I should just put it on the table: I love a good party. Always have. I love watching people dance, laugh, enjoy themselves. I love the freedom that comes with it, and I love a reason to wear a great outfit.

As an esthetician, I know there’s a few tricks to going to the party, but not looking like it the next day! Here’s a few:

Pick your poison wisely: The darker the alcohol, the bigger the chances of a hangover and of sallow skin the next day. I usually order: “Single white tequila with soda water and a splash of lemonade, in a tall glass.” The single shot in a tall glass means you get to have several drinks, and they don’t add up too fast. White tequila and vodka are gentler on your system than most alcohols. At dinner parties, I usually bring a bottle of Pinot Noir, which naturally has less sulfites than other red wines, making it less inflammatory.

Prepare your body: If you know you’re planning on “tearing it up”, prep! Enjoy a few cups of tea during the day (especially oolong and pu-erh, found in our Beauty Tea Blends) to strengthen your liver and prep your digestive system. Hydrate fully, and eat a balanced meal. I carry my tumbler with Beauty Tea cold-brewed with coconut water, and sip it throughout the night. Cheesy, but awesome.

Wear antioxidants on your skin! This will protect your pretty self from smoke, which you know will be around, and ensure that you wake up supple, not sallow. I always wear a little extra of our Daily Body Serum, both for the lovely fragrance and for the protection.

Have a clean pillowcase on your pillow. If you’ve been drinking, your skin will start to detox while you sleep. I like satin pillowcases, and I like making sure a clean one is waiting for me.

ALWAYS wash your face after a party. Period. I like using just honey and a wash cloth if I’ve been out a little too late. Follow up with a really nourishing oil on your face, and a caffeine or tea laced eye cream to reduce morning swelling. Keep it simple and nourishing.

Repeat Honey/Washcloth in the morning. Spritz your skin. Apply serum and tinted moisturizer. Use a little visine, add a touch of pink lipgloss, and leave the eyeshadow and dark mascara for another day.

Wake up to watermelon + tea. Have your coffee if you love it, but follow it soon after with a cup of tea and as much watermelon as you like. Oolong and pu-erh have been shown to decrease damage caused by alcohol in the body. The watermelon will work wonders to re-hydrate, plus the lycopene will protect your skin during the day.

Wait a little bit before adding heavy food. It’ll just make you feel laden. Stick with light foods, and fresh juice for the morning, then a great brunch.

Wear brighter colors the following day. I’m normally a grayge girl, with touches of taupe. But, if I stayed out a little late, I add something colorful to my outfit.

And most importantly, Be responsible! Don’t drink so much that you become a dumb version of yourself. Don’t drive. Don’t text the bad boy. If the only tip you follow is this one, you'll wake up feeling better, prettier and way more together.

Enjoy! xo, Melissa