If you wake up every morning ready to seize the day, full of beans and beaming like a ray of sunshine, tell us your secrets please because we’ve been tired since 2008.
For some of us, energy first thing in the AM doesn’t come naturally, and that’s ok because coffee exists for a reason.
But still, just because we feel like crawling back into the depths of our doona, doesn’t mean we deserve our sheer desperation for sleep to be showing on our faces.
Enter: the makeup and skincare tricks you need to know. Because hey, if we look less tired, maybe, just maybe we’ll feel it too.
One spoon in your cereal, one on your face
If under-eye puffiness is your morning nemesis, the old wives tale of using spoons to cool and deflate the area is one that actually works. In fact, celebrity facialist Kate Somerville told Cosmopolitan UK it’s this exact advice she gives to her clients.
“I’ll make them apply their moisturiser and their eye cream with the cold, icy spoons,” she said. “What ice does, is it constricts the vascular system, so you’re really able to pump those lymph nodes out and really tighten the skin.”
Eye drops aren’t just for hangovers
Red, bloodshot eyes can occur even without a night on the sauce. Lubricating your peepers with a solution designed to clear and comfort will not only erase the telltale sign you need sleep but stop you from rubbing them constantly.
Visine Advanced Eye Drops, $22 at biovea.net/au
Caffeine and vitamin C
Just like your coffee and OJ, ensuring caffeine and vitamin C are present in your morning skin routine will give your complexion a kick start.
Caffeine as a topical ingredient helps to decrease puffiness by stimulating blood flow, while vitamin C enhances skin radiance for a healthy glow.
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, $9.99 at sephora.com.au
Ole Henricksen Banana Bright Eye Créme, $57 at sephora.com.au
Colour correct but don’t cake
If under-eye darkness is the demon that gives you away, clever concealing will help you to vanquish your enemy. When dealing with a colour like deep purple or blue, it’s less about caking on the coverage and more about neutralising that tone.
Depending on the exact shade you’re trying to tackle, you’ll need to look for a product that’s peachy to terracotta in undertone, in order to colour correct as well as conceal. Dab it on lightly, building up as you need, rather than swiping on one big dollop that dries down to become a creased mess.
Becca Cosmetics Under Eye Brightening Corrector, $54 at sephora.com.au
Bobbi Brown Corrector, $46 at mecca.com.au
Dress away dullness
Similar to seeking a neutralising tone for under-eye circles, you’ll want to look for skin-enhancing tones with your wardrobe choices.
For example, cool-toned complexions may find pink helps to bring out a natural flush and brightness, whereas warm skin tones may find that yellow makes their glow sing. Whatever camp you find yourself in, just make sure that colour is bold.
Add colour to your favourite feature
Injecting colour into your makeup look can also be an instant complexion reviver. Whether you prefer a punchy shade on your lips, eyes or cheeks, pick a favourite and make it pop.
NARS Lipstick in ‘Schiap’, $42 at mecca.com.au
Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Palette, $83 at mecca.com.au
Fenty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner, $53 at sephora.com.au
Zhoosh your hair
Hair that’s lank will only highlight your drooped demeanour more, so take five minutes to give it a quick zhoosh; aka lots of dry shampoo, an upside down shake and a complete embrace of natural volume.
If your hair isn’t one to hold style or height, try a ‘facelift ponytail’ instead. Slick it back and up, securing at a height, then smooth any flyaways with hairspray and an unused toothbrush.
