Christmas Party Glow Up: When to Book Your Treatments
By Alex Donald, Registered Nurse | 15 August 2026
The festive season means photos, parties, and seeing people you haven't seen all year. If you want to look your absolute best, timing your treatments correctly is essential. Here's your Christmas party glow-up timeline, based on what actually works.
October (8-10 Weeks Before): The Foundation
This is when to start if you want maximum impact:
- Start a SkinPen microneedling course — 3 sessions, 4 weeks apart. Starting in October means you'll finish in early December with enough time for redness to fully settle.
- Begin a MeLine peel course if pigmentation is a concern — 3 sessions, 4 weeks apart.
- Start medical-grade skincare — the Aspect Dr range will transform your skin quality over 8-10 weeks.
November (4-6 Weeks Before): Targeted Treatments
- Anti-wrinkle injections — book for mid-to-late November. Results take 2-14 days to fully develop (depending on product), and you want them well-settled before any party. Relfydess onset is 24-48 hours; Dysport takes 7-14 days for full effect.
- Dermal fillers — if you're considering lip or cheek fillers for the first time, November is the latest. This gives 4-6 weeks for the filler to settle completely and any bruising to resolve.
- Profhilo — second session (if doing a course) in early November for results by December.
Early December (2-3 Weeks Before): Final Touches
- Belotero Revive skin booster — for a hydration and radiance boost. Results are visible within 1-2 weeks.
- LED light therapy — add to any appointment for a glow boost.
- Final MeLine peel — no closer than 2 weeks before your event.
One Week Before: Stop
No new treatments. Stick to your established skincare routine. Focus on:
- Hydration — inside and out. Drink plenty of water.
- Sleep — aim for 7-8 hours per night.
- Avoid alcohol for a few days before (reduces puffiness).
- Avoid salty foods the day before.
Common Christmas Glow-Up Mistakes
- Leaving it too late — December is the busiest month for cosmetic clinics. Book in October/November to avoid disappointment.
- Trying something new right before — never have a treatment for the first time within 2 weeks of an event.
- Over-treating — less is more. You want to look like the best version of yourself, not "done."
- Forgetting skincare — treatments are enhanced by good home skincare. Don't neglect the basics.
Booking Early Is Essential
December is the busiest time of year at Embrace Cosmetics. Appointments fill up weeks in advance. If you're planning a Christmas glow-up, book your consultation in October to secure your preferred appointment times.
Read more: All treatments | Wedding skin timeline | Pricing
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shareen Jacob. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Anti-wrinkle injections are prescription medicines. Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA 500 units) and Relfydess® (relabotulinumtoxinA 150 units) have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if these treatments are right for you. Use only under medical supervision. For full details, see the Consumer Medicine Information at medsafe.govt.nz.
Contraindications: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection at injection site, neuromuscular disorders, known hypersensitivity. For adults 18+ only.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Cosmetic injectable procedures at Embrace Cosmetics are performed by Registered Nurse Alex Donald working under the medical direction and standing orders of Dr. Shareen Jacob.