New year, same hangover. If you’re reading this, you’re most likely on your couch, staring longingly at the sink, desperate for water. Your makeup is still half-on from last night (your clothes half-off), and a half-eaten slice of drunk pizza is laying on the floor next to you. Basically, you’re only half-alive at this point. Your hangover has taken over and you are seriously regretting every decision you made leading up to this point, aka that last round of tequila shots chased by Fireball: innovative in the moment, highly regrettable now. You were on top of the world last night, but you’re on the floor today. Before you lose all hope and pledge to never drink again (because we all know you’re lying) allow me to restore your faith in the world. Seriously, take a break from re-watching your own Insta story for the 10th time and get ready to refresh your hangover.

Hydrate Yourself

I get it, your mouth’s as dry as the Sahara Desert and you’re completely depleted of all essential electrolytes. You know you need to drink something, but what you choose to drink can be key in alleviating the effects of your killer hangover. While hydrating yourself is important, you want to get the right liquids into your system. I know Chad from Kappa Kappa Whatever once told you that “You can’t get hungover if you never stop drinking!” but that sage advice doesn’t sound very appealing when even the thought of alcohol makes you want to crawl into a freshly dug grave. 

While coffee may sound like the perfect way to perk up your barren soul, caffeine is actually a diuretic and a Venti size coffee can end up increasing your current state of dehydration, which in turn will increase your current state of misery. Instead reach for one of the 20 half-drank water bottles sitting on your nightstand. If you are one of those psychopaths people who “don’t like water”, you can also go for coconut water for a healthy source of electrolytes to rehydrate you after a night of dancing on tables and drunkenly petitioning MTV to bring back The Real World.

If you’re feeling nauseous, pretend to be British and pour yourself some fresh ginger tea. Your bad accent will amuse you and the ginger tea will rehydrate you and settle your stomach. Pedialyte is another great way to replenish your electrolyte levels and rehydrate, without consuming high amounts of sugar. Plus this way, the cashier at Target might think you have a sick baby at home, versus the look of shame when grabbing a sugar-packed sports drinks, like Gatorade, which screams hangover. So really it’s a win-win. 

Breakfast Of Hungover Champions

You need food, especially if you dispelled your late-night snacks in the backseat of your Uber on the way home. Similar to hydrating yourself properly, being strategic with your breakfast can also aide in the hangover relief. So wander on over to your local greasy spoon, aka the Starbucks on the corner, and order yourself some egg bites. Eggs are rich in the amino acid cysteine, which your liver needs in order to break down the alcohol toxin acetaldehyde.  

And what’s eggs without a little Sriracha? Channel your inner Beyoncé, and grab the hot sauce out of your bag. Eating something spicy can help you beat your hangover. There’s a compound in capsaicin, which is a key ingredient in most spicy foods, called substance P. Substance P contains anti-inflammatory properties, and is also used in chronic pain management, which is often how I refer to my hangovers. 

Yay, Drugs!

First off, there is no shame in seeking relief from some classic over-the-counter meds. You hear, that douchey all-natural “my body is a temple” ex-boyfriend? Taking a pain reliever can help reduce the severity of your hangover, which in turn will make you appear less like a creature straight out of The Lord of the Rings. Even if you don’t have a headache, taking an ibuprofen can help. That’s because inflammation in your brain can cause a majority of classic hangover symptoms, like nausea, so taking an anti-inflammatory can help make your morning after all the more bearable. 

However, not all pain relievers are created equal. Different medications are processed through different organs in the body. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is broken down and metabolized almost entirely by your liver. Considering the reason that you are lying in a pool of pain and despair is because you put your liver through hell the night before, giving it more drugs to process is not the way to go. Your liver is stressed out enough, so be kind to your organs and opt for ibuprofen (Advil) instead, which is processed mainly through your kidneys. Your liver will thank you. 

Get Up And Get Moving

Okay, I get it. You would rather accidentally like your ex’s new girlfriend’s 3-month-old Instagram post than crawl out of your blanket fort. But, doing light exercise, like walking to the fridge, strolling to the mailbox, or striking a warrior pose and then dubbing yourself a yogi guru, can help boost your body’s metabolism. Partaking in some basic movement gets your blood circulating at a faster rate than when you’re sitting. The faster you circulate blood through your liver, the faster your body will remove the toxins, thus the faster you’ll come back to life.  

