Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind, can’t it? Between cooking, hosting, or traveling, it’s easy to forget about your skincare. I’ve been there, rushing around only to glance in the mirror and think, Whoa, my skin looks tired. That’s why I started prepping my skin a few days before the holiday. It’s simple, doesn’t take a ton of time, and makes a huge difference.
Although I often switch products with the changing seasons due to the variations in my skin, I always check Yesstyle first. It’s the only place where I can find the most authentic and affordable products, along with a smooth delivery process. Recently, I've made changes to my skincare routine, and I’ll be adding all the products for each tip so you can get your hands on them as well. Here’s what works for me.
1. Start with a Gentle Exfoliation
A few days before Thanksgiving, I use a gentle exfoliator to get rid of any dry patches or buildup. I’ve been loving a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid—it’s effective but doesn’t feel harsh. If you’re into scrubs, just make sure it’s a mild one so it doesn’t irritate your skin. This step smooths everything out, so your skin looks fresh and makeup applies better.
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Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
celimax
$12.99 $18.90
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Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
The Ordinary
$31.90
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Rice Cocktail Face Scrub
RiRe
$10.32 $12.90
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2. Hydrate with a Mask
Two nights before Thanksgiving, I pop on a hydrating mask while catching up on a show. My go-to is a sheet mask because it’s fuss-free, but a gel or cream mask works too. It’s like giving your skin a tall glass of water. After 15 minutes, my face feels plump and refreshed, which is exactly what I need when I’m running on limited sleep.
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Collagen Lifting Sheet Mask
medicube
$3.00 $4.90
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Wash Off Honey Mask
I'm from
$26.60 $38.00
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Zero Pore Mud Mask
medicube
$18.00 $20.00
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3. Brighten Up with Vitamin C
I swear by a good Vitamin C serum in the mornings. It’s like a shot of espresso for your skin. I gently pat a few drops onto my face and let it soak in before moisturizing. This step helps with dullness and gives my skin that subtle glow. It’s been a game-changer, especially when I’ve been skimping on sleep.
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Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
Dear, Klairs
$19.55 $23.00
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Vit C Brightening Ampoule
COMMONLABS
$12.94 $19.90
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Hyper Vitamin C 23 Serum
Isntree
$16.32 $20.40
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4. Don’t Skip Moisturizer
Thanksgiving Day is not the time to play around with a new moisturizer. Stick to one that you know hydrates well and doesn’t feel greasy. I make sure to use something rich enough to keep my skin soft but light enough to layer under makeup. If I know I’ll be outside, I grab one with SPF—yes, even in November.
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Ato Barrier 365 Cream
AESTURA
$22.39 $31.99
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Snail 92 All In One Cream
COSRX
$11.19 $19.60
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Niacinamide Facial Cream
APLB
$9.80 $16.40
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5. Overnight Care Is Key
The night before, I use a sleeping mask or a thick moisturizer to lock in all the goodness. It’s like a final layer of protection, so I wake up with skin that feels soft and hydrated. Trust me, this step makes a noticeable difference, especially if you’re planning on wearing makeup all day.
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Lip Sleeping Mask Mini
LANEIGE
$3.62 $5.40
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Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask
COSRX
$9.00 $15.10
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Cell Renew Snail Sleeping Mask
MISSHA
$15.93 $17.70
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Final Thoughts
Honestly, prepping your skin for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a huge production. These small steps take a few extra minutes and leave you feeling confident when the big day arrives. Plus, it’s kind of nice to sneak in a little self-care before the holiday madness begins.
Also Read: How to Prep Your Skin for Makeup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Uma McAllister is the beauty aficionado at ThirtysSix. With years of experience working with top beauty brands and a knack for uncovering skincare secrets, Uma is your guide to achieving that glow. Her approach is holistic, focusing on both inner wellness and external beauty, from clean makeup brands to DIY skincare rituals. Uma’s voice is warm, encouraging, and always empowering, making her readers feel like they’re on a beauty journey together. Whether she’s testing the latest viral product or breaking down the science behind skincare ingredients, Uma’s content is as informative as it is engaging, helping her readers look and feel their best.
