There comes a time in every person’s life when it dawns on them; they just feel tired, all the time. Usually, it’s a realisation that hits while you’re staring deep into the mirror, looking for meaning, answers or both. At some point, those visible signs of too many late nights, early mornings, beers, burgers and boisterous brats bouncing on the bed at 5 am become all too patent to ignore.
Fortunately, the modern world offers as many solutions to looking tired as it does causes of being, well, tired. With that in mind, here’s how to look fresh, even when you’re exhausted.
FIRST, DO ALL YOU CAN TO SLEEP BETTER
Prevention is better than cure, as they say, and this precept has never been more pertinent than when considering how bloody exhausted we all look.
So, before you consider the best ways to cover up those bloodshot eyes or hide the bags under them, it’s first essential you do everything you can to improve the quality and duration of your sleep.
We realise that time is tight and you could be using these fleeting moments to catch a quick nap (actually, don’t; it won’t help with your sleep at all), so we won’t pontificate. Instead, check out this article on the best ways to improve your circadian rhythm and sleeping patterns when you find a few minutes spare.
USE TWO PILLOWS
Whilst we’re on the subject of our beds, if you’re a side sleeper, then it’s recommended that you should be using two pillows to keep your neck and spine supported while you sleep. But did you know that by adding an extra pillow, you’ll help reduce puffiness in your face and around the eyes? The steeper angle makes it easier for any retained water to drain away.
Should you be a stomach sleeper, it’s generally recommended that you use a flatter pillow and prop your forehead up with a smaller second one.
Read: How to sleep better if you’re a stomach sleeper
INVEST IN AN EYE CREAM
Good eye cream is one of the best investments you can make if you’re concerned about the onset of a certain worn out aesthetic that you just can’t shift. The right one will keep your eyes looking smoother and clearer, even when you’ve been burning the midnight oil. Look for ingredients like peptides and ceramides, which have skin renewal and anti-ageing properties.
FREEZE SOME SPOONS
Excuse me? Freeze some spoons? Hear us out…
Tiredness is almost always given away by your eyes, with dark circles, bags and puffiness leaving you looking exhausted even when you were tucked up in bed by ten the previous evening. While a great eye mask is good for this, you can also use the frozen spoons trick.
Keep two spoons in your freezer. Simply take them out when your eyes are looking particularly tired and use the back of them on your eye area to reduce puffiness and tighten the skin. Trust us; it works!
GET PEACHEY
No, we’re not talking about the fruit (although they’re good for you, too) but rather, a peach-toned skin primer and concealer, which is every make-up artist’s number one secret weapon.
The tone will neutralise the dark circles under your eyes and any blotchy skin areas. Once your foundation or tinted moisturiser has been applied, you’ll look radiant.
To address those purple shadows, do bear in mind that lighter peach hues are better suited to light and medium complexions, while deeper peach shades and tones that verge on orange tend to work better on darker skin.
FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT
You might not be someone who likes to wear makeup or you might prefer a more natural appearance. Fear not; there are still ways to address that worn out look.
Your go-to product here is CC cream. It’s a bit like a tinted moisturiser, but can work magic on any skin type, leaving it beautifully hydrated and dewy, and with a subtle hint of colour to even out your skin tone.
DRINK YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN
Water is nature’s ultimate tonic, and one of the best ways to look better from the inside out. Being well-hydrated can make you look and feel more alert, flush out toxins from your body and plump up your skin. Drink a few glasses of water in the morning before you reach for the caffeine and keep your levels up through the day for best results.
EYE DROPS
When you’re tired, your eyes may feel gritty, uncomfortable and maybe even a little bloodshot. Have some eye drops on standby in your fridge to brighten up your peepers whenever you need to. If you don’t like putting drops in your eyes, there are some brands available which you simply spray on a closed eye, and your natural blinking action will distribute it around your eyes gently and evenly.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Even if you’re not feeling your best, you can still look as fresh as a daisy with a few handy products and timeless tricks. And hey, if you’re keen to attack the morning with a proper sense of vigour rather than spend it covering up the previous night’s ills, then check out these 8 expert-approved ways to become a morning person.