Perk Up with Makeup
Tricks for faking a full night’s sleep
Click the photo to read in the zMag.
If you didn’t get as much sleep as you wanted –– or needed –– last night, there’s a good chance you’re paying for it this morning.
A cup of coffee can help you perk up, but what about the red eyes, dark circles and sallow-looking skin?
Makeup to the rescue.
A few strategic products and tricks can help you fake a rested face and leave the house looking refreshed –– with or without that coffee mug in hand.
How to refresh tired …
SKIN
If you have time, Kelly Oswalt, makeup artist at redcarpetreflection.com, suggests using a cucumber eye gel or mask that’s been in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
“It’s believed that cucumber helps reduce swelling and dark circles under the eyes, and the coolness of the gel will help alleviate puffiness,” she explains.
A less time-consuming trick is to splash your face with cold water, which will help boost circulation and combat inflammation, Oswalt says.
Or use eye drops to help whiten the eyes.
A light-reflecting foundation is best for a fresh, luminous look, she says. Kiralee Hubbard, owner of EyeMAX by Kiralee Professional Makeup Studio, says concealer is your best friend when you’re tired.
“If you have gray or blue circles, try peach or salmon concealer, not yellow,” she advises. “Yellow can tend to make the area look a little green if you are really dark.”
Using a cream or liquid highlighter also can help brighten the face. Apply it on top of the cheekbones and under the eyes for a pick-me-up, Hubbard suggests.
EYES
Heading to work with fresh-looking eyes doesn’t require an extensive makeup kit or makeup-artist skills.
“Use a light beige eye shadow and then carefully blend a slightly darker shade into the crease of the eyelid,” Oswalt says, adding that matte shades work best. “Using a very light or white shade on the inner corners of the eyes helps you appear more awake.”
Oswalt recommends using a dark-blue eyeliner. This counteracts red, making your eyes appear whiter. Try using white or nude eyeliner on the waterline for the same effect.
Curl lashes to open up the eye, and use two coats of brown-black mascara, she says.
LIPS
When you’re tired, your lips don’t necessarily reflect it. But you don’t want to use a product that only exacerbates your lack of sleep.
“Avoid harsh or deep tones,” Hubbard says. “Stay natural, but not nude.”
Oswalt likes pink or rose lip gloss. Opt for a gloss that’s opaque and not too shimmery.
What Not to Do
Stay away from pink, purple and blue eye shadows that will only magnify your eyes’ redness. Oswalt says “muddy” colors, like dark brown or gray, may make you look dull.
She and Hubbard say to avoid matte foundations as well.