Okay, so go throw on your oversized pair of sunglasses and get your ass to brunch. Get up and get moving, order yourself a coconut water, some eggs benedict, and get the phone number of that super-hot waiter you’re staring at. Your body will bounce back just in time for you to go out and destroy your liver all over again! Doesn’t that sound like fun?

It’s a new year, don’t settle for the same hangover.  

Images: Shutterstock.com; Giphy (4)

Like blue cheese, people either f*cking hate or love New Year’s Eve. I, for one, fall into the latter category, even though it’s kind of off-brand for me. I generally skip any sort of outing at which I am forced to listen to Top 40 and see youths make out, but there’s something about New Year’s Eve that I truly love. Maybe it’s the open bar, or maybe it’s the outfits. If you know me, and most of you prob do by now, you know that my general uniform is jeans and an oversized white T-shirt, but on this particular holiday, I go all the f*ck out. Short dress? Check. Sparkles? Sure. Five-inch heels? Why the hell not? I’m just now realizing that I described an extra from the set of Wolf of Wall Street. Whatever, I’m not mad about it.

My point is that on New Year’s Eve, anything goes, which means your choice of attire is truly up to you. So whether you’re like me and like to get dolled up like it’s the night of the big dance at Rydell High or you aim for something a little more low-key, this is what your NYE outfit says about you. 

Sequins

Forever21 Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress

I know I said I am a firm believer of sparkles on this day, but let me just state for the record that sequins and sparkles are different. IMHO, any piece of clothing with sequins on it is from Forever21. Even if it’s Chanel, it might as well be Forever21. If you’re rocking sequins on NYE, you’re either a hipster who lives for irony, or you’re a vanilla traditional gal who goes to the types of parties you see in every tampon commercial/episode of The Bachelor featuring a live performance by some Tim McGraw knock-off. Sequins, to me, are like Kanye West: they either need to somehow make themselves cool again or make it be 2006 again. 

LBD

Likely Alia Puff-Sleeve A-Line Mini Dress

If you’re wearing an LBD out on the town, you’re a Meredith Blake type who knows that a bunch of dudes and probably a few ladies are checking you out as you walk by. I support you. The type of woman who wears an LBD to a NYE party is radiating Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s vibes and I absolutely stan Holly Golightly. An LBD on any occasion is classic, but on NYE, it demonstrates sexiness with a tiny but of restraint. Like, you may take five straight tequila shots, but you won’t go for the sixth. And when you puke, you’ll do it in a toilet like God intended.

Jumpsuit

Parker Frida Jumpsuit

If you are wearing a jumpsuit to a NYE party, you are a girl who wants to f*cking dance and take a ton of photos. You will sacrifice practicality for fashion and risk getting walked in on butt naked in the bathroom if it means you’ll look so hot that you get a “happy new years” text from your ex.

T-Shirt

Madewell Rivet & Thread Ex-Boyfriend Long-Sleeve Tee

If you remember from a few paragraphs ago, I love T-shirts. But even though I wear one almost every day, I’ve never been told I look good in them. Then again, nobody wears a T-shirt to look good. You wear it because it hides your holiday bloat and you don’t feel like picking up your dry cleaning… or maybe that’s just me. The girl who shows up to a NYE party in a T-shirt probably just came to nurse a martini and Irish exit before the ball even drops. She’ll tell everyone she’s in the bathroom when they ask where she is, and while everyone else is on the verge of checking themselves into the hospital the next day, she won’t be a sliver of hungover.

Anything Else

Zara Floral Printed Flared Pants

I know this seems really broad, and it is, but things that fall into this category include, but are not limited to, floral, tuxedo jacket dresses, one-sleeved tops, silk trousers, you get the point. If you’re wearing something that doesn’t fall into one of the other categories, you want people to ask you where your cool dress is from so you can say something like, “I don’t even remember! I think I got it in Paris, but I’m not sure!” when you definitely ordered it on Rent the Runway for this specific occasion. Miscellaneous pieces are not necessarily bad, they’re just unexpected, and you thrive off that element of mystery, even if you have to put in a lot of effort to seem ~mysterious~. You’re the type of person who would dress as some elaborate pun for Halloween just so you could spend the entire night explaining it to anyone who glances in your direction.

