It happens to the best of us. A little too much drinking and dancing and we wake up in the morning looking like ... well, you get the picture.
On the off chance that you too occasionally overindulge, I've rounded up some tips that will keep you looking fresh, even after a night of frenzied festivities.
First of all, you may never go to bed with your makeup on. Never! I don't care how many martinis you've consumed. Splash some cold water on your face (followed by cleanser, toner and moisturizer) before passing out. You'll thank me in the morning.
Esthetician Angel Demllas of The Plum Spa, 1028 E. Juneau Ave., agrees and stresses this step as the most crucial in making a full beauty recovery. And, it turns out that bypassing this step can do more than just prevent you from looking gorgeous the following day.
"It's important to make sure you wash your face thoroughly every night, even if you are tired," Demllas explains. "Failing to take care of your skin can even cut up to three years off your life."
She and spa director and esthetician Kelly Forseth suggest components of their newly acquired Eminence line of 100 percent natural organic products to help restore skin.
Forseth says, "What's most important is cleansing and also replenishing the nutrients and water that are taken from your skin after a long night."
They suggest using Eminence's Stone Crop line (gel wash, hydrating mist, masque and serum) to add intense hydration and prevent next-day dry, sallow skin. The Plum Spa is the only spot in the area to carry this handmade Hungarian skin care line and prices range from $20 to $50.
Regardless of what you use, cleansing is a must. I keep a package of Dermalogica's Skin Purifying Wipes on my nightstand for drunken, er, dire emergencies. These handy towelettes wipe out bacteria and excess oil while cleansing skin; $20 at The Plum Spa.
Really tied one on? Fake a good night's sleep with a few drops of Guerlain's Midnight Secret, a late night recovery treatment ($108 at Guerlain.com). At over $100, it's not cheap, but this celebrity favorite has developed a cult-like following for promising to make all traces of fatigue "miraculously disappear."
Experts say hangover symptoms such as headaches and nausea are mainly caused by dehydration. (Apparently the ice in your cocktail last night just wasn't cutting it.) That dehydration is bound to rear its ugly head the morning after in the shape of puffy eyes and undereye bags. While drinking lots of water may ultimately cure your hangover, looking good requires an expert cover up.
Start off by soothing weary eyes with a cooling mask. I love the "Hangover from Hell" eye mask from Oscar + Dehn ($12 at Amazon.com). Avoid heavy foundations and concealers; they'll only call attention to undereye bags and puffiness. Remember, too much of a good thing is what got you into this predicament in the first place. Instead, opt for a light diffusing powder such as Photogenic by Lancôme ($29).
Next, apply a brightening eye shadow. One to try is the Eye Bright Kit from Pixi cosmetics ($32 at beautybridge.com). This compact kit contains four morning-after must haves including shadow brighteners, a duo concealer and a multi-purpose cream highlighter.
Dark lips and smoky eyes are sure to call attention to post-party pallor, so keep it natural. To liven up your look, think pink. This hot hue is not only very of-the-moment but it's also universally flattering and perfect for putting some color back in to your face. Select your ideal shade based on the color of your cheeks when they're naturally flushed. Once you've found your match, concentrate color on the apples of cheeks. Also, be careful not to over apply.
Finally, glossy lips complete your faux fresh-faced look. Avoid frosts at all costs -- and that applies to the days that you don't have a hangover as well. DuWop makes a great lipgloss called Venom Gloss. It plumps lips while imparting incredible shine; $18 at Blush Beauty, 249 N Water St.
Beautiful! Now that you look like you've joined the living, the rest is up to you.
