Spring is in the air and with it comes the start of racing season. While events like Derby Day, Oaks Day and Melbourne Cup are the perfect opportunity to get the girls together, buy a new outfit and have some champagne in the sun, they also take a lot of preparation – both outfit and otherwise. One of the most important, but sometimes overlooked elements of the day is your beauty regime. Beyond just what lipstick best matches your fascinator, it’s important to focus on skincare in the lead-up to big events and to use products that will provide protection from the sun as well as staying put from dawn ‘til dusk, no matter the elements.
To help ensure you’re looking and feeling your best on the day, we’ve rounded up the ultimate racing survival kit for your skin.
1. Prep, prep, prep
Ahead of race day, it’s important to take ample care of your skin, including ensuring you’re drinking lots of water, eating healthy, using hydrating and nourishing products and, if you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to treat yourself to a facial – an at-home sheet mask will do the job, too.
2. Select your products wisely
Spring racing may be a positive part of the new season, but a downside is an increase in pollen, making it even harder for those who are allergy-prone to survive a day trackside. To ensure you’re not distracted by redness or sensitive skin on the day, select products that are created specifically to target these skincare concerns. La Roche-Posay, the number one dermatologist-recommended skincare brand worldwide*, created Toleriane Ultra moisturisers – formulated specifically for sensitive, allergy-prone skin with 0% alcohol, colourants, parabens, fragrance, preservatives and Lanolin. Our go-to? The Toleriane Ultra Dermatological Moisturiser, which provides intense hydration and soothes sensitive and allergy-prone skin. It’s antioxidant-rich and fast-absorbing, so perfect for everyday use – as well as using religiously ahead of race day.
3.Base is key
Every beauty lover knows it’s what comes before makeup that really counts. Think a nourishing serum, a hydrating and fast-absorbing moisturiser and a lightweight SPF50+ face sunscreen. If you’re prone to suffer from red, itchy eye contours, use an eye cream such as the La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour cream, which soothes the delicate eye contour area, reduces puffiness and discomfort and combats dryness. Give each product a few seconds to absorb into the skin before applying the next and once you’re all finished, we’re ready to start with foundation.
4. Protect while you play
A great part of the race day dress code is that hats and fascinators are essential accessories. Hit two birds with one stone and opt for a practical hat that’ll protect your face from the sun. Our pick is a wide-brimmed straw hat – you can always add a coloured scarf to the brim to match your outfit, too.
5. Don’t forget to pack the essentials on the day
Women carry bags for a reason! Make sure the one you take on the day is big enough to fit the essentials, such as sunscreen and makeup top-ups. Remember to pack the lipstick you’re wearing (or lip balm, if your lips are bare), powder for your face and a couple of added extras in case you want to extend the day past the races. We suggest La Roche-Posay Toleriane Waterproof Mascara, your favourite highlighter and a bit of blush.
*The most frequently mentioned brand among the top 3 dermo-cosmetic brands recommended by dermatologists. Source: Survey on the dermo-cosmetic market carried out by IQVIA and other partners (Ipsos, TNS) between September 2017 and August 2018 among dermatologists in 59 countries representing more than 80% of the worldwide GDP.