Images: BoConcept / Shutterstock.com; Forever21; Bloomingdales.com; Parker; Madewell; Zara
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New Year’s Eve is the one night it is socially acceptable to wear head to toe sparkles, and for that one reason only I will be going out. NYE plans are always changing at the last minute (you should see my group chat right now), but no matter what, it’s always a struggle to figure out what to wear. Whether you’re going for something a little more reserved, or all-out glam, you want to look great. I’ve put together three outfits for three different occasions, and of course, they’re all looks for less.

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My first look is inspired by Kourtney Kardashian’s birthday dress. Maybe Kourtney will spend this NYE babysitting Sofia Richie? This is the quintessential New Year’s sparkle dress. I found this dress from Get Choosy, which perfectly replicated Kourt’s sexy look. To complete the look, I paired the dress with a simple heel and a hoop earring to, just like Kourtney. Throw on a black fur with this and it’s the perfect New Years Eve party look. The best part about all of this? The dress is only $55.

My next look is perfect if you want something a little flashy, but aren’t feeling the full glitter fantasy. I found this silk mustard dress from Zara, and paired it with thigh-high boots and a sheer bodysuit underneath. This look is great for a nice New Year’s dinner, whether you’re hitting the club after or not. This particular dress is a great purchase, because it can be worn in so many different ways, and this color is also very on trend right now. Full disclosure–I added the slit in this dress, and I think it really makes the look. If you don’t spend a lot of money on something, you don’t feel as bad changing it up!

My third look is for the person who wants to go all out this New Year’s Eve. This set is from Zara but the bodysuit and top can be worn long after the ball drops. This bodysuit is perfect with black pants or jeans if you’re staying low-key but want a pop of sparkle for a fun night out!  These pants can also be worn with a simple black top and a chic pair of pumps. The set is perfect together for your over the top NYE glam, but it’s also a good investment piece. This specific set is sold out online, but it is still in stores, and here is a similar look!

If these looks are not your vibe and want to wear all black, I’ve totally been there. To add a little something interesting, here are a pair of statement earrings that will turn your low-key outfit up a notch. New Year’s fashion is all about having fun, so play around with your personal style, and take a risk!

Images: @kourtneykardashian / Instagram; Shutterstock; Alexandra Gordon (3)

Christmas is officially over. I know, it’s very sad, but I promise you will continue to see Christmas lights on houses for weeks to come. But the next biggest celebration is New Year’s Eve. Honestly, I find it rather underwhelming, but some people go all out, and that really tells you what kind of people we are. Here is a list of common New Year’s Eve plans so you can see what it says about you.

1. Watching The Ball Drop In Person

You are a ballsy person and I salute you. You do what you want, no matter how many people tell you not to. Standing in the freezing cold for hours on end sounds like a nightmare to me but you do you. There will be tons of pushing and shoving, way worse than a busy night at your favorite bar. You’ll be tired and cold, so bundle up. You are the kind of person who loves adventure but does not think about the consequences. So remember, if you complain about any of the above, remember you did this to yourself and I have no sympathy.

2. Getting Wasted At A Club

If your NYE plans involve a ton of alcohol and dancing in a crowded club, you are the one who rounds up your friends to go out, always. We love you and we hate you, but every time we go out with you, we have fun. You are outgoing, free-spirited, and know how to have a good time. You may not be the most grown-up person in your friend group but f*ck it, at least you aren’t boring.

3. Staying Home…Alone

Either you had a super crazy year and just need a break or you’re boring af. Staying home alone on New Year’s Eve is kinda depressing. You probably won’t stay up until midnight, eh? That doesn’t sound like the worst thing in the world. Just don’t let this be a precedent for your whole year. It’s okay to be a homebody, but try and hang out with the people going to a club on New Year’s Eve once and a while, it’ll do you some good.

4. House Party

Going to a house party on New Year’s Eve makes me think that you are super content with the people you have in your life. You don’t feel the need to go out and meet someone new. You are chill and more go with the flow. But just because you aren’t getting plastered at a club doesn’t mean you can’t ring in the new year wasted (with your head in the toilet, possibly). Respect.

