We’ve all been there before – working too late, partying maybe a bit too much and general overdoing it. What we notice in the morning when we drag ourselves out of bed is “ugh, I need to look more alive”.  Our first reaction may be to pile on the makeup to cover up the dull, tired skin, put on a lot of eye shadow because we think it will look better etc.  you get the picture, right?   Stop right there!   Here are some quick easy steps to make your face look like you’ve been getting your daily dose of yoga and a full 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Earlier this week I gave tips on how to revive your skin after neglecting it through the holidays.  Once you’ve prepped your skin with proper moisturizers etc. it’s time to move on to the makeup. Keeping it light and simple is the best rule in looking refreshed and polished.

Six easy makeup steps to look refreshed

1. Start with a moisturizing concealer – Most likely if you’ve never had dark circles before, they will appear when your life is in overdrive. Using a concealer that is also moisturizing not only covers the darkness, it keeps skin moist and fresh looking.
2. Use a tinted moisturizer – Our first thought it to cover up as much of the skin as possible. Piling on heavy foundations will only make your skin look drier and older.  Instead use a tinted moisturizer to give your face a glowing polished look with sheer coverage and to keep the moisture going all day on your dehydrated skin.
3. Lighten up on the eye makeup – This isn’t the time to try the latest in a smoky eye look or some new lime green shadow.  Keeping your eye makeup simple distracts the tired look your eyes may have.  Use a simple neutral shade all over the eye and use a dark brown eye liner to line the eye.  Brown is softer than using black and won’t create a harshness around your eye.  Only line the top of your eye and draw a slightly thicker line.  Coat lashes with a few layers of mascara and your look is polished and awake.
4. Add a touch of bronzer – You don’t need to brush on so much bronzer that you look like you spent a week on the beaches of Capri. Being over-tired can tend to drain the color right out of your skin, so instead apply a light dusting to your face to add some warmth.
5. Give your cheeks a pop of color – Add a slightly brighter pink or peach to your cheeks to make your face appear “alive”.  Even though your body may be saying “I want sleep” – putting a pop of color on your cheeks makes you look like you’re ready to tackle the day ahead.
6. Top your lips with a gloss – Now is not the time to get that pristine lip look with a liner and a deep lipstick shade.  Simple is best when it comes to this look and a quick swipe of a moisturizing gloss will not only add color to your lips, but a reflective gloss will give your lips a fuller, more youthful look.

Now that you’re ready to walk out the door to face another day, don’t forget to drink your water.  Eight glasses a day will keep you hydrated and will not only awaken your body it will keep your skin looking more fresh.

 

Image:  Bigstock