Ahh, Spring Break! Time to relax and let loose. But a college girl’s downtime can be stressful on her skin; too much sun exposure, drinking, and a lack of sleep can all add up to a beauty disaster. But what if a girl doesn’t want to give up party time and still wants to have radiant, clear skin? Saving face doesn’t have to be complicated – just follow these tips from Cosmetics Cop Paula Begoun and the Paula’s Choice Research Team.

First, please don’t forget the importance of using sunscreen – it’s the easiest, healthiest way to keep skin even-toned and young-looking. Spring break trends may come and go, but the long-term benefits of sunscreen are time-tested. While on vacation, the best bet is to use a water-resistant sunscreen like Nu Skin’s Sunright Body Block SPF 30 ($13) or Banana Boat Sport Performance Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 100 ($10.99). Slather it on before heading out in the sun and reapply as directed. Sure, sunscreen might not seem sexy, but a flaky, red sunburn isn’t a hot look, either—and that’s not even counting the long-term damage and premature aging it causes.

After sunscreen, treat skin to antioxidants. Skin is an organ, and just like the organs inside the body, it needs antioxidants to function at its best. Antioxidants are powerhouse ingredients that help skin repair itself from all kinds of damage. A refreshing toner (recommendations here) followed with an antioxidant-boosted moisturizer with sunscreen is enough to immediately begin reducing the appearance of the redness, dark circles, and puffy eyes that come from too much partying.

But enough about skin care, what about Spring Break makeup? Less is definitely more, except when it comes to concealer. A strategically applied full-coverage concealer can be a great way to fake a good night’s sleep. Our secret weapons: L’Oreal True Match Concealer ($8.95), Mary Kay Concealer ($10), or M.A.C. Select Cover-Up ($18).

For the rest of the face, tinted moisturizers are the way to go to achieve an even, natural complexion in a snap without a heavy makeup look. Revlon’s PhotoReady BB Cream Skin Perfector SPF 30 ($8.49) is a perfect option that provides sun protection and it comes with a price tag that doesn’t break a college student’s budget. As for cheeks and lips, go with a sheer gel stain and save the drama for a smoking-hot eye design each evening. Get the look by using waterproof volumizing mascara such as Maybelline The Colossal Waterproof Mascara ($7.99) and a dual eyeshadow/eyeliner pencil like Mally Beauty’s Evercolor Shadow Stick ($25).

One last thing: no matter how late the night gets, try not to forget to remove makeup before falling into bed. Sleeping in makeup isn’t good for skin, and with a good gentle remover (check out our favorites here) the task is over in seconds. If you do happen to fall asleep in your makeup, battle potential blemishes the next day with Paula’s Choice CLEAR 2-Week Trial Kit ($12.95)—available in regular, as well as extra strength, and perfect for traveling.

Find even more Spring Break Beauty inspiration on Paula’s Choice Pinterest Spring Look Book.

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Led by best-selling author and beauty expert Paula Begoun, the Paula’s Choice Research Team evaluates and reviews hundreds of skin-care and makeup products, in books such as Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me as well as online at CosmeticsCop.com. Combining cosmetics industry knowledge and expertise, Paula and her team have developed the Paula’s Choice line of state-of-the-art formulations based on reliable, published skin-care research. Products include skin-care, makeup, body and hair-care products, beauty tools, and accessories. All products are fragrance-free, cruelty free, and environmentally friendly.