5. Obsessing Over Your Midnight Kiss

No matter where you spend the New Year, you are going to introduce 2019 in the way you spent your entire 2018: obsessing over your latest crush. You will express your stress of who you will kiss on New Years to anyone who will listen. Will you try and go for your crush? Will you go for someone more “attainable” to make your crush jealous? Will you decide to be an independent woman and not kiss anyone? Remember, you are not defined by who you kiss, so let loose and try to have fun.

Images: Shutterstock; Giphy (2)

No matter how often we drink throughout the year, there’s nothing worse than a New Year’s hangover. Everyone knows NYE is literally an invitation to black out, forget about all the mistakes you’ve made in the past 365 days, and maybe hook up with one more rando before your resolutions come into the picture. It’s the last hurrah of the year, and if you don’t wake up with mascara on your pillowcase and a colossal headache, you probably didn’t do it right. Although the New Year’s day sunglasses and Advil combo is inevitable, we’re here to discuss what types of alcohol are the worst for your hangover, and which are *slightly* better for you. In order from the worst to the best options, here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) be drinking:

5. Champagne & Tropical Drinks

If you want to play it safe on NYE, avoid bubbles and sugar. Champagne might be a New Year’s staple, but the combination of its bubbly texture and its added sugar is a recipe for an awful hangover, and it’s honestly not worth it. Like, you could be having stronger drinks that won’t screw you over in the morning, so just stay away—and if you must, stick with the driest (i.e., with the least added sugar) bubbly you can find. Tropical drinks are also a no-go. Aside from the fact that the mix of sugar and alcohol makes your hangover so much worse, it’s also just weird to be drinking some 14-year-old’s drink on NYE when your friends are taking shots. Put down the Piña Colada. It’s embarrassing. 

4. Rum & Bourbon

People think rum wouldn’t give them such bad hangovers, but that’s only if you stick with the clear stuff, and then only if you don’t mix it with sugary bullshit—and have you ever heard of a rum drink that didn’t sound like it belonged on a Carnival cruise to Havana (ooh na na)? And as for dark rum, just, no. In fact, people say you should avoid dark alcohols in general. Bourbon is in the same category, but like, unless you’re an 80-year-old man holding a cigar and a newspaper, we’re assuming you’re not drinking bourbon on New Year’s. Either way, avoid both of these drinks and you’ll be fine the next morning. I mean, not fine, but better.

3. Beer

Beer isn’t great for your hangover because of its bubbles and carbs. But then again it doesn’t have that much alcohol in it, so if you’re actually hungover after only drinking beer, you need to get out more. Unless you literally have your head over a keg stand the whole night (or weigh like 100 pounds), you’re going to have to put in some work to get sufficiently wasted. Beer is a safe bet on New Year’s just like white wine is a safe bet on Spring break. You’ll feel fine, but like, at what cost?  

2. Vodka/Tequila/Gin

If you want to keep things simple, stick with the basics and you can’t go wrong. Any clear alcohol is going to be better for you in terms of a hangover. A lot of people say tequila makes you less hungover than vodka, but it probably depends on the person. We’re not saying that you won’t get hungover by pounding tequila shots all night, but if you’re avoiding syrups and other additives in your drinks, you’ll be better off in the morning. Stick with clear shots and chase with a lime or lemon slice. Nothing with sugar, because that obviously defeats the purpose.

1. Sake

If you’re out with friends for sushi before you go out for the night, sake is actually a solid option for getting tipsy without too many repercussions. Apparently sake doesn’t lower your body temperature like wine or beer, and the ions in the water actually give you energy instead of making you crash. It’s kind of like mixing your alcohol with a sports drink that revitalizes your body and gives you energy. It’s also a great addition to your spicy tuna roll, so just do it.   

Now that Christmas is over, we’re all in panic mode for New Year’s Eve because just like every year, we def left it for the very last minute. Like, story of my fucking life. Trying to figure out which overpriced nightclub you’re blacking out at is a headache in and of itself, so trying to find a somewhat cheap outfit is nearly impossible. The countdown to 2018 is only a few days away, so we’re honestly left with two options: Actually pay for the express shipping, or leave the house and join civilization by going to a store in person. Since post-holiday season calls for sales that are too good to be true, some of our fave stores are making life just a tad bit easier for us and our new gift cards. Whether you decide to hibernate and pay a few extra bucks to get that shit delivered to your door, or muster the energy to fight the crowd, here are 5 dresses under $100 that are hot af and still in stock just in time for New Year’s Eve.

