Holiday Beauty Survival Guide: Easy Hair + Skin Tips to Stay Hydrated, Calm, and Camera-Ready
The holiday season is officially here—and if your schedule is already packed, same. Between family events, long shopping lists, holiday menus, work parties, and everything in between, our skin, hair, and stress levels take the hit first.
I’m Monina, and today we’re breaking down simple holiday self-care that’s actually doable, even if your calendar is saying: “Girl, try again.”
This guide won’t give you new things to buy or routines that take 25 minutes. Instead, we’re walking through the small everyday habits that help your skin and hair stay healthy while your life gets a whole lot busier.
Let’s get into it.
How Holiday Stress Really Shows Up on Your Skin
We all joke about how stressful December gets, but the truth is that stress changes your cortisol levels, and cortisol changes your skin.
Here’s what usually happens:
- Your skin gets drier
- Your natural oil slows down
- You feel dehydrated (inside and out)
- Breakouts can pop up more easily
- Your mood and energy dip
Plus, the season adds:
- Party food
- Holiday drinks
- More caffeine
- Less sleep
- Not enough water
So if your skin is looking dull or your makeup isn’t sitting right, don’t panic—it’s totally normal. You just need a little extra hydration and consistency.
Keep Your Routine Simple (Seriously, Don’t Add More Right Now)
One of the biggest mistakes people make during the holidays is feeling like they need to switch everything up.
You don’t.
Stick with what already works.
This is not the month to try five new serums because an influencer convinced you they’re “life changing.”
Your routine only needs four steps:
- Cleanser
- Treatment serum (hydrating or calming is perfect for this season) {email Monina to get her recommendations!)
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen during the day
And here are a few gentle winter upgrades you can add without overwhelming your skin:
- A hydrating mist in your bag for quick refreshes
- A nightly hyaluronic acid serum
- A gentle enzyme exfoliant 1–2 times a week
- LED light therapy (in-office or a safe at-home device)
- A hydrating sleep mask the night before an event
Your skin doesn’t need more products—it just needs steady, consistent care.
A Budget-Friendly Hair Mask That Works Like a Treat
Cold air + heat styling + running around nonstop = hair that’s dry, frizzy, or just not cooperating.
But before you panic-buy three new products, here’s a DIY solution that’s fast, affordable, and seriously effective.
DIY Moisturizing Avocado Hair Mask
You’ll need:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil (Swap for grapeseed oil if you have fine or thin hair)
How to use it:
- Shampoo your hair first
- Apply mask from mid-lengths to ends
- Leave on for 20 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly and shampoo again
- Style as usual
And listen—this is the perfect use for those sad avocados that go from rock-hard to mush in half a day.
Tip: If you have long hair, double the recipe or add a little more oil.
BIG TIP: If you don’t want to DIY, simply get our favorite hair mask!
Eat + Drink Like Your Skin Depends on It (Because It Does)
This is the season of cookies, pies, and holiday drinks, so let’s talk about how to enjoy everything without sacrificing your glow.
Hydrate before you celebrate
Drink a full glass of water before events and between cocktails.
Alcohol pulls water out of your body and skin quickly.
Protein before caffeine
If you drink coffee first thing in the morning, your cortisol spikes.
Eating protein first keeps your levels steady and helps with:
- Mood
- Energy
- Skin clarity
Add omegas + vitamin C
These keep your skin plump, calm, and bright.
Try including:
- Salmon
- Flaxseed
- Citrus fruits
- Berries
- Bell peppers
Watch the sugar + dairy combo
If you notice breakouts around the holidays, this is usually why.
We're not saying skip the treats—just balance them with more water, greens, and nourishing foods.
Winter Skin Boosts That Make a Big Difference
If you want a quick glow-up before photos or parties, here are easy upgrades that don’t take a lot of time:
1. Drink enough water
A good guide: Your body weight ÷ 2 = ounces of water per day
Add more in winter.
2. Gentle exfoliation
Helps remove dry skin so your serums can actually do their job.
3. LED therapy
Boosts circulation and gives the skin a bright, “awake” look.
4. A hydrating sleep mask
Use it the night before big events for plump, smooth skin in the morning. This is our favorite!
These small things go a long way, especially when the weather is cold and dry.
The Power of Scalp Touch (and a Sweet Family Tip)
I love this part because it’s something you can do at home, for free, and it helps with both stress and hair health.
Your scalp has hundreds of thousands of nerve endings, which is why brushing or massaging your head feels instantly calming.
Here’s a cozy, family-friendly way to enjoy this:
The At-Home Scalp Ritual
In the evening, turn on a movie and:
- Ask your child to gently brush your hair
- Then brush theirs
- Slow down together, talk, or just enjoy the quiet
This releases endorphins, reduces stress, and strengthens connection.
Kids love it, and it’s a sweet way to stay present during a busy season.
If you’re in the Bay Area and want the next-level version, the Japanese scalp massage treatment in the salon is pure heaven and the perfect holiday gift.
Don’t Forget to Schedule Actual Downtime
One last thing:
Protect some quiet time.
Like, actually write it in your calendar.
Your holidays don’t have to be booked from morning to night. Give yourself permission to say:
- “I can’t make it this time.”
- “Let’s keep it simple.”
- “I need a night in.”
You deserve peace just as much as you deserve fun.
If you have your own holiday self-care tips, drop them in the comments—we love hearing what helps you reset during this season.
Until next time, keep playing with your beauty routines and taking care of yourself from the inside out. 💛