One of the unfortunate realities of life is that you can't always get a good night's sleep. Whether you stayed out too late with friends or you simply couldn't fall asleep, the last thing that you want is to have to walk around looking exhausted and worn out. The good news is, there are plenty of ways that you can give yourself a more refreshed appearance without having to spend a ton of time getting ready in the morning. Here are ten tips that you can use to look alert and refreshed no matter how tired you are:
1. Splash some cold water on your face. This tried-and-true technique works every time. The cold temperature of the water helps constrict the blood vessels in your face. This can tighten your skin and eliminate puffiness, instantly helping you look more alert.
2. Address puffiness in the eye area. Puffy eyes are a dead giveaway that you didn't get enough sleep. You can counteract the problem by placing a spoon in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Then, put the back of the spoon on your eye area for a little while. The cold temperature will help eliminate the puffiness, leaving you looking more refreshed.
3. Moisturize your skin. Dry skin can look dull and lifeless. Adding a good moisturizer after you wash your face can plump up the surface of the skin, making it look much healthier while at the same time reducing the look of wrinkles.
4. Give your skin a milk bath. Although it may sound strange, one excellent way to refresh your skin is to soak a washcloth in a bowl full of ice cubes and milk. Ring out any excess moisture and then lay the washcloth over the surface of your skin for 5 to 10 minutes. This simple trick can make a real difference in your appearance.
5. Brighten your face with white eyeshadow. When you don't get enough sleep, the area around your eyes can look dark and lifeless. You can brighten up this area by applying a small amount of white, shimmery eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes.
6. Hide dark circles. Invest in a high-quality concealer that you can use to camouflage any dark circles that show up under your eye area after not getting enough sleep. This page from Dore Aesthetics is also worth reading.
7. Use an eyelash curler. Although it wouldn't seem like it would make much of a difference, curling your eyelashes can have a dramatic impact on how alert and awake you look. When your eyelashes curve upward, it makes your eyes look more open and awake. Be sure to apply a coat or two of mascara to further enhance the effect.
8. Give your face some color with blush. When you are tired, your skin can look flat and lifeless. You can give it a little bit more color by applying a small amount of blush to the centers of your cheeks. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone and apply it lightly so that it blends naturally with your skin.
9. Use lipstick to brighten up your face. A simple coat of lipstick can instantly make you look more pulled together. Best of all, when you wear a bright lipstick shade, it can draw attention away from your tired eyes, making people less likely to notice that you look exhausted.
10. Use a refreshing facial spray periodically throughout the day. There are many facial mists or sprays on the market that are designed to reinvigorate the skin and to help your makeup last longer. Keep one of these sprays with you throughout the day and apply it periodically to instantly give your skin a boost.