ootdfashion
Last Saturday, I attended a fancy ball that required a black-tie dress code, complete with tuxedo rentals for Mr. AMR and his friends, a special bra for me, and navigating through Somerset’s muddy roads. Preparing for the evening was quite a challenge, especially since we had to leave by 5:45 PM but were still taking pictures of my outfit at 5:42 PM. Our organizing skills aren’t the best, and this event put them to the test, with its prompt-start drinks reception and shared cab ride.
My prep started a week earlier since I’d just recovered from a series of minor illnesses, leaving me looking quite drained and dried out, like a phone left in a jar of rice to dry. To rejuvenate, I began an intense beauty routine with body brushing, hair masks recommended by Kat at Josh Wood, and crucial facial hydration.
I’m familiar with hydrating serums, but I took it up a notch with L’Oreal’s Revitalift Filler Ampoules, known for their intense hydration benefits. These ampoules are packed with concentrated hyaluronic acid, perfect for making the skin look smooth and plump. Although meant for a seven-day course, one dose often covers my face, neck, and chest multiple times, making them quite economical.
The results? The Revitalift Filler Ampoules definitely enhanced the effect of anything applied afterward, making my skin feel more elastic and bouncy. Paired with the Revitalift Filler Night Cream-Mask, my skin was incredibly smooth the next morning. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture, smoothing out fine lines and making it look fresher, which the ampoules accomplish impressively. This 7 Day Cure is a fantastic option for anyone preparing for a holiday, recovering from one, or attending a big event.
After my skincare routine, I had a slightly chaotic makeup session. The base was enjoyable as always, starting with Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter, followed by Dior’s Forever Skin Glow Foundation and L’Oreal’s More Than Concealer to mask dark circles. Cheek color and contour were handled by Kevyn Aucoin’s bronzing veil and L’Oreal’s Life’s A Peach blush.
The eye makeup didn’t go as planned. I attempted a new look at the last minute, which didn’t work out, so I reverted to dependable Ombre Blackstar crayons from By Terry for a quick smokey eye, lined with Marc Jacobs Highliner and finished with L’Oreal’s Unlimited mascara.
For lips, I wanted a subtle peachy-nude shade, settling on Chanel’s Daylight lipstick. I slightly overlined my lips using Beauty Pie’s lip liner to emphasize them, complementing my outfit.
I styled my hair with a curling wand to achieve natural-looking waves, despite the misleading term “bed hair,” which for me usually means flat and lifeless. For the dress, I wore the Francesca by Issa, an elegantly embellished gown perfect for the occasion. Paired with special Bvlgari jewelry and cool earrings from Isabella Townsley, along with an old Anya Hindmarch bag and comfortable clompy sandals, my outfit was complete. The sandals, initially for pregnancy, offered safety without sacrificing style.
Reflecting on the night, I was glad I resisted the urge to buy a new expensive dress. Despite the effort, the evening was worth it, even as we returned to the daily grind of sicknesses at home.
