Photographed by Julia Robbs.
Whether we're putting in extra hours at the office, staying up past our bedtime several nights in a row, or suffering from one too many bouts of insomnia, missing out on precious sleep is no fun. Not only do we hate how it makes us feel physically, we also dislike how it affects our appearances.
Good thing there's a way to fake those bright eyes — even if we're not feeling, well, our best and brightest.
After spending years living in the city that never sleeps, I've learned how to fake awake simply by amping up my beauty routine. I may not be able to take a catnap in the middle of the afternoon, but I can look like I did.
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So, while your body may desperately be craving extra snooze time, if you follow my six go-to tips, you'll at least appear fresh-faced and ready to conquer the day.
Take a hot-and-cold shower.
Start by turning the dial to hot. The steam will cleanse the skin, and may help unblock pores. But, before you get out, finish with an icy-cold blast that'll shock your system, making you feel immediately more awake.
Start by turning the dial to hot. The steam will cleanse the skin, and may help unblock pores. But, before you get out, finish with an icy-cold blast that'll shock your system, making you feel immediately more awake.
Photographed by Julia Robbs.
Treat your skin with love and care by sticking to your daily cleansing routine.
Removing makeup before bed is an essential step that's easily forgotten — especially when you're exhausted. And yet, skipping it will only lead to a more tired look the next morning. Day-old makeup can crust around the eyes and irritate them, leaving you looking ragged. Keep makeup wipes next to your bed, so there's no excuse not to cleanse quickly.
Removing makeup before bed is an essential step that's easily forgotten — especially when you're exhausted. And yet, skipping it will only lead to a more tired look the next morning. Day-old makeup can crust around the eyes and irritate them, leaving you looking ragged. Keep makeup wipes next to your bed, so there's no excuse not to cleanse quickly.
Speaking of sleeping, you may want to try doing it on your back, so your face isn't at risk for pillow wrinkles. If you're a habitual side or stomach sleeper, choose silk or satin pillowcases, which may reduce the probability of lines forming overnight.
Drink more water.
It may be the oldest trick in the book, but it works. Being well hydrated will make you look and feel better.
It may be the oldest trick in the book, but it works. Being well hydrated will make you look and feel better.
Fake awake.
Tired, bloodshot eyes are an obvious giveaway that you haven't been getting your ZZZs. To get rid of this fatigue sign, try sprinkling a couple of redness-relief or hydrating drops into your eyes when you wake up. They should brighten immensely. Pro makeup tip: You can further help illuminate your eyes by adding a touch of champagne-gold or flesh-toned eyeliner to the inner tear ducts.
Tired, bloodshot eyes are an obvious giveaway that you haven't been getting your ZZZs. To get rid of this fatigue sign, try sprinkling a couple of redness-relief or hydrating drops into your eyes when you wake up. They should brighten immensely. Pro makeup tip: You can further help illuminate your eyes by adding a touch of champagne-gold or flesh-toned eyeliner to the inner tear ducts.
Caffeine isn't just the stuff in coffee that makes you feel more alert.
Caffeine restricts the blood vessels, so a lot of eye creams contain it as an ingredient that helps reduce morning puffiness. My favorite is Hard Night Good Morning Eye Cream. For maximum benefits, apply it right after you wake up or directly following your morning shower.
Caffeine restricts the blood vessels, so a lot of eye creams contain it as an ingredient that helps reduce morning puffiness. My favorite is Hard Night Good Morning Eye Cream. For maximum benefits, apply it right after you wake up or directly following your morning shower.
Pick one facial feature to define.
It can take a lot of time to accomplish a perfectly made-up face. Choose one element of your makeup to master — whether it's a polished, bold lip or a winged liner. A flawless smile or gorgeously made-up eyes will allow others to perceive you as being on top of your game, even if you're feeling drained.
It can take a lot of time to accomplish a perfectly made-up face. Choose one element of your makeup to master — whether it's a polished, bold lip or a winged liner. A flawless smile or gorgeously made-up eyes will allow others to perceive you as being on top of your game, even if you're feeling drained.