In partnership with Kérastase

It can be universally agreed upon that getting ready is the best part of any night out. A drink, a great playlist, the ritual of hair and makeup — it's a physically and emotionally transformative experience.

This belief system inspired RUSSH x Kérastase pre drinks last night with friends and creatives including Serena Wardell, Sarah Stephens and Ashleigh Huynh. Things started at The EVE Hotel in Redfern for professional blow dries and makeup touch-ups because there's nothing better than someone else giving you perfect smudged eyeliner and glassy hair (thanks to Kérastase Glaze Drops for the latter, pictures below for proof). We drank Champagne and snacked on cherries before piling into black cars that took us to Paradise (literally and figuratively).

The newly opened wine bar in Potts Point feels like being at home, but the home of someone who can cook and make a great martini (not to mention arrange a beautiful floral installation, with thanks to Chriselle of Fleurette). We settled in for a few hours, sipping on said mini vodka martinis and natural wine, as well as oysters, pate on toast, savoury profiteroles, and cheddar crisps with truffle.

As the night went on, some guests slowly started to make their way home (it was a school night after all) while the rest of us stayed for crepes, dessert (plums, cream and chocolate biscotti) and a final drink. At around 10:30, things finally wrapped up. Each guest left with a curated Kérastase Gloss Absolu hair routine, capping off what was a perfect Wednesday night.

A behind-the-scenes look at the night that was with RUSSH and Kérastase below.