I’m a beauty editor, this is what it really takes to hide a hangover post-40

IN my 20s, all it took was a splash of cold water and a dab of Rimmel London Hide The Blemish, £4.99, to still look great while hungover.

In my 30s, dry shampoo and full-coverage foundation did the job, but come 40, everything changed.

And not for the better.

Now at 45, after two glasses of wine I wake up to dehydrated skin and eye bags that would qualify as luggage with EasyJet.

So, what does it take to look fresh-faced after a big night out once you hit 40? I’ve done the leg work, so you don’t have to. 

Why do we look worse after drinking in our 40s?

“Alcohol is a vasodilator – it opens up blood vessels in the skin, resulting in redness, flushing and puffiness,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong.

“Combined with the dehydrating effects of alcohol, it can lead to a dry, dull and wrinkled appearance.

“The effect of age-related collagen loss/skin thinning, plus hormone fluctuations that come with the menopause all increase our sensitivity to triggers, particularly moisture loss.”

But the good news is, we can do plenty to kid everyone we went to bed at 9pm, even if our banging head won’t play ball.

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Peach Face, £22

Reach for the peach

“After 40, dehydration shows up faster,  so choose cream products over powder,” advises make-up artist Lisa Caldognetto, who’s worked her magic on the likes of Daisy Lowe.

“Tiredness also reveals itself on your face more than it did when we were younger.”

Nothing fakes a good night’s sleep like a peachy blush, like Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Peach Face, £22.

“Add it to the apples  of your cheeks and finish with a cream highlighter to bring instant lift and glow.”

Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream, £11

Skip the actives

“Keep skincare simple,” advises Dr Wong.

“Your face is likely to be more sensitive the day after drinking, so avoid fragrance and soaps, and take a break from skincare actives – like retinols and vitamin C – until skin is back to normal.”

Instead, opt for a gentle moisturiser such as Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream, £11, to help counteract the drying effects of alcohol on the skin.

Mac Cosmetics Lipstick in Ruby Woo, £22

Shift the focus

Make-up artist Tania Grier, whose clients include Emma Thompson and Poppy Delevingne, says: “A bright-red lip or any other bold shade will distract from a tired face.

“People will look straight to your lips and not your puffy eyes. A flash of colour brings your face back to life more effectively than layers of foundation.”

Haven’t found your perfect red? It doesn’t get more classic than Mac Cosmetics Lipstick in Ruby Woo, £22, which has been a cult buy for over 25 years, and has a hoard of celeb fans, including Tracee Ellis Ross, Rita Ora and even Taylor Swift.

Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial, £48

Put in the prep

“If you can manage a few minutes’ skincare the night before, you’ll reap the rewards in the morning,” says make-up artist Branka Vorkapic, who’s worked with celebrities including Michelle Yeoh and Ruth Wilson.

“Try QMS Medicosmetics Active Exfoliant 11%, £90, followed by Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial, £48 – this pairing guarantees you’ll wake up radiant.”

111Skin Gua Sha, £40

Plump it up

“A face roller or gua sha like 111Skin Gua Sha, £40, can be a lifesaver for dull, hungover complexions,” explains make-up artist Lauren McCormack.

“Spend 5-10 minutes massaging your skin in lifting motions to stimulate blood flow and leave it looking plump and healthy.

“And top tip:  pop your tool in the fridge for 10 minutes before you start – the cold will also help decrease puffiness.”

ZIIP Halo Microcurrent Facial Device, £379.99

Get technical

“If you notice you are more prone to morning puffiness after a night of drinking, I recommend an EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) device.

This will drain fluid from the face and de-puff skin,” says make-up artist Olly Fisk, whose client roster includes singer Self Esteem.

“I use the Ziip Halo Microcurrent Facial Device, £379.99, on my clients – it’s like a workout for your skin and has both micro and nano currents for lasting results.”

The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum, £10

Invest in ingredients

As a dermatologist, Professor Firas Al-Niaimi has this advice: “At this age, the dehydrating effects of alcohol can accelerate signs of visible ageing.

“Ceramides and glycerin are especially effective ingredients to use, as they help restore hydration and prevent further water loss.

“Niacinamide reduces redness and caffeine-based eye creams reduce puffiness by constricting the blood vessels.” 

If you don’t already have a niacinamide serum, The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum, £10, is cheap and cheerful – it’s well worth adding to your stash.

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara, £29

Swap black for brown

“Nothing lifts a tired face like great lashes.

On hangover days, switch to brown mascara, as it’s softer on the face and you don’t run the risk of it exaggerating under-eye shadows if it smudges,” says make-up artist and Fabulous’ Beauty Awards judge, Sarah-Jane Froom.

“I love Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara, £29, as it’s featherlight and gives fluffy, defined eyelashes without clumping.

“It makes eyes look wide open and instantly fresher.”