15 Beauty Tricks To Help You Look Less Tired

“I swear by a neutral-toned creamy liner for making tired eyes look more awake. Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil makes a world of difference, but the effect still feels fresh and understated. It works by balancing out any pinkness to open up the eyes and make them appear brighter.” – Cher Webb, make-up artist 

“Hydration is essential at this time of year and a quality oil or serum can work wonders by giving you a more natural glow when layered underneath foundation. I apply the Vintner’s Daughter Serum under all my base products to plump and brighten my skin. It really helps make-up look better, too.” – Jessica Kell, make-up artist 

“The skin around our eyes is often prone to darkness – usually because of dehydration at this time of year. Using eye creams that contain vitamin C won’t just strengthen this delicate skin, but it will also boost luminosity. I rate Drunk Elephant’s C-Tango Multivitamin Cream, it instantly makes the eye area look fresher.” – Alex Reader, make-up artist 

“Sometimes, concealer alone isn’t enough to cover dark circles. I recommend layering a corrector underneath your go-to concealer to neutralise hyperpigmentation. Just a small amount gives your skin a real lift.” – Alex

“If you are using concealer, look for one that is luminous, containing light-reflective particles. These add brightness and lift your complexion – apply it liberally over the top of your foundation. I love the Huda Beauty FauxFilter Luminous Concealer for this – it stays put for ages, too. Even though you might be tempted to apply it only under the eyes, it works best when you blend it through the highest points of the face to give your entire complexion a lift.” – Jessica

“Blusher energises the skin and adds colour back into your complexion. When you’re feeling run-down and lacklustre, it’s better to use blush over bronzer. The latter creates depth and shadow, whereas the former brings your cheeks forward and creates a youthful, healthy glow. Apply it onto the apples of the cheeks, blending out towards the temples to create a more lifted effect. I like to apply liquid and cream blushers with my fingers or a fluffy brush. Start light and build up the colour gradually – remember, blushers tend to be very pigmented. My favourites are Glossier’s Cloud Paint  and REFY’s Cream Blush.” – Alex

“Applying highlighter is another easy way to achieve a flattering, illuminated effect. My favourite is Makeup By Mario’s Master Secret Glow. It’s so hydrating and can be worked into skin to create a dewy, radiant finish. Prep is key here – if you find your skin looks lifeless and tired, it’s likely because you’re not giving it the right attention before applying other products. I recommend using the Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30 underneath your make-up to improve glow, while simultaneously protecting it against UV damage. Other great base brighteners include M·A·C’s Strobe Cream  and Rodial’s Glass Primer. Either one will breathe life back into dull, winter-weathered skin.” – Alex

“Products with matte finishes can make your skin appear flat. Go for light-reflective formulas instead, particularly cream eyeshadows like Glossier’s Lidstar. Even just adding a touch of highlighter on the centre of your eyelid and at the inner corners of your eyes will make you look more awake – you can try applying a little under your brow bone, too.” – Alex

“If you ever feel as though you need a little pick-me-up, swap out your usual go-to black liner in favour of navy. In the same way a lipstick with a blue undertone makes the teeth look whiter, a deep blue liner will make the whites of your eyes look brighter which, in turn, will make the richness of the navy stand out.” – Amy Conway, Bobbi Brown Global PRO Artist 

“You might not think so, but stripping back your base will actually help you look less washed out, so invest in a hybrid, skincare-rich foundation. Make-up with built-in benefits helps to hide dehydration and dryness, both of which can make your skin appear flat. A quality, sheer base will give you a light wash of coverage and restore your skin’s natural bounce.” – Alex

“I can’t recommend sheet masks enough if you want to revitalise dull, tired skin. I love the Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks and those by 111SKIN. Nothing works better to boost hydration at speed and reduce signs of puffiness. Team them with FaceGym’s Multi-Sculpt Contouring Tool  and you’ll notice your complexion looks better in no time.” – Alex

“The waterproof version of Lancôme’s Lash Idôle is great for lifting and curling lashes. It never smudges, which is ideal as you won’t get any darkness under your eyes. It completely changes the direction of your lashes, in turn widening the shape of your eye. When you apply it, brush the inner lashes towards the centre of your face, then the middle of your lashes upwards and pull the outer ones towards the outer edges of your face. This opens up your eyes and creates a full flutter.” – Alex

“Well-groomed brows will automatically enhance and frame your features, making you look fresher and more awake. Try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze formula; it holds every hair in place for a defined, fluffy effect. I apply this at the inner corners of the brow, pushing the hair upwards, then I follow the natural arch towards the tail. Brushing the hair up creates the illusion of more eyelid space, so everything looks wider. Keep the beginning of your brow as free from product as possible – you want it to look clean and effortless. Fill in any gaps with a pen, like the one by West Barn Co.” – Alex

“It’s a small thing, but an easy way to refresh dull make-up is with a good lip gloss or oil. They instantly inject a bit of glow and glamour back into your look. Few rival the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil which hydrates, plumps and smooths. It gives your lips a clean, healthy sheen.” – Alex

“Tightlining (applying liner to the roots of your lashes) using a gel eyeliner will make your lashes appear fuller and your eyes bigger, without it looking