hair treatment

Since I’m leaving NYC and my current job, my coworkers and I went out last night for drinks to celebrate and say goodbye.

And when I say drinks I mean…

Vodka sodas,

and picklebacks,

and fireball shots.

Let’s just say my skin (and the rest of me) was not quite its vibrant glowing self this morning.

Luckily, I’ve developed a routine to get myself back to radiant (or at least fake it!)

Starting with hair, the Lush Roots treatment is a great way to perk yourself back up. It’s slightly minty and tingly, which feels great on your scalp in the morning. I always feel more put together when my hair looks great, and this pretty much guarantees soft, full, smooth, voluminous locks. I apply it first thing when I get out of bed, and then take some time to relax and wake up while it works before getting in the shower to shampoo it out. It’s a great way to ease back into human-hood.

I always give my face a good cleanse since chances are I either skipped it entirely the night before (guilty) or just used a makeup removing wipe. Obviously, I reach for the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. It’s super gentle, so it’s great for when my skin is in a more delicate state, but still really effective at removing dirt, oil, makeup, etc. It doesn’t strip skin either so it’s a win all around. I’ve sang the praises of this cleanser so much that I actually don’t know what more I can say.

Next, a good exfoliating is in order. I love using the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peels and since I’ve just stocked up it was the first thing I reached for. It really helps to soothe and smooth skin and unclog and refine pores. I’ll apply step 1, brush my teeth, and then step 2. It’s a great alternative to a harsh or messy scrub when you’re still in a bit of a daze.

A plumping serum is your best friend when you’ve had one too many the night before. Your skin (and, let’s be real, your whole body) is dehydrated, meaning every fine line is exaggerated. I’ve been loving the Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate that I picked up in my recent haul. Its serum to liquid texture makes it perfect for layering without feeling heavy and it plumps and hydrates my skin right back up.

The last thing I’ll do to make sure no one can tell I’m functioning on three hours of sleep (at least by looking at me) is to mix a healthy amount of illuminator into my foundation. I already customize my base daily, so this isn’t too far a venture from the norm, but Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector is my go-to on days like today.

There are also things I’ll be sure to skip:

Elaborate eyeshadow. You definitely don’t want to accidentally draw attention to any darkness under your eyes from a lack of sleep, and when you’re going for wide eyed and radiant, a fresh clean eye look is best. Maybe a slick of liner if you’re feeling bold, but I’ll usually just swipe on a satin-y matte light shade, like MAC Brule or Urban Decay ABC Gum, to conceal any veins or darkness in my eyelids.

Heavy powder. Your skin is going to be a bit more dry than usual, and a powder can accentuate that. Definitely set any concealer you’ve applied, but go a bit lighter than you normally would. You want to look dewy and fresh, not flat.

Matte lips. Again, dehydration means dry skin means extra dry lips. Anything matte can make this super obvious and even create flakes and crusts (um, gross). I’d also avoid anything too glossy which can go so far in the opposite direction to draw more attention to any problems. So stick to a moisturizing tinted balm like the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments or By Terry Tinted Baume de Rose that will give you a hint of color and a huge dose of moisture.

What do you do the morning after to get yourself back into tip top condition?