 Plus, how to melt away a year's worth of muscle tension.  |  | | Last Saturday, I threw a holiday party. While my smoky eyes and feather-trimmed Self-Portrait dress were a hit, there’s no denying the trio of Christmas shrimp trees we made (inspired by a 1974 recipe from Bon Appétit!) stole the show. I highly recommend them if you need a last-minute idea for the festivities to come—the ROI is unmatched! With hosting duties behind me, I’m, naturally, starting to think about New Year’s Eve—more specifically, what my beauty look will be as I’m ringing midnight in! Judging by the question of the week, it seems you are, too. So, let’s think it through together <3. | | — Lauren Valenti, InStyle Beauty Director | | | | | | BEAUTY TIP OF THE WEEK | | | “When creating a slicked-back ponytail, follow the line from your cheekbones upwards and secure at the crown of the head.” | | — Mitchell Ramazon, hairstylist and Living Proof Stylist Squad member | | | | | EMPTY OF THE WEEK | | Westman Atelier Skin Activator | | Makeup legend Gucci Westman isn’t just a North star of mine for makeup, but skin care as well! She, too, suffers from rosacea, so I always know my complexion is safe with Westman Atelier. Her new Skin Activator serum—designed to quench skin and boost firmness with 12 robust actives, including soothing prickly pear cactus extract, plumping hyaluronic acid, and protective L-arginine—is everything I need it to be. It supplies a bouncy, super-hydrated canvas that makeup glides onto for a smooth and seamless blend. In other words, it's a dream. | | | | |  | | Photo Courtesy of Pat McGrath Labs | | |  | | PHOTO: Lauren Valenti | | | MUST-TRY TREATMENT | | The Botanical Massage | | Last month, I went on a special overnight trip with The Laundress to Wildflower Farms in the Hudson Valley. I visited their Thistle Spa, where I spent an hour getting their Botanical massage, a full-body deep-tissue treatment. During the massage, my therapist targeted specific trigger points—i.e., my tight and tense neck and shoulders (thanks, Tech Neck!)—using a custom blend of milk thistle oil, which helps alleviate inflammation and soothe sore muscles. It was intense, but that’s just how I like it. When it comes to massages, I believe true relief is pain. | | | | | For more, follow Lauren on InStyle, Instagram, and TikTok. | | | | | | | We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. | | | | | | | | |  |
