6 race day mistakes you're making

Heading trackside is one of the best parts of spring and autumn. It’s the ultimate day out, packed with fun and glamour by the bucket load.
The thing is, a day with the fillies isn’t without its hurdles. You have to be perfectly groomed from top-to-toe, as unlike when you go out in the evenings, there are no dark corners to hide your hairy legs or greasy hair. Just like the horses, everyone is out on show and when it comes to looking the most polished with the least amount of fuss, it’s all about having the right products by your side.
Check out the race day mistakes you’re making and just how easily you can fix them…
#1: rocking regrowth
Been a while between salon visits? Fear not, there’s no need for any awkward fascinator placement – all you need is a product that will cover up your telltale roots. We love Clairol Nice'n Easy Root Touch Up as it provides permanent coverage in just 10 minutes flat and Ambiance Brunette Tinted Volume Styling Dry Shampoo, as this make-up for your hair has the ability to disguise regrowth and greys (and provide awesome volume) in just 60 seconds.
#2: lifeless locks
Thinking of heading out with straight strands, or a simple flick at the ends? Think twice! Occasions to get really dressed up are few and far between these days; so let the races be your cue to become someone different for a day. My advice? Pick up the ghd curve classic wave wand and create a few Old Hollywood waves that’ll help you to feel about 315 per cent more chic. For the best waves possible, be sure to prep your hair with a product that will ensure your waves stay looking perfect. We love Toni & Guy Classic Wave Memoriser, as it works to help your hair hold its shape all day all day.
#3: moveable make-up
One mistake many people make for a day of fun in the sun is packing on the make-up. If anything, this makes your skin heavier, less able to breathe and is more likely to make you sweat, resulting in a make-up slide of epic proportions. We recommend trying Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation, as the creamy formula creates a natural, matte finish that lasts all day. Better still, it blurs pores and imperfections and controls oil and shine, even in high humidity.
#4: a (too) hot hairstyle
The great thing about race day is that classic styles like the chignon are bang on trend. As days spent in the sun are normally made more unbearable when your hair is hanging heavy down your neck and shoulders, classic styles are perfect for keeping your mane under control. Sweep it off your shoulders with the Scunci French Twist Clip, which creates the perfect chignon and finish with a show-stopping accessory, like the Ombrello Jewelled side comb.
#5: dull pins with no pep
A word to the wise, even if you know you waxed your legs 10 days ago, give them a once over with some wax strips. It’s quick, it’s easy and it’ll save any embarrassment due to fine hairs that you may not be able to see too well inside, but that stand out like a sore thumb in the sunlight. We recommend Veet Natural Inspirations Wax Strips as they’re infused with aloe vera, to minimise any redness. Want a golden glow but find you’re really short on time? St. Tropez Self Tan Express and pureTAN's Instant Wash Off Bronzer will give you an enviable glow that lasts all day, in around five minutes flat.
#6: forgetting to prep your smile
You can apply all the ravishing red lipstick in the world, but it won’t be worth a thing if you don’t have a pearly white smile behind it. Oral-B 3D White Whitestrips are super thin and can be worn while you’re getting ready. They work to whiten your smile by holding the whitening gel to your teeth, and used daily for five days, these strips will deliver a dazzling result.
What's your biggest race day or big event mistake?
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60 Member Comments
Wow all those tips are great- number one is probably he most common
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Sounds like some really useful tips.
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Make sure you are wearing a look that is going to last you the day. It's a big day out and you are going to be on your feet on unstable ground a long time. Make it durable!
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Great article!
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I don't like the idea of whitening strips I don't think, I worry if it could permantently damage the enamel.
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Never been to the races, but they sound very fun!
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Good thing I don't go to the racing days and great tip, especially #3
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I'd add to this list by suggesting wearing gel supports in your shoes - your feet will thank you later
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love the root touch up, certainly going to try this myself
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Love the races <3
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I LOVE that side comb ... it's beautiful!
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I sometimes forget to take a spare pair of "comfy" shoes ... I go wearing great looking ones and usually end up with sore feet after a whole day at the races :(
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The other thing about some of that head wear is that it could be giving some headaches and neck aches if it's so heavy ant tight.
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Some of the headwear looks almost dangerous, like it could even take someones eye out.
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I like the tip about not putting too much make up on :)
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I need all of these
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That Scunci sidecomb is gorgeous! I had no idea they made pretty combs like that!
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I've been looking for the Ombrello hair accessories but I can't find them locally. I really love that hair comb.
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Excellent tips! Especially less makeup and wearing your hair up (and never never never take your shoes off ladies - trashbag central!)
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I love getting dressed up for the races.
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