Big Night Out Essentials.

This is shaping up to be one busy summer. I’m not sure how exactly it happened, but I have four weddings and a bachelorette party… and a bunch of other events in between. It’s funny… in my mid twenties, my summers were always jam-packed with weddings. There’s been a little bit of a lull (now we’re on to babies)! Alas, for whatever reason things are picking up again. I’m not complaining… it means extra trips to Cape Cod + a trip to Hawaii in early September… and getting to see more of my close friends and family.

Anyway… today I wanted to share five products that will change how you get ready for a big night out. It sounds cliche, but every product in this post is a serious game changer. Some are old favorites, and some are more recent discoveries… either way, I am really glad I found them.

The first product I use before a big night out is Roloxin Lift. Full disclosure: I was not familiar with the brand until they reached out to me and sent me a sample. But once I tried it, I was converted. This product is like a little face lift in a sachet (with short term benefits… results last 12-24 hours per application.)

The product comes in these tiny sachets (perfect for travel… since discovering them I always keep one or two in my bag). Activate the sachet by squeezing vigorously for 20 seconds. After squeezing for a bit, the contents become more malleable and fluid. Open up the sachet and apply an even layer over clean, slightly damp skin (be sure to get your neck, as well). In about ten minutes time, the paste dries into a white powder, which is then rinsed off. Your skin will feel a little bit tight, but that’s a good thing… it means the product worked.

What really struck me was how much firmer and tighter my skin looked after using Roloxin. I don’t want to say that my face looked thinner as that isn’t the point, but it did. If you feel bloated or puffy, this is a good thing to try as it will eliminate any puffiness, bloat, water weight, etc. On top of that, fine lines disappear and your skin tone will be so much more even. Wrinkles are reduced, and pores are smaller. Miraculous.

I caveat all of this by saying that the results are not permanent, and will last only 12-24 hours. That said, when you need to look good in a hurry or for a special event, it’s absolutely the best thing in the world. I know that I am starting to gush, so I will say that I’m not the only one who feels this way.. it actually won Allure’s beauty breakthrough award in 2014. (Read their review here).

The Roloxin stays on for 10 minutes, and while it’s doing its thing, I curl my hair.

We’ve talked about hair a lot here and as I always say, I’m not so great at doing my own hair. While I’ve definitely improved (see how I blow out my hair at home), the only thing that saves me when I’m curling my hair is my Beach Waver. This thing is fantastic as it automatically twirls your hair for you. You clamp down on a section, press a button for right or left, and the Beach Waver twirls in the proper direction, away from your face. Prior to discovering this guy, I always ended up with curls going away from my face on one side, and towards my face on the other side. This way, you can get those Victoria’s Secret model beach waves, without any fuss. The brand also makes these handy clips, which are great for sectioning.

I’m not fussy about my hairspray (maybe I’m in the wrong here but to me, they’re all the same… drugstore or high end) but once I’ve curled my hair and set it with whatever hairspray I have on hand, I spray my hair all over with Living Proof’s Anti-Humidity Shield to lock out humidity + prevent frizz… (even if I work up a sweat on the dance floor).

Next up, a few (essential) cosmetic items…

I’ve gushed and gushed about Bite Beauty here before, but for weddings and big events, I pretty much only wear their Cashmere Lip Cream. It stays on all night (if I’m eating + drinking I will touch it up once but it’s rarely necessary) and it’s 100% natural. Sherry is my jam… it’s a vibrant red-orange that seemingly looks great on everyone.

The next is Marc Jacobs’ nail polishes. I think his shades are just the prettiest. This one is called Cora. It’s a glittery cross between brown and berry and so, so shiny! To further amp up the shine, I love Nails Inc’s gel effect top coat.

Last but not least, W3ll People’s Sticks. This is a brand new product obsession of mine, and one that I haven’t yet had a chance to tell you about in greater detail… but I’m completely and utterly obsessed with their line. The Bio Brightener Stick is nothing short of amazing. It’s 100% natural and imparts the prettiest amount of shimmer wherever you put it. I use my fingers to apply a bit to my brow + cheekbones, inner corners of my eyes, and a tiny bit down the bridge of my nose. If I’m wearing something strapless, I’ll also apply it to my collarbone.

Created in partnership with Roloxin.