Hangover help!

If every Hangover featured the movie-version's Bradley Cooper, most girls would be drinking wine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And possibly afternoon tea.

With the party season almost upon us, there's an almost 100% probability that we will all face a hangover sometime with the next 6 weeks*.

* - Bradley Cooper not included.

In my case, it was only yesterday. That extra festive glass of wine seemed like such a wonderful idea at 1am.

The visible signs of a night of excess include red eyes, puffy face and skin duller than an episode of The 7pm Project.

After 15 years of very thorough research, behold - the essential Hangover Helpers to get you through the pre-party season and beyond.

FOR RED EYES:

PREFRIN LIQUIFILM EYEDROPS (ABOUT $8 FROM MOST CHEMISTS)
Not an attractive little bottle, but an essential item for any makeup kit - hangover or not. I've used Prefrin on everyone from sleep-deprived brides to teary models. These are the best anti-redness eye drops on the market - one tiny drop is all is takes to banish all signs of redness, all day.

FOR EYE BAGS:

CHEAP: CAMOMILE OR GREEN TEABAGS. (ALMOST FREE): Daggy? Yes. Tried and tested? Double yes. Steep two teabags in boiling water for a minute. Freeze them for 20 minutes and pop them on your eyes. Okay, you will look deranged but who cares? Lie back and think of England while they banish the puffiness.

NOT CHEAP: YSL TOUCHE ECLAIT RADIANT TOUCH. (FREAKISHLY EXPENSIVE - ABOUT $70AUD - BUT WORTH IT)
After a few awkward moments with the YSL girls, I now know this is pronounced: toosh ec-lay. Not too-shay eclair. Buying this product feels like handing over a deposit on a house, but the outlay is worth it. This is one of the finest light-reflecting, fatigue-hiding concealers available. In fact the demand for this product is so great, YSL have recently created a men's version. Touche to that.

FOR DRY, BLOTCHY, DULL SKIN:

CHEAP: NATIO 'GLOW' SKIN BRIGHTENING FACE BALM ($14.95AUD)
The face balm equivalent of the Australian Idol winner: works extremely hard for almost no money. For British rosiecheekers, Boots own-brand do a cheapie which is just as effective (Boots Radiance Balm).

NOT CHEAP: CLARINS BEAUTY FLASH BALM (ABOUT $40AUD)
Use it once and you'll be addicted. I've mentioned this superb product before, and will mention it again. Quite simply this is the most effective radiance-boosting face cream. Ever.

Tips:

~ Now is not the time to go heavy. Opt for a shimmering peach-toned blush (Try Nars 'Orgasm' ) and a warm-pink gloss for lips (I'll be previewing the best lip glosses on the market in the next few weeks).

- Don't add mascara to bottom lashes - it can often accentuate dark circles.

- Utilise nature's finest and free hangover preventer: H20.

Note: - If all else fails, try applying this. Works wonders every time.

Happy hangovering!

~ Rosie x