From The Straits Times    |
eyes_rec

Between Netflix binges, late night drinks with the girls or putting in extra hours at the office (#hustle), life can get in the way of a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you why it’s so important to get your recommended 7-9 hours of sleep; the reasons are aplenty from preventing weight gain, high blood pressure, stroke to diabetes. Getting enough rest also ensures you don’t hear the dreaded “you look sooooo tired” the next day at work.

However, we understand that there are going to be some days where even with your best efforts, you still wake up exhausted, and with the puffy eyes and dull skin to show for it. Here are 10 makeup tricks that’ll fool everyone into thinking you got proper shut-eye the night before.

Start with a good base

Dull, lifeless skin is one of the biggest giveaways that you didn’t get enough sleep the night before.

Before applying any kind of makeup, your first step should be to moisturise (after cleansing, of course) because hydrated skin naturally makes you look more glowy and radiant.

Opt for an energizing formula like Origins Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser that is packed with caffeine and ginseng to perk up your skin.

Next, apply a lightweight CC cream to colour-correct and give your skin a subtle glow. We like It Cosmetic’s CC+ Cream Illumination for this as it is formulated with collagen, vitamins A, C, B and E and other skin-loving nutrients to diffuse the appearance of wrinkles while minimising pores, giving you a flawless finish. Bonus: it’s also enhanced with SPF50+, so your skin stays protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays throughout the day.

Target under eye circles

Puffy, tired eyes are the first thing people are going to notice when you’ve spent too many hours binge-watching Netflix the night before. Before applying any concealer, we like to de-puff eye bags first with Boscia’s Super-Cool De-Puffing Eye Balm to instantly soothe and revive tired eyes. 

Then, apply some concealer that is 1 shade lighter than your skin tone in a triangle pattern under your eyes and blend into skin. Doing so not only conceals dark circles, but it also instantly creates the illusion that your face is lifted.

This helps to cover up dark circles and make you look awake instantly.

Open up those peepers

Even if you can barely keep your eyes open, use this trick to achieve that fresh, K-idol doll-eyed look.

Gently heat up your eyelash curler with your hair dryer for a few seconds and curl your lashes as per usual. The bigger and more defined the curl, the larger (and more awake) your eyes will appear.

Then apply some mascara like Maybelline’s Big Shot, formulated not to clump while delivering major volume to really open up those eyes.

If you aren’t too tired to bother, adding shorter falsies to the outer corner of your eyes will really help widen your eyes too.

Use a white pencil

When it comes to appearing more awake than you really are, the eyes should be the main focus of your efforts. As a final step, we recommend highlighting the inner corners of your eyes with some white eyeliner or eye shadow – this trick can make a huge difference and makes your eyes look larger and more awake.

Fake a radiance

Highlighters are your best friends when it comes to faking a good night’s sleep. When strategically applied, it can light up your face with minimum effort, and pull your entire look together.

We like the YSL Touche Eclat for this, a concealer/highlighter hybrid that has achieved HG (holy grail) status with many beauty bloggers and editors around the world. Dab some onto your under eyes, brow bone, cheek bones, chin and nasolabial folds and blend into your skin to add an instant radiance that no amount of coffee will ever achieve.

Define your brows

You’ve probably heard of the importance of defining your brows as it pulls your features together, but this step is especially important when you’re trying to look well, alive.

After filling in your brows as per usual (we like Benefit’s Ka-BROW Eyebrow Cream-Gel for an easy, buildable application), blend some highlighter around the edges of your brows to get them to really pop a la Cara Delevinge (tell us, when have you ever seen that girl looking tired?).

Consider some bronzer

Photo: Unsplash 

Nothing beats a natural glow to tell the world you’ve been clocking in enough sleep, are eating healthy and have actually managed to hit the gym. When all of that is not possible IRL, some bronzer with subtle shimmer will do the trick.

Using a wider brush, apply it to the areas where sun natural touches your face, such as the apples of cheeks, tip of your nose and along your hairline. Go easy on this as too much bronzer can have the opposite effect and make you look like you’re wearing a mask.

Perk up your cheeks

A little colour on your cheeks will go a long way – yep, you’ve guessed it – when it comes to faking well-rested, fresh skin. Dust a shimmery blush onto the apples of your cheeks, down your nose bridge and on your chin to enhance the appearance of your skin.

We like NARS blush in Orgasm for this – the universally flattering shade works on almost all skin tones and is super pigmented, so you only need a little to fake that healthy flush.

Colour your kissers

Opt for a natural to nude shade instead of your usual reds as darker colours will draw attention to darker under-eye circles and dull skin.

Use a colour that is a few shades pinker than your actual lips to flatter your complexion and add a luscious sheen to your lips. Alternatively, you can use a lip stain for a subtle pop of colour – just be sure to finish with a coat of balm to keep your lips hydrated.
ALSO READ: POUT THIS WAY, HERE’S OUR GUIDE TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIP GLOSS, LIP TINT AND LIP LACQUER

Set your look

Finally, after all that effort, ensure that your fresh-faced look lasts the entire day with a couple of spritzes of Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea Marine Boosting Mist. The 4-in-1 setting mist is packed with antioxidants to restore your skin’s natural radiance and hydration while extending your makeup for up to 12 hours.

It also helps to reduce any puffiness that is inevitable from a lack of sleep (or too much wine), and protects your already-tired skin from other daily aggressors throughout the day.

ALSO READ: 5 THINGS YOU HAVE TO GET RIGHT TO NAIL LEE SUNG KYUNG’S GO-TO BEAUTY LOOK

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