When it comes to makeup crises (and I do not use that term loosely), mine usually involve the morning after a night of imbibing too much champagne. It’s as if my skin physically repels everything that touches it. The only semi-salvation I’ve found is applying a hydrating mask for a good 5–10 minutes (I like Eminence’s new biodynamic one), followed by a little self-tanner and tinted moisturizer. 

Seeing as though I am no pro, I give you David Horne, Director of Education at Jemma Kidd Makeup Pro School in London, who shares his tricks for some of life’s most unexpected and un-pretty moments:

EMERGENCY:
You spent all night crying over a breakup/Michael Jackson/Oprah show on puppy mills, and wake up with puffy eyes and dark circles.

SOLUTION:
Soak a teabag in cold water and rest on your eyes. Caffeinated teas can help constrict blood vessels and thus reduce swelling. Herbal teas (especially chamomile) contain anti-irritants that soothe redness and inflammation. No teabags? Reach for a potato, whose starch acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to ease irritated eyes. 

EMERGENCY:
You were out drinking last night and now your face is red and blotchy for your big meeting at 8:00a.m.

SOLUTION:
To reduce redness pronto, apply a green-tinted concealer or a yellow-based foundation only where needed. Set with a touch of powder. Try: Jemma Kidd Pro Skin Rescue Bio Complex SPF 15. 

EMERGENCY:
An unexpected after-work event leaves you with five minutes to transform your look from day to night.

SOLUTION:
Remove concealer from under eyes with a moisturizer. Line eyes with a dark pencil to create drama and beige or white pencil to open and brighten. Blur eyeliner into the root of the upper lashes for smoldering effect. Add a coat of mascara. Re-conceal under eyes for a lifting effect. Opt for a bold lipgloss or sheer-gloss lipstick. Highlight cheekbones, collarbones, and cupid’s bow with a pearlized creme highlighter.

Filed Under: how to look like you're not hungover, makeup tricks