fake a full night’s sleep

If you haven’t managed to score a good night’s sleep (and haven’t for awhile) there are a few things you can do to fake that bright-eyed and bushy tail look.

1. Get Moving

As much as it feel counterintuitive to the way you’re feeling – bounce out of bed and jump around. Get the blood moving. If you’re pushed for time and can’t manage a brisk walk around the block, or better yet a run; do star jumps, skip with a rope on the spot, or do a couple of yoga stretches – salut to the sun or a downward dog are good.

2. De-puff the eyes

Cold teabags work a treat – the caffeine constricts the blood vessels and the tannins reduce inflammation. But also just the act of putting something cool on the area helps depuff eyes, which is why slices of cool cucumber or teaspoons kept in the refridgerator also work. I keep my eye cream in the fridge.

3. Cool it

Have a cool shower instead of a hot toasty one. Even just a couple of degrees cooler can help stimulate circulation. If things are really dire, plunge your face into a basin of icy cold water.

4. Scrub Up

Overnight your skin repairs itself by shifting dead skin cells to the surface, when your sleep is compromised, so too is all the repair work it can do. Give skin a helping hand and exfoliate. Choose a mechanical exfoliator rather than a chemical one. Mechanical exfoliators remove dead skin cells manually with small beads whereas chemical ones have AHAs or BHAs. When skin is tired and stressed it can become more sensitive so be gentle – find an exfoliator with soft, small beads and limit the potential for irritation.

5. Moisturise

Tired skin is often also dehydrated, which can make the appearance of fine lines a lot more noticeable. Use a hydrating moisturiser to lock in water. This will plump up the surface and make skin look fresher.

6. Barely base

Don’t try to hide your tired, sallow skin with a thick layer of foundation. Choose a creamy formulation with light reflecting properties and don’t use powder unless you have really oily skin. Consider using an illuminating lotion like M.A.C strobe cream, Lancome La Base or YSL Top Ecrets under your usual foundation.

7. Eye bright

Prep and prime those peepers and make them shine. Use a concealor in the inner corner of the eye to disguise darkness and on the top lid if you need to. Use a nude coloured or white pencil and line the lower rim of the eyes to hide the pinkness. Curl lashes to make them appear more open and apply TWO coats of mascara (but not to the lower lashes). Dab a tiny amount of shimmer to the inner corner – use a golden colour if you have dark skin or a pearlescent shade if you’re pale.

8. Fake that flush

Drained is a synonym for tired so fake that flush of energy to the face by applying blusher. A cream stick blusher is good because it sits nicely on top of cream foundation and gives a natural, flushed look. Start on the apples of the cheeks and blend up toward the hairline.

9. Eye drops

Before you apply makeup, if you’re eyes are looking exceptionally tired and red, use eye drops. But remember it is best not to use these too regularly.

10. Consider the season

We’re in the sneeze season now so one of the reasons for your tired, itchy eyes could be hayfever. Take an antihistamine and see if this helps.

11. Wear something bright

Wearing white or cream will reflect light back into the face and make your eyes shine and appear brighter. It also works by lifting your mood. I also pull my hair into a high ponytail when I’m tired as this gives me an instant face lift.

12. Caffeine…water…

Sure it’s good to drink coffee when you’re tired but don’t forget to drink plenty of water or juice as well. Too much coffee or tea will only dehydrate you, and make you even more tired!

Tamsin xo