Fake Awake with Makeup!

If too little sleep or too much stress has left you looking tired and worn-out, try these tips to help you look like you got your full eight hours.

Written by Elizabeth Jacobs

Tip #1: De-Puff

A puffy, bloated looking face can be a major clue that you haven’t had enough rest. This puffiness comes from body fluids and toxins which accumulate in the skin and which should be carried away by the circulatory system. However, if you don’t get enough rest or sleep with your head not propped on enough pillows the fluids can pool in the face and especially in the under-eye area.

To combat the bloated look wash your face with cool water. This helps to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Then pat on an under-eye treatment formulated to reduce puffiness, followed by a light oil-free moisturizer. Use gentle percussive taps to apply these products because this light tapping stimulates the skin and irritates the skin less than rubbing.

Don't worry, a rested-looking you is a few steps away!

Tip #2: Perfect Concealer Application

Now to conceal those under-eye circles! Dark under-eye circles can be genetic, but are also exacerbated by lack of sleep, alcohol, and cigarette smoke. Lack of sleep, alcohol, cigarette smoke and even nasal congestion all dilate the blood vessels under the eyes, making them look larger and more noticeable.

The trick to covering under-eye circles is perfect concealer application. First, pick a concealer with aloe and vitamin E (which sooth and calm the skin) in a shade that matches your skin tone.

Next, dip your concealer brush into the concealer and begin to apply the formula starting at inner corner of your eye right along the side of your nose, moving outward as you go. If you can do this while looking up with your eye you will guarantee a crease-free application. Believe me, it sounds trickier than it is, it just takes a little practice.

When you’re applying the concealer it’s important to get the inner corner of your eye along your nose because if you don’t this area can cast a shadow on the rest of your eye area. Also, be sure to blend the concealer towards the outer eye area and downwards so it blends in with the rest of your makeup.

Use your concealer to cover any other redness or discoloration on your face resulting from stress or sleep loss, and remember that with concealer a little goes a long way.