There are few things more frustrating than a terrible night’s sleep. In addition to the grogginess (fuzzy head, stiff shoulders and the like), there’s also the fact that tiredness can, quite literally, be written all over your face.
The age-old notion of ‘beauty sleep’ is named as such for good reason. A lack of sleep can lead to duller skin and more noticeable discolouration, and generally leave you feeling deflated.
Here’s how your morning beauty routine can help to turn this around…
How to brighten tired skin
Fresh makeup will always start with great skincare, and nothing will revive dull or tired skin as quickly as a gentle exfoliant. Pixi’s cult Glow Tonic has been in my makeup kit for years. Working in a team with the brand’s global MUA Amanda Bell at fashion week, I’ve used this to work wonders on many a sleep-deprived model.
This is a liquid exfoliant, designed to gently remove any dead skin cells and unveil a brighter complexion. You can use it morning or evening straight after cleansing, but for tired skin I’d use this just before your makeup.
Exfoliants increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun so it is imperative to follow this step with an SPF. Look no further than Shiseido for this — not only is its Expert Sun Protector a universally flattering and lightweight SPF, but for every one sold at escentual.com the brand will donate an SPF to a child in need as part of its #SunPoverty campaign.
How to brighten tired eyes
Now to navigate the eyes, which often betray even the most clever fatigue-beating base makeup.
I’d recommend using as little product as possible in this area so as not to draw too much attention to them. If you notice dark circles or discolouration, use a colour corrector rather than a traditional concealer.
Let’s consider an example — think of the blue tones in dark circles. If you put your traditional concealer on top of this, the blue may still show through (a bit like a black bra would show under a light t-shirt). Alternatively, if you apply a peachy corrector on top of blue tones, it will counteract the discolouration and reduce the appearance of the dark circles.
This colour correction method is true of all discolouration, be it brown pigmentation or redness in the cheeks. NARS has an extensive range of correctors, each in a feather-light texture, so you’re sure to find an antidote whatever your skin tone.
One of my favourite ploys to draw attention away from tired eyes is vivid lipstick. A pink-red is a fantastic option for tired skin because this colour makes your teeth look whiter, the whites of the eyes look brighter and it suits all complexions. L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in 188 Rose Activist, £9.99, FeelUnique is the perfect pink-red.
How to brighten skin with makeup
And if all of that just seems like too much of a faff, look for a foundation with added glow. I am obsessed with @Graces.Faces_ chatty getting ready videos on TikTok, and she always raves about her favourites from Collection.
I bought its Lasting Perfection Glow foundation and it is essentially healthy, well-rested skin in a bottle, and comes in just under £7. What’s not to love?
Nothing brings me more joy than simplifying the things that you find most difficult about your makeup, so let me know on Instagram @RoseGallagher what we’ll be working through next time!
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