Head-to-Toe Prep for Labor Day

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By Amy Wilson Wyles for The EDIT

It is a truth, never universally acknowledged, that a low-maintenance beauty routine often entails a lot of groundwork, especially in preparation for a summer escape. But while multiple salon visits may seem excessive, these treatments will not only help whip you into shape before you go, but will minimize your regime once you’re there. The result? Less time in front of the mirror, more time on the beach…

The Skin Smoother

The prep: Using a three-pronged attack, the Elemis Targeted Toning Tightener body treatment begins with a salt scrub to buff dead skin cells. Next, a sculpting massage aids lymphatic drainage to reduce the appearance of cellulite, before a cooling green-clay mask is applied to firm the skin.

The result: This treatment is the closest thing you can get to a full-body airbrush, meaning you can leave the firming lotions at home. Instead, spritz a body oil like Omorovicza Gold Shimmer Oil onto limbs to enhance your tan.

Try it at: House of Elemis in London or The Elemis Day Spa, Miami (elemis.com)

The Hair Remover

The prep: Until recently, laser machines were designed to emit a single wavelength, meaning they could only target brown-black hair and medium-light skin tones. The new Candela GentleMax Pro is two lasers in one: ‘Alex’ is used on very fair to olive complexions, and ‘Yag’ (a more advanced laser) can be used on dark skin tones.

The result: After six sessions you can throw away the razor for good. Ensure your limbs stay ultra-smooth with Santa Maria Novella No Hair Exfoliating Water and Turmeric Cream set.

Try it at: Eden Laser Clinics in Sydney (edenlaserclinics.com.au) or Strip, London (stripwaxbar.com).

The Professional Mani/Pedi

The prep: If feet could talk, Bastien Gonzalez would know the secrets of the world’s elite. He and his team administered over 53,000 pedicures last year alone, with clients flocking to them for their medical-grade hand-and-feet treatments that use diamond-tipped nail files and chamois leather to buff nails to perfection.

The result: There’s no need for polish. The expert treatment restores nails to their natural hue and creates a varnish-like shine. Maintain nails while you’re away with Révérence De Bastien Nail Brightness Pearly Buffing Cream – the effects of a single application last well over a week.

Try it at: Multiple locations worldwide (bastiengonzalez.com).

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The eye opener

The prep: Taking between 1-1.5hrs to apply, lash extensions require more than a little patience. But with a variety of textures (faux mink looks the most natural) and application techniques (Russian Lashes use 6-8 individual falsies on each lash), the results can be tailored to you.

The result: Lash extensions have garnered a cult following for good reason – they halve getting ready time by enabling you to look ‘done’ without actually doing anything. For night, amp up the drama by applying YSL Beauty Volume Effet Faux Cils to bottom lashes.

Try it at: The Blink Bar in Los Angeles (theblinkbar.com).

The Healthy Hair Color

The prep: If you want beachy blond hues but hate how dye can damage your hair, Olaplex is the perfect solution. Designed to be mixed with dye in the salon, the silicone- and oil-free ingredients help repair broken bonds in the hair shaft post-treatment.

The result: The main benefit is that color doesn’t fade as fast, enabling you to take more time between appointments, while blow-dries last longer thanks to improved hair condition. Pack a travel-sized texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and spray onto ends for beachy waves.

Try it at: John Frieda in New York (johnfrieda.com) and Neville Hair and Beauty in London and St. Barths (nevillehairandbeauty.net).