How-to: look instantly fresh (when you're feeling anything but)

So, you’ve had a few too many beverages, huh? What about sleep? I’m guessing you’re lacking a wee bit in that department, too? Don’t fret – we’re all a little worse for wear at this time of year.

However, just because you’re not feeling that fresh, it doesn’t mean you can’t look it, right? Right. That’s why we’ve come up with the perfect post-party skin care plan to remove all evidence of last night. And the night before. Yep, follow these five steps and you’ll be looking as lively and luminous as Victoria's Secret model Candice Swanepoel in no time…

STEP ONE: REACH FOR A NOURISHING FACE MASK
And let your skin drink it up! By giving your skin a hardcore hit of moisture for 10-15 minutes, you’ll nip any dry patches in the bud and breathe new life into your skin. It’ll also help plump up your skin, so your moisturiser and make-up will look a whole lot fresher once applied. We love Skinvitals Hydraflex Face for a potent combination of fine line, wrinkle and fatigue-fighting properties. Better yet, this skin-brightening cloth mask doesn’t require rinsing.

STEP TWO: EMPLOY A SERIOUSLY HYDRATING SERUM
To help hold on to your plump, nourished skin, apply a hard-working, moisture-packed serum. Something like Dr LeWinn's Line Smoothing Complex S8 Super Hydrator is a perfect product pick, as it contains sodium hyaluronate, which binds moisture to the skin. It’ll also give you 24 hours of hydration, which is what you really need right now.

STEP THREE: DAB ON AN ILLUMINATING EYE CREAM
The eye area will instantly give away all last night’s shenanigans if you don’t pay attention to it. But instead of just applying your usual eye cream, go one better and use one with brightening properties. Lancôme Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl™ Eye-Illuminating Youth Activator is great for this as it not only rejuvenates the tired eye area, but illuminates it as well, effectively reflecting the light and lessening any dark circles or puffy areas.

STEP FOUR: APPLY A RADIANCE-INDUCING FACE CREAM
Doing so will act as a blanket over all the nutrients and hydrating properties you’ve already applied, while also giving the skin a further boost. We love Garnier Youthful Radiance Multi-Action Day Cream as it helps to enhance your skin’s radiance, reduce the appearance of fine lines and provide 24 hours of hydration. It’s also lightweight, so won’t feel heavy on your skin.

STEP FIVE: EVEN-OUT YOUR SKIN TONE WITH A BB CREAM
The last thing tired, dehydrated skin needs is heavy, cakey foundation – which would only highlight the issues you’re trying so desperately to hide. Instead, opt for a lightweight, sheer BB cream like Natio Pure Mineral Skin Perfecting BB Cream. It’ll cover any imperfections and even out your skin tone without seeping into fine lines, and leave you with an utterly wonderful, fresh glow. Brilliant!

What are your tricks for looking fresh when you’re anything but? Do you follow a hydrating routine like this one? Are you keen to try any of the above products?