How Real Women Use Beauty Products to Conceal a Hangover
When normal women wake up hungover, they immediately reach for the snooze button, some Advil, and a glass of water. But beauty girls know better, and we grab retinol face cream, hydrating eye masks, and heavy concealer (though the extra zzz's, headache-helping pills, and H2O are definitely must dos). Yes, there are things you can do internally to feel better — like chow down a BEC stat — but looking better on the outside will definitely boost your mood. Having really clean skin will also help you appear less bloated and mask that day-after alcohol odor. So if partying has left you a hot mess, keep reading; we have the answers. Ahead, you'll find the actual products POPSUGAR Beauty editors use when we downed one too many drinks. Cheers!
Altchek MD Eye Gel Pads
On a night of debauchery, I pop these cooling eye pads ($20) into the fridge as I remove the bubbly. When I get out of bed feeling less than perky the next morning, I stick on these brightening, soothing wonders to help wake up my face and put a pair of sunglasses on over the pads so I can head out for coffee.
— Emily Orofino, editorial assistant
Mario Badescu Facial Spray
I've been using Mario Badescu's Facial Spray ($7) since I bought it with my allowance when I was 13. Little did I know the benefits it would bestow upon my hangover-ravaged skin at 27. Your skin naturally dehydrates after drinking the night away (duh), so this on-the-go mist is a purse essential for the day after.
— Kirbie Johnson, beauty reporter
Caudalie Anti-Wrinkle Eye & Lip Cream
You can always tell if I went to happy hour by my cracked lips and under-eye bags the next day. This Caudalie Anti-Wrinkle Eye & Lip Cream ($49) is my morning-after savior. It soothes droopy under-eyes, but I really love it for the lip-moisturizing properties. The product doesn't dry out lips like some lip balms; it actually penetrates. Then I top it with a little coconut oil to get extra shine.
— Jessica Cruel, assistant editor
Dr.Jart+ Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask
As you know, drinking seriously dehydrates you; so in addition to guzzling water, I like to add it to my grooming routine. The Dr.Jart+ Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask ($8) feels so cooling and fresh on my face (especially after a steamy shower and a good scrub). The serum-soaked, one-time-use mask contains allantoin and witch hazel to really add moisture back into your epidermis.
— Lauren Levinson, beauty editor
Avene Rétrinal+ 0.1 Cream
A makeup artist tip I learned a few years ago: if you forget to wash off your makeup before bed, wash your face ASAP with a gentle cleanser, then apply retinol — it will help keep breakouts at bay, and it really does work! I favor Avene's Rétrinal ($69) because it doesn't dry out my skin. (Do note that this product makes you sun sensitive, so staying indoors is key.)
— KJ
Visine Eye Drops, Advanced Redness Relief
You can try every trick in the book to brighten your eyes: white shadow at the inner corner, nude pencil on the waterline, curled eyelashes, etc. But the best way to get clear eyes? Just add some drops of Visine ($2). Chances are your peepers feel dehydrated — even if you don't wear contacts (I don't, and I love eye drops!).
— LL
Becca Creme Blush in Hyacinth
I tend to look pale on a regular basis, so when I'm hungover, I look like Casper's sallow cousin. A quick dab of this bright coral blush ($27) melts into my skin, making me appear like I got a rest and some fresh air — even if I only left my house to get a movie from Redbox.
— EO
Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Cream SPF 10
I consider this dewy, citrus face moisturizer ($115) to be the equivalent of my skin drinking a tall glass of OJ (an actual mimosa works, too). After slathering it on, my skin feels nourished thanks to pure vitamin C and vitamin E, which both brighten and offer antiaging benefits. Restorative rose hip oil is the cherry on top.
— LL
Chantecaille Le Camouflage Stylo Anti-Fatigue Corrector Pen
Let's be honest: if I was out partying until 2 o'clock on Thursday, I'm running superlate on Friday morning. That means I don't have time for a full face of makeup. I automatically reach for the Chantecaille Le Camouflage Stylo Anti-Fatigue Corrector Pen ($49) in a hurry. It conceals dark circles and highlights with just a couple clicks.
— JC
Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Liquid in Candlelight
While concealer and foundation are definitely important steps in your hangover cover-up, illuminator is your star product. Kevyn Aucoin's Celestial Liquid in Candlelight ($52) is ideal since it goes on like a serum, nourishing skin with antioxidant-rich raspberry stem cell extract and bearberry complex. The ultrafine pearl shimmer makes you look healthy, not glittery.
— LL
NYX Jumbo Eye Shadow Pencil in Milk
This creamy NYX pencil ($5) is a secret weapon. When I'm not using it to make my smoky eye pop on a night out, I'm highlighting my brow bone, Cupid's bow, and inner eyes to look caffeinated.
— EO
Estée Lauder Double Wear All-Day Glow BB
Even when my skin is in pristine condition, Estée knows how to take it to the next level. I'm obsessed with the brand's Double Wear All-Day Glow BB ($38) because it gives me my required SPF 30 protection, plus adds an illuminating glow that's necessary for dull, day-after-the-party skin.
— KJ
Avene Thermal Spring Water
I used to think facial mists were totally obnoxious (it's just water in a fancy bottle, right?), but now I'm addicted to Avene Thermal Spring Water ($9), which revives my dehydrated complexion after a night drinking tequila. Any cream I put on top melts into my skin and locks in the moisture. Yes, I am that girl spritzing herself on the train, so don't judge me.
— JC
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado
This classic avocado-infused cream ($29) is a step you can't miss for reviving tired eyes. When you first apply it, it feels like a burst of oily dew; and as you rub it in, it has a tightening effect on the skin.
— LL
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Your face can look ruddy after endless mugs of mulled wine. Yes, it's delicious, but if your cheeks, around your nose, and chin look red, that's why. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($29) has the coverage you need to hide dark circles and redness; it won't move, but it's still creamy enough to hydrate as well.
— KJ