The festive season brings joy, lights, and celebrations, but also hectic schedules, late nights, and endless social gatherings that leave little room for elaborate beauty routines. Yet, glowing skin doesn’t
necessarily need weeks of preparation. With a few smart hacks and mindful care, experts say you can look radiant even at the last minute.
“Festive season is such a beautiful, vibrant time, but it also gets super hectic,” says Dr. Mili Sinha, aesthetic physician at La Clinique & expert at Oteria. “While it’s easy to prioritise outfits and events, being mindful of your skin is just as important. Festivals will come and go; your skin is here to stay.”
Hydration, Exfoliation, and Sun Protection
According to Shaily Mehrotra, Founder & CEO, Fixderma, hydration is the first step to instant radiance. “Dehydrated skin looks dull instantly. A lightweight, hydrating serum enriched with hyaluronic acid can plump up skin and restore suppleness within minutes,” she says. Gentle exfoliation a day before festivities also helps brighten the complexion by sloughing away dead skin.
And no matter how rushed you are, SPF is non-negotiable. “Even for night events, sunscreen gives skin an even-toned appearance and preps it for makeup,” adds Mehrotra.
Quick-Fix Glow Boosters
When time is short, sheet masks and cooling rituals can deliver instant results. Dr. Sinha suggests an ice-water dip to de-puff and refresh: “Had a late night? Dunk your face in ice water for five to ten seconds. It reduces puffiness, tightens skin, and makes makeup glide on smoother.”
She also recommends a mindful cleansing and moisturising ritual: “Take those extra two minutes to really massage your cleanser and moisturiser. It boosts circulation, clears grime, and gives your skin a natural, lit-from-within glow.”
Balance, Moderation, and Rest
Festive indulgences often include sugary sweets and sleepless nights, both of which can dull the skin. “Enjoy the sweets, of course, but in moderation. Stick to a balanced sleep routine, even short naps help your skin repair,” notes Dr. Sinha. Simple steps like sipping coconut water, using face mists to combat humidity, and choosing a gel-based sunscreen for outdoor events also make a visible difference.
Glow Support
Beauty brands are also weighing in with solutions for both quick fixes and long-term radiance. ACELABS highlights consistency as key: “Our mantra is ‘Shine with confidence.’ Lasting festive glow often needs two to four weeks of prep with hydrating serums and brightening formulations that strengthen skin from within.” Their Lumiere range, infused with active ingredients, focuses on boosting skin’s immunity for sustained radiance.
Amanda Bell, Director of Artistry & Education at Pixi Beauty, agrees that daily maintenance is crucial: “A balanced, glowing complexion ensures your skin is the perfect canvas for festive makeup.” Pixi’s cult-favorite Glow Tonic, hydrating mists, and sheet masks are designed as quick pre-makeup glow boosters.
Festive skincare doesn’t have to mean elaborate rituals or hours in front of the mirror. The secret to festive beauty is balance and letting your skin breathe while enhancing its natural luminosity. With a few expert-approved hacks and the right products, you can step into every celebration radiant, confident, and camera-ready.