1. R&M Richards Velvet Cutout-Back Bodycon Dress

A velvet bodycon basically says you’re hitting the open bar from the minute it begins. This chic Merlot shade is totally flattering for the season and features a party-ready open back.

2. Bardot Lace Panel Dress

This is essentially the perfect balance of cute, classy, and sexy. The midi length dress comes just above the knee, and is outlined in scalloped lace without fully exposing any butt cheeks or nips. 

3. AQUA Metallic Scalloped Dress

If sequins aren’t your thing, but you still want to sparkle (and look skinny) all night, this super festive black and gold fit-and-flare is ~the one~. With a seamed waist and scalloped neckline, throw on your best heels, add a dainty necklace, run a wand through your hair, and you’re ready to throw back watered-down drinks.

4. Vince Camuto Cold Shoulder Bell Sleeve Dress

I know it’s the holiday season and all, but honestly, with the amount of red dresses I’ve seen as of late, it’s looking like red is the new black. It’s a classic shade no one can ever go wrong with (especially if you just really like attention) and this cold shoulder dress ties in all of this year’s best trends. It comes with a choker neckline and dramatic sleeves in a flattering crepe material, so whether you remember making it to midnight or not, you’ll know you looked good regardless.

5. Calvin Klein Black Sequin Dress

This halter neck cocktail dress is covered in sequins that are (thankfully) all in black, so it’s not like, too extra to wear out. It still comes with a glam-ready design and delicate detail so it’ll look v good in all of your Instas—flash on, of course.

Stressing over New Year’s Eve makeup is seriously underrated. Everyone preps for the big night by blowing money on a sequin-covered dress (that they’ll only wear maybe twice a year) and a fresh blowout. However, does anyone actually take into account how important your makeup is? If you plan on going big, it only makes sense that your face says the same thing. I mean, it is after all, the very first night of the new year, aka a big fucking deal. This means you’ll need to look ~on point~ for everyone you’ll be spending it with and the army of skanks that follow you on Insta. If you haven’t even begun thinking about WTF you’re doing for NYE, not to mention which eye shadow you’ll be using, NBD. I’ve found five makeup ideas that are the perfect inspo you need to get started.

1. Smokey Eye

This is one we’re all too familiar with, but can hardly pull off without looking like we have two black eyes. Whether you want to go dark with blacks and grays, match the scheme of your outfit, or do something in between and neutral, make your life easier by using a colored sculpt pen like Burberry’s Eye Colour Contour Smoke & Sculpt Pen to blend the shades together seamlessly.

2. Glitter Fest

NYE is always about all that glitters. Even if you hate wearing dresses that are extra af, you can obvs still low-key incorporate a full-out glitter fest with your makeup. After using whatever color you wish as the base, add glitter eyeshadow right on top (try Urban Decay’s Moondust Eyeshadow in any of the bajillion colors offered). You’ll have everyone’s eyes on you the whole night, regardless of what you wear. Jeans and a crop top? Still staring at you.

3. Bold-Colored Eyeliner

Maybe you just really love makeup, or I guess you just like the attention. If you’re looking for something bold, finish and wing your go-to liner with a bright af color. Urban Decay Razor Sharp Water-Resistant Longwear Liquid Eyeliner comes in a ton of bold colors and goes on seamlessly. Use a complementary shade like red, blue, or violet so it doesn’t look like a Halloween costume. 

4. Red Lip

When in doubt, just do a red lip. It’s the most basic, yet classic look for a reason. I get it, no one has time to make a masterpiece out of a million eye shadow colors. Apply a neutral shade on the eyes and finish with everyone’s fave red, Rouge Dior.

5. Natural

My personal favorite, this is a look that will get a ton of compliments after only putting in the minimal effort. It’s not so much an “I just woke up like this” look because this is like, New Year’s fucking Eve, but it’s so simple, you can’t fuck it up. All you really need is a decent contour, a true nude palette (preferably one with a hint of shimmer) like the Too Faced Natural Love Palette, and the most basic af rose gold lip shade.

Image: Andreas Fidler / Unsplash