How to Cure a Hangover (and Still Look Fabulous!)
Don’t let too much bubbly get the best of you.
The holidays tend to be a time of overindulgence for many, and while the new year signifies a fresh start and new beginnings, some of us wake up the morning after festivities with a hangover. Caused by overconsumption of alcohol, hangover symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea and sensitivity to light.
It can take anywhere from eight to 24 hours for hangover symptoms to go away on their own, and while there is no single solution for getting rid of a hangover, there are certain things you can do to help decrease the severity of symptoms. If you do plan on drinking a bit more than usual, here are a few tips that will help minimize the effects of a hangover:
Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
Pace yourself by not drinking too quickly.
Bourbon, whiskey, brandy and red wine all contain high concentrations of compounds known as congeners, which cause more severe hangovers. Gin and vodka, on the other hand, contain fewer congeners.
Bubbly alcoholic drinks like champagne raise blood alcohol levels more quickly than other drinks, so consume with caution.
Stay hydrated and consume water between drinks.
Also, we’ve included some tried-and-true remedies to help cure a hangover, and Stila Cosmetics makeup artist Carly Giglio provides beauty tips so that you’ll look fabulous despite a late night:
Drink lots of water.
Alcohol tends to be dehydrating, which is why it’s important to stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water will help rehydrate your system while flushing out the impurities and toxins. “Cold water with a wedge of squeezed lemon feels extra refreshing,” recommends Giglio. “You can also load up on fresh fruit with higher water content such as strawberries, grapefruit, pineapple and grapes.”
Consume potassium.
Alcohol depletes the body of potassium, an important mineral that regulates fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle contractions. Eating foods that are high in potassium like bananas and avocados will help replenish those mineral levels and have you on track to feeling better in no time.
Get moving.
Engaging in some moderate activity, such as yoga or a walk, causes your body to sweat and release toxins faster. Exercise also stimulates the release of feel-good hormones known as endorphins, which will help put you in a better mood and make you feel less tired.
Catch up on sleep.
Sleep is a crucial part of the hangover restoration process, as it gives your body a chance to repair and heal itself. Avoid eating heavily before going to sleep, and make sure to drink extra water prior to getting some shut-eye. If you can sleep through most of your hangover and wake up feeling refreshed, then it’s totally worth it.
Pop an Ibuprofen or Advil.
Excess alcohol can trigger an immune response in your body, causing aches and pains. Ibuprofen or Advil can help fight inflammation caused by the alcohol in your system, and tend to cause less irritation than aspirin. Take one of these NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) before sleep, which are known to help combat hangover-related pains.
Moisturize and de-puff.
“To keep that holiday glow intact, start by hydrating your skin from all of the dehydration due to those bubbly cocktails!” declares Giglio. “I love to prep and restore moisture with B3 Astraea Face Oil. It hydrates, reduces redness, and will even help to brighten dark under eye circles. Once applying that, use a facial roller to help reduce any puffiness, as well as relax the facial muscles."
For an easy hangover makeup boost, she suggests using fingertips to apply Stila One Step Correct Primer all over the face. “This is cool to the touch and feels so refreshing,” Giglio says. “As a bonus, it will smooth, brighten and even out skin tone. Use this alone to even out your complexion or underneath foundation for added coverage.”
Add some cheek color.
“Look ready to face the day by restoring a little flush to the cheeks,” Giglio points out. “I’m obsessed with Stila Convertible Color. Use your ring finger to tap onto the apples of the cheek and press onto the lips. The cream texture and finish will keep your skin looking fresh, healthy and youthful.”
Brighten eyes.
To brighten eyes, Giglio advises swiping lids with a champagne-colored eyeshadow—she recommends Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in “Kitten.”
“And don’t forget to finish off with mascara,” she concludes. “HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara will give instant volume and curl to keep your eyes looking open and ready to go!”
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk