What I Do: Colleen's PMS 911 Counterattack

My instant fixes for period-related breakouts and bloating.

By Colleen Moody

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Elizabeth Griffin
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Colleen Moody, Web Editor at CosmoGirl.com

Colleen's beauty stats: Early 20s, thick, short curly hair, never dyed before; clear skin with the occasional breakout.

"Let's face it, It's hard to feel beautiful when you have your period. Between the cramps, bloating, and desire to eat everything in your pantry, it's a miracle we are still standing at the week's end. Though we may feel gross, we certainly don't have to look it! I use the following products the week leading up to and during my monthly cycle to look my all-time best (even if I don't feel it!)."

bye bye blemish drying lotion
Bye Bye Blemish
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Bye Bye Blemish Drying Lotion

"This drying lotion is a magical potion when it comes to period-induced breakouts. Just dab the spot where you see a breakout before you go to sleep, and overnight your blemishes are drastically reduced. The only downside is that you end up looking like you've dabbed your face with calamine lotion because it shows up on your skin as Pepto Bismol-pink splotches, so it may be wise to use it when you're not having a coed sleepover unless you are extra-comfortable around him!"

$9.49, Bye Bye Blemish

Smashbox High Definition Dual Finish Micro Powder SPF 15

"This micro powder helps keep my face radiant during its multiple stages of the month. It has three settings for your skin: matte, luminous, or mix. The week leading up to my period my skin looks dull and washed-out, so I use the luminous setting. During my period I use the matte setting for shine control when my skin is its oiliest. For everything else, I mix both."

$38, Sephora

bumble and bumble hair serum
Bumble and Bumble
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Bumble and Bumble Thickening Serum

"My hair tends to get PMS worse than I do! During my period my strands are super-thin and lifeless. Not to mention, I use a flatiron every day, so the thick texture it once had seems to vanish. At night, I apply this serum to damp hair, starting at my roots down to the tips, to give my hair a boost."

$26, Bumble and Bumble

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

"One of the most important things you can do for yourself during your period is hydrate. It wards off cramps, along with those late-night cravings — not to mention it's great for your skin. On top of drinking lots of water, I make sure to hydrate my skin by moisturizing. When I'm not on my cycle I use a cheaper brand for daily use, but for the week I have my period I treat myself to this ultra-hydrating lotion to keep my face soft and smooth."

$34, Clinique

Soap and Glory
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Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss

"The only place I want bloating during my period is on my lips! No matter how cranky or tired I am feeling, a swipe of lip gloss instantly makes me feel better. I use this lip plumper to pump up my pout, instead of my waistline with a pint of Ben & Jerry's!"

$9.99, Soap & Glory

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