Fact: no one looks good with a hangover. Feeling like a pile of poo should be bad enough - but actually, you look rubbish too. Some days, hiding under the covers isn't an option. You and your hangover have to go out in public. And for that, you're going to need help.

If you're planning a few big and boozy nights out over the festive season, then you'll need to stock up. Here's our guide to the very best beauty products to help you conceal and cope with that hangover.

Sort your skin out

Hangovers are seriously bad for your skin. The excess of alcohol causes dehydration, and dehydrated skin looks sallow, patchy and dry. Don't confuse dehydrated skin with dry skin: dehydration is a more fundamental problem. Simply slathering on a heavy moisturiser won't solve it, and could just lead to spots. Drink lots of water to feed your skin from within, and avoid anything with caffeine in it.

Start your morning routine with Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (£25). It smells fabulous, which will perk up your senses. It's a gentle product which will remove dead skin cells and help your skin fight against free radicals and allow it to regenerate. Your skin will feel bright and radiant, even if you're not feeling it.

If you've got time, try relaxing with an Origins Make A Difference Skin Rejuvenating Sheet Mask (£26.50 for six). It's a cotton sheet saturated in magical ingredients such as rose of jericho and sea haricots to help balance moisture levels. It also contains yeast extract and clary sage to help stimulate your skin's own lipid production (which means it'll heal itself quicker). You'll need to sit still for 15 minutes, so if you're in a rush in the morning, make sure you make time at the end of the day. That way, you'll definitely restore your healthy glow, and will have helped heal the damage your excessive partying may have done to your skin.

When you've got a hangover, you'll need nothing short of a miracle to make you look decent - so don't mess about with half measures. Jan Marini's Transformation Cream (£60) is literally a scientific wonder of a moisturiser. Here's the science bit: this face cream uses breakthrough technology which focuses on TGF Beta-1 transforming growth factor. The magic thing about TGF Beta-1 is that it sends signals to the brain which help promote healthy, young-looking skin. It might sound far-fetched, but the incredible thing about this cream is that it actually does make a difference from the very first application. Which means that even the most sorry for itself face will look happier and fresher straight away.

Radiance balms leave many people sceptical. Although most of them work to some extent, when you've got a hangover you need the mother of all radiance balms. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (around £23) perks up even the greyest, most lifeless of complexions, and this beauty classic has been doing the job for over 20 years. Use a thin layer and then apply your foundation immediately on top.

Sort your eyes out

If you've got a killer hangover, your eyes will really be suffering. You're probably also suffering from lack of sleep. Plus the alcohol and any smoke from the night before may mean your eyes have shrunk to the size of a piglet's, and vanished inside your head.

Tempt them back out with a Carita Mask (£32.50 for five): it's an eye-sized mini-mask that fits around the eyes. It feels like bliss on sore eyes, and will give even the sorest peeps a radiant glow. Use regularly and it will also help fight the signs of ageing. Another option is Dr Hauschka Eye Solace (£18), containing extracts of eyebright, anthyllis and chamomile. It will help to soothe and refresh sore, reddened and overtired eyes - bliss.

Hide it

Yves San Laurent's Touche Eclat (£23) is a highlighter, though it's often mistaken for a concealer. While a concealer is great for hiding blemishes, highlighters are perfect for disguising alcohol-inflicted dark shadows. You can use it on bare skin or over make-up, but don't just brush it on: apply gently and then tap the product into the skin for a perfect finish. If you're really looking bad, don't just use it around your eyes. Apply to the sides of the nose, around the lips and in the hollow of your chin to brighten your entire face.

Created by Madonna's former make-up artist, Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage (£25) is simply the ultimate concealing product available - so it's going to be your best friend when you've got a hangover. It's a compact which contains two shades - use a brush to mix the two on your hand. This trick not only creates your perfect custom colour, but it also warms the product to skin temperature, so it goes on smoothly. Apply with a brush after foundation, and before powder to create a flawless look.

Benefit's Dandelion Powder (£22.50) is a great way to perk up sad skin with a little colour. It works on all skin tones, so don't be put off if pink blush isn't usually you. Just lightly brush it onto the apples of your cheeks, then lightly (make sure there's no excess on your brush for this bit) brush over the rest of your complexion.

Another magical product from Benefit, Eye Bright is a pinky-coloured pencil. Apply a small amount to both the inside and outside corners of your eyes for an 'I'm awake really' look.

Magic potions

Origins Peace of Mind (£10) is a tiny pot of 'on-the-spot-relief' which will help even the worst hangover. Just dab a tiny amount on the back of your neck, temples, earlobes and forehead and the soothing mixture of essential oils will soothe and calm you. It's handily handbag sized, so you can keep it with you all day long.

If the hangover is so bad that your entire body is hurting, try Elemis' Instant Refreshing Gel (£25). It's an all-over body revitaliser - and let's face it, your body needs revitalising! It contains arnica (the stuff you put on bruises), camphor and menthol and you can pretty much cover all the painful bits with it. Apply to the temples and the back of your neck to help clear your head. Rub into aching joints or muscles for a soothing, cool feeling - total bliss.