getting ready routine - special nights out

Usually, shower, put some of that ausie miracle stuff on my hair and de-fuzz, face mask, one of those nose strip thingies, and thats about it!?
(I would have fake baked every night for the week before though ?)

ATG - Well, I shall defuzz and tan up tonight, and paint my nails (top and bottom) tomorrow afternoon. Face mask, hmmm, I always forget to do that and end up with loads of them sitting around which I've bought. Do the nose strip thingies work?

Oo nails, i forgot about that!

I think they work, but I only buy the Boire ones as the others don't seem as good. I do have blocked pores on my nose though and am always fascinated what those strips get out!

If getting my hair done, I always have a facial/fake tan (whether at home or salon) beforehand. Similarly, I nearly always bath/shower before getting my hair done-I make the latest appointment possible, or if doing it myself, it's always done last. I don't like steam/creams faffing up my barnet-especially if I have paid £30 for a blow dry/set on big rollers!

Aside from the hair-as part of a getting ready routine, I like to defuzz and exfoliate. Moisturise with a good body oil (usually Espa) and lounge about in my robe. Nails painted-top and bottom are a must. I usually treat myself to a mani/pedi-at a push I will do my own. I make sure my eyebrows are groomed. I like to unwind with a glass of wine and music whilst getting ready. I nearly always treat myself to a favourite skin care product/cosmetic beforehand in readiness for a night out. I sometimes apply individual false lashes (if I have time and can be arsed!) Then it's the make up and outfit-always put on right at the last minute.

If I have a lot of time, I will do the aforementioned almost sequentially. If not, I skip the less important steps or do some of them a day in advance.

Sometimes, the pampering/getting ready can be more fun than the actual event!

Scrape brush though hair, attempt eyeliner 4 times getting crosser and redder, throw on my only going out clothes, scowl at self in mirror repeatedly on account of being unaccountably un-thin.

Check bottom for tiny, tomatoey handprints.

wait another annoying half hour while Mr DD gets ready

Scramble out of the door in a mood.

? that is scarily accurate. why does everything stain tomato colour? ?

i have a shower, run straighteners through my hair. make up - mascara and lip gloss - if i have time. get dressed and go. i've never been one for lots of faff getting ready, more so now i have a 15 month old following my every move and wanting to 'help'.

Blimey. I saw this thread title and realised I can't remember. How sad is that? ? I actually can't remember the last time I went out socially ?

Thanks for all your replies. DaisyDasy ? - I hope it isn't always like that for you. And PL - that's exactly why I'm asking [laugh Ok, I might be pushing it a bit, I don't have children so my time's very much my own, but I'm still feeling a bit bereft of nights out recently. You don't have to feel sorry for me ?

DDL - that's the sort of thing I always intend to aim for, but often end up trying to fit in a snooze somewhere, or having 'just an extra half hour' in front of the TV, and then running around in a mad panic as I'm just far too disorganised to get out of the door in a calm, prepared state with everything done and clothes vaguely uncreased. I've got the entire afternoon today. It's still not going to happen, is it? ?

When I was younger getting ready was half of the fun in a night out. I'd invite my friends over, crack open a bottle or two of wine or cava, then dance & sing whilst doing each others nails, hair & makeup. We'd all fight over who was wearing what and who was having their hair a certain way. Then it would be a shot before we left in the taxi for a good night on the tiles.

Now, I tend to fake tan weekly so I'd top that up. Have my nails done, again weekly but possibly book an appointment for a re-paint. Home for quick bath, wash & dry hair. Straighten hair then lay all of my makeup out in order then begin the process of application. Once makeup is done put clothes on, retouch makeup and hair then spend the next 20mins or so deciding on bag and accessories. Retouch hair again, and probably one last coat of mascara, then leave.