitalised and alert. Have something to eat to curb the stomach and then a bit later try and take a brisk walk for 30 minutes. Watch some TV and act like a couch potato for the rest of the day.

When getting ready for the party remember, lots and lots of concealer and mints.

Last of all, have a lovely Christmas and Happy Drinking!