From The Straits Times    |
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Pulling one too many all-nighters and living in a polluted environment can leave your skin looking grey, lacklustre and pasty. Is it possible to fix whatever is dimming your epidermal wattage and restore that ineffable glow? Yes indeed. Here are 3 tried-and-true beauty hacks that will recharge and rejuvenate your skin and help you look well-rested even though you are running on empty.

 

Exfoliate

A build-up of dead skin cells can diffuse light and cause your skin to appear dull. Make it a point to exfoliate with a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to reveal a clearer complexion over time. To remove all the gunk and stubborn makeup from the day, consider exfoliating at night instead of the morning. You can also use peels that consist of ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acid to dissolve dead skin cells. Keep a lookout for ingredients like aloe and green tea when searching for an exfoliator to minimise irritation.

Try: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads ($17.50)

 

Stave off signs of fatigue with a salmon hued concealer

Using a salmon coloured concealer, cancel out any discolouration under the eyes that veers towards the blue or green end of the spectrum. This concealer also doubles up as a highlighter that will help to mask the effects of a long night. With a brush or your fingers, apply a thin layer on the top of your nose, highest points of your cheeks, cupid’s bow, brow bones and the centre of your chin to achieve that coveted glow-from-within luminosity.

Try: Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer ($16.90)

 

Use a foundation that is half a shade lighter than your actual skin tone

You might notice that your foundation tends to get duller as the day progresses due to a process called oxidisation. Just like how fruits like apples darken when exposed to air, pigments inside your foundation can change shade when it comes into contact with the oil on the surface of your skin and humidity. This can cause your complexion to appear even more dull and sallow. That is why you should use a hydrating liquid foundation that is half a shade paler than your skin tone for days when you are feeling burnt out.

Try: Benefit Cosmetics Hello Flawless! Oxygen Wow Liquid Foundation ($63)

 

ALSO READ: 4 TIPS TO DO A MAKEUP TOUCH-UP SO YOU LOOK RADIANT ALL DAY LONG