Post-Party Prep: 15 Ways to Look Refreshed After a Night Out

The morning after a long night of partying can be tough to handle, even if you don’t have to be anywhere the next morning (other than your bed). But if you have to show your face, especially at work, you’ll need to find a way to look awake and ready to tackle the day despite your 3 a.m. bed time. It might sound like a herculean task, but saving face isn’t as daunting as you might think. Here are 15 ways to look your best no matter what you did last night.

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1. Sleep on two pillows

If you remember when you get home, sleep propped up on two pillows. This will help drain excess fluids and keep puffiness at bay when you wake up.

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2. Drink two glasses of water

As soon as you get out of bed, before you do anything else, immediately drink two glasses of water. It's important to begin re-hydrating your body as soon as you get up, especially if you didn’t drink much water before you fell into bed.

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3. Have a cool shower

All you want to do is stay cozy in bed, but one of the best things you can do to revive your whole body after a long night is to have a cool (or cold if you can stand it) shower. This will wake you up and rev your blood circulation, helping you look like you had a decent sleep even when you didn’t.

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4. Pop some cucumbers on your eyes

Cucumbers are soothing on dehydrated skin and their cooling effect can help reduce swelling under your eyes. Pop a slice on each eye for five minutes before you start getting ready.

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5. Or try teabags

If you don’t have cucumbers try tea instead. The caffeine can help minimize swelling. Steep two caffeinated tea bags in hot water for three to five minutes, squeeze them out, cool them down in the fridge and place them over your eyes as another way to reduce puffiness.

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6. Reduce redness with tea

Skin after a night out is not only dehydrated, it’s often ruddy. If you don’t need to worry about puffy eyes, you can still use those cold, caffeinated tea bags on your cheeks, around your nose or wherever you get post-party redness. Leave them on for at least five minutes.

7. If you have time, use a hydrating mask

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7. If you have time, use a hydrating mask

You might be rushed, especially if you slept in, but a good hydrating mask can make a huge difference in whether or not you look tired. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask ($56) is a good post-party option because it cools, calms and refreshes skin while also hydrating.

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8. Use a brow filler or gel

If the eyes are the window to the soul, then they’re also a window straight into your sleepless night. Make sure your eyes look perky with the help of well-defined arches. A brow gel that tames, defines and fills in sparse brows can help you look more awake. Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel ($22) comes in several shades, adds volume and intensifies brows for a subtly bolder look.

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9. Curl your lashes

Another way to ensure you look awake and ready to face the day (even when you’re not) is to curl your lashes. Curling your lashes opens up your eyes in a way that can instantly make you look more refreshed.

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10. foundation

Foundation tends to sit on top of dehydrated skin rather than blend well, which won’t do your sleep-deprived complexion any favours. Instead, smooth on a hydrating tinted moisturizer or lightweight BB cream that will even skin tone without looking too heavy.

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11. Make your lips pop

Bold lips can help distract from an otherwise dull complexion. Go for a glossy rather than matte finish which can look too severe.

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12. Put some pep in your scent

If you want to feel more awake the right scent can help you. Citrus scents are energizing, making them a good option for the morning after a long night out.

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13. Opt for a cream blush

Blush is a must for faking a good sleep and ensuring your complexion looks healthy. A cream blush will add dewiness rather than make skin look dryer, and a coral shade is flattering on most skin types. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks ($29) is a buildable, easy-to-apply option, and it’s a multitasking product, which we love.

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14. Perk up with a highlighter

A small amount of strategically placed highlighter can go a long way towards helping you look awake and refreshed. Dab some on the inner corner of your eyes, on your brow bone, cheekbones and cupid’s bow to help fake a good sleep. MAC Strobe Cream ($45) is a good option for boosting the look of fatigued skin.

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15. Go for a walk

At some point during the day, even if all you feel like doing is napping at your desk, get outside for a brisk 10-minute walk. The fresh air and movement will revive your body and bring some much-needed natural colour to your cheeks.