Whether you’ve just taken a red-eye, or stayed out well past your bedtime, sometimes even the best of us need to fake a good night’s rest. Sure, eyedrops and an espresso will help, but next time you look more zombie than glamazon, try these fool-proof tips to help you look refreshed. Added bonus: they take under 10 minutes, which gives you extra time to get coffee. Or peel yourself out of bed (no judgement).
Yes, it is possible to look gorgeous and rested when you feel anything but. Read on to find out how.
Step 1: Treatment - Undereyes
First things first, you need to minimize things like puffing, swelling and redness. Reach for a moisturizing and brightening eye patch that will hydrate tired undereyes.
Step 1: Treatment - Full Eye Area
Puffiness your problem? Instead, try Kiehls' instant de-puffer stick that rolls on like a little deoderant and instantly tightens the eye area. Great for traveling as its tiny.
Step 1: Treatment - DIY
Soak cotton pads in cooled green tea (add ice cubes if you're in a hurry) and place lightly over your eye area for 5 minutes. The antioxidant rich tea will soothe and energize the eye area. If tea is too time-consuming, keep two teaspoons in the freezer and place them over your eyelids for 1-2 minutes to reduce swelling and boost circulation.
Step 2: Conceal
Dark undereye circles have a bluish hue, which is why yellow - it's counterpoint on the color wheel - is perfect for covering them up. Apply a moisturizing eye cream, and then draw a diagonal stripe of yellow concealer from the inner corner towards the apple of the cheek. Blend, then finish by tapping a creamy, peach-hued concealer gently over the top. A concealer brush will help feather the concealer into the surrounding area without removing the color you've desposited.
Step 3: Frame Your Eyes
A bold brow and curled eyelashes have a huge impact because they open your eye area. Use a spooly brush to blend your eye pencil, and lightly pulse the eyelash curler up the length of your eyelashes for a wide-eyed effect. If you want more definition, apply a coat or two of mascara on the upper lashes only (to avoid any lower lash smudging).
Step 4: Illuminate
Use a highlighting pen or a concentrated, pearlescent highlighter like Benefit's High Beam to brighten the innermost corner of the eye. Blend across the upper cheekbone and browbone for an added glow. Next, pencil the waterline with a nude, white, or gold liner that has serious staying power. If you choose white, make sure to work it into the eyeline by keeping eyes shut for 20 seconds and blending to avoid any chalkiness.
Step 5: Add Color
To finish the look, sweep a bright blush over the apples of your cheeks to fake a healthy flush. Finish with a rosy, hydrating lip tint that you can reapply all day to maintain your fresh-faced glow.
