Your head is set to explode, your skin is stewing in last night’s makeup, your eyes are caked in smudged mascara and you’ve got a mouth like a badger’s arse. Because what goes up must come down, and every amazing Christmas party has the potential to make you as sick as a dog, with the skin to match. Do not hide under the duvet, people - you can still turn it around and look like you only had one small drink and an early night. All you need is a facial and a makeup artist. BUT what if you could fake it in a fraction of the time and budget? With the tricks of the trade, a fresh-faced, glowy morning-after is easy, even if inside, you’re hanging.
The night before…
You needn’t spend all day nursing your hangover – especially if you start before you even go out. 'Take chlorella the day before and the day after,' says super facialist, Abigail James, 'This helps support the liver and can soften the effects of a hangover on your face.'
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Skanky skin
'Hungover skin needs a perk up via a quick exfoliation,' continues Abigail, 'But the skin might be a little on the delicate side as well as looking dull so I would go for an enzyme mask to dissolve and hydrate rather than abrasive granular exfoliants.' Abigail recommends Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask £44. Next, moisturise – Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer £19.25 is a good one - and then it’s time to prime with a Spanx-for-the-face primer to smooth bumps and wrinkles. 'Use a primer packed with hydrating benefits,' says Janine Bird, Smashbox Lead Makeup Artist, 'It’ll instantly make the skin feel more comfortable and plump out tell-tale fine dehydration lines leaving the skin looking fresher for hours.' We love Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer £28.
Next up – OBVIOUSLY – makeup, but maybe not as much as you might think… 'Don't pile on foundation and powder,' warns celebrity makeup artist, Lee Pycroft, 'It is tempting to try to hide under mask of makeup but a fresh look is going to have more of a brightening effect on the face. A CC cream is a dream product for a hangover as the skin tends to be a touch pasty and the colour correcting and skincare care ingredients will work their magic to enhance the complexion and add radiance.' We love Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream £29. Add even more radiance by forgoing your usual bronzer and powder blush. 'Use a rosy cream or gel blush to add a glow without any dryness,” says Lee, “And use a little highlighter on the cheekbones to completely disguise all dullness.' Topshop Cream Blush £7and L’Oreal Lumi Magique Highlighter Pen £8.49 make a dreamy duo.
Messed up eyes
Keep a couple of spoons in the fridge – they make excellent de-puffers. But dark circles will need a little more smoke-and-mirrors action. 'Dark circles respond really well to ingredients like Vitamin K, antioxidants, B vitamins,' says Abigail, 'Oskia Eye Wonder £58ticks all those boxes, and its silky texture makes it almost like a primer for your necessary concealer.' 'For that ‘late night’ darkness under the eye, apply a corrector to cancel out blue-ish or grey undertones,' says Bobbi Brown PRO Artist, Amy Conway, 'Layer Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit £24.50 for full coverage without looking like makeup.'
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And if you have a little time to wallow…
'Fresh scents such as lemon and ginger can really help if you’re feeling sick,' says Abigail, 'Weleda Citrus Refreshing Bath Milk £12.95 is skin nourishing and a mental pick me up.'
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Picture: Eylul Aslan
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.