Get ready to party the eco way

Christmas is a' coming and the parties of New Year's Eve are almost upon us, so time to get your eco-friendly party gear on!

Perfumes and aftershaves

If you're hoping to score beneath the mistletoe this Christmas, make sure you smell your sweetest, physically and ethically.  

Whilst most reputable companies have long stopped the inclusion of painfully sourced animal by-products in their scents, many High Street and luxury brand perfumes are still based on products tested on animals, contain potential allergenics or unsustainable vegetable products, such as sandalwood oil.

For perfumes and colognes packed with goodies instead, why not try the range stocked by Honesty Cosmetics - all endorsed by The Vegan Society, BUAV Humane Cosmetics Standard, the Ethical Company Organisation ‘Good Shopping Guide’ and the Naturewatch Trust Compassionate Shopping Guide.

Skin care and makeup

Get over that debauched works Christmas do and prepare for the next round of parties with the intelligent application of some high quality organic skincare.

Love Lula is the organic apothecary of choice for those in the know. Stocking a huge range of top natural brands such as Lavera, Spiezia and suki, Lula recommends the Alquimia Orange Blossom Facial Tonic to rehydrate alcohol-pickled skin. 

Sometimes we all need a bit of a helping hand, skin-wise, and an ethical stance shouldn't mean you have to give up on looking your best at parties. In fact, there's a plethora of exciting makeup products to choose from for that bit of extra sparkle.  

Mineral makeup gurus Lily Lolo stock a vibrant, and highly recommended, range of eye shadow shades and lip glosses. None of their range contains parabens, frangrances or fillers. They do not test their range on animals, or ask anyone to do so on their behalf.

Eco fashion choices

The Christmas season is all about rocking the little black dress on the town, so for a flirty eco-alternative why not try this gorgeous fifties style Eva frock complete with vintage print sash from the green fashionistas at The Natural Store?

Endorsed by Vogue, no less, this season's Lily Wigglesworth's Eco Diva clutch bags are worth giving up cow's milk for. These divine items look like solid gold, but are actually 100% recycled sweetie wrappers and drinks cans.

Pricey, but hot-to-trot, are the impeccably glamorous party heels from Sui Generis by Beyond Skin. 

All of this a bit beyond your budget? Why not check out your local charity shops for party swank for pennies? Think how smug you can be knowing your outfit cost you less than a round of drinks...

The day after the night before

If your head's pounding and your tongue feels like it's been dragged through a hedge backwards, why not try some natural remedies before you reach for the super-strength painkillers? They're much gentler on a battered liver. 

Keep drinking lots of water - and make sure to avoid coffee, as it's a diuretic and can actually make a hangover worse. Green or ginger tea can help dissipate that nasty feeling in the pit of your stomach. 

Many people swear by the healing powers of Milk Thistle - known to help protect the liver and improve its function. Feverfew capsules, sold at most health food stores, are good for headaches. Try taking a comprehensive vitamin pill, including thiamine, riboflavin, some potassium, calcium and magnesium and zinc and a high dose of Vitamin B-12 to help balance you out.

Lastly, a banana milkshake sweetened with honey will soothe your stomach and re-hydrate your system with electrolytes, magnesium and potassium - all of which get depleted during heavy drinking.

Enjoy!