Every once in a while, we've RSVP'd for an event that's a bit out of our league. Dust off the heels, dry clean your designated formal dress and make sure your lipstick isn’t expired. When you need to get event-ready in a flash, beauty blogger Viviana Volpicelli is here to help you get your act together.
Follow Viviana on Instagram at @viviana_volpicelli.
Drybar West Hollywood
Multiple locations, $$$
Viviana Volpicelli: One of my necessary rituals is getting my hair blow dried and styled at Dry Bar. Let’s be honest, no one does their hair quite like a professional. I think I might be one of the few people on this earth who prefers a “slept-on” look when it comes to hair. I will get my hair blow dried the day before an event, sleep on it and wake up to a little more volume and a little less frizz (since I’ve allowed my blow dry to settle).
MT Skin Clinic & Beauty
Beverly Hills
VV: I have searched long and hard for a brow artist who both understands my vision and aesthetic, and has the talent/skill to accomplish it. I’ve had many brow artists in the past who no matter what direction I give them, ultimately design their ideal brow. Misha has a true artistic eye for beauty and aesthetics and treats your face with care and caution as if it were her own.
Brigitte BEAUTÉ
Beverly Hills, $$$
VV: Jessica at Brigitte Beaute is a skincare goddess! Her knowledge of the skin extends further than any aesthetician I’ve ever had! She amazes me every time she spews out knowledge of a particular skincare ingredient and even gives me a little lesson on how the skin works. Bonus: I bring in all my skincare products that I’m using at the time, which is sometimes two large plastic baggies full, and she will analyze them for me.
Golden Glo
Beverly Hills, $$
VV: To me, a tan makes you look healthier and gives the effect of a glowing, radiant complexion and also makes you look fitter and leaner than you actually are! I can wear a pair of shorts with pale skin and think to myself that my legs could look more toned, then miraculously, when I wear those same pair of shorts with the addition of a spray tan, I find myself admiring how my legs look in the mirror. It’s all in the power of a tan, people! With that being said, my go-to spray tan place is Sunless Beauty where I get their organic spray tan. The fact that their formulas are all organic and natural makes me feel completely confident and safe that I’m putting it on my skin.
Cafe Gratitude
Multiple locations, $$
VV: I love to visit Cafe Gratitude for a hearty and healthy meal before a photoshoot, night out, or an event. What you eat shows up on your face and body, so I try and feed myself meals that enhance my appearance, rather than ones that sabotage it. We all know a big greasy, processed, sodium laden meal can make you look bloated, result in puffy eyes, etc. . . the list goes on. Luckily, I feel completely confident ordering anything off the menu at Cafe Gratitude since its all plant-based and organic. They even have herbal tonics which are filled with ingredients that actually enhance your beauty and overall health (which is a MUST every time I go there!) My order ----- The Ayurvedic Latté, The Chef’s Seasonal Pizza, and The Crispy Chocolate Bar for dessert!
Nail Box LA
DTLA, $$
VV: While it may seem silly to spend 2 hours working on such a small part of your body, make no mistake, a woman getting her nails done is just as important as the big things! What’s even more important is going somewhere that makes the task an experience, rather than a mechanical mundane chore. That’s why I love Nailbox LA, where I’m always greeted with a cup of hot tea, an awesome playlist, cute decor, and a friendly, accommodating staff. Bonus: parking is a breeze with an accessible, free parking lot just outside. Nothing ruins my mood more than trying to enjoy a relaxing ritual that turns sour before it even begins due to parking troubles!
Sephora
Multiple locations, $$
VV: Sephora is my homeland. You can find me running in here most days, but especially before an event where I need to make sure I have all my essentials on hand (ie. dry shampoo, face masks, eye gels). If I had to choose a favorite, it would be the Beverly Drive location since they carry some things other Sephora’s do not. For instance, one of my favorite supplements, “Raw Beauty Green Super Food Powder” by Hum Nutrition is only carried at the Beverly Hills location and online.
HotBox Infrared Sauna Studio
DTLA
VV: This is a somewhat new practice of mine, but should not be overlooked! This is a great way to detox before or after an event. Infrared saunas were literally designed to make you look and feel your best by providing a natural glow to your skin (reducing wrinkles, cleansing your pores, renewing skin elasticity), detoxing the body (releasing toxins from the body), encouraging calorie burn (pumping up heart rate to melt up to 600 calories per session). And these are just a few of the many benefits! This is an easy and relaxing way to enhance your health and beauty, all you have to do is sit in the sauna for 40 minutes and you’re free to enjoy your music or watch your favorite show until the times up. This is also something fun to do with a friend!
Royal Thai Massage
Arlington Heights, $$
VV: Now that your event is over, it’s time to recover! My treat after a shoot or an event is typically to get a massage. After my feet have been killing me and my back is aching from standing in heels for too long, this is the perfect remedy. I’m very particular about my massages---I don’t like to be lightly grazed over, but instead prefer a place that can really get in there and work out all my knots. Warning --- this is one of those places you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover! This place is a hole in the wall, but to this date, still outdoes any ritzy spa I’ve ever been to. The price point also makes this a winner!
MT Skin Clinic & Beauty courtesy @mtskinclinicandbeauty
Brigitte BEAUTÉ courtesy of @brigittebeaute
Golden Glo courtesy of @goldenglotans
Cafe Gratitude courtesy @cafegratitude
Nail Box LA courtesy of @nailboxla
HotBox Infrared Sauna Studio courtesy of @hotboxsaunastudio
Royal Thai Massage courtesy of @roo_bee808
Header image courtesy of @viviana_volpicelli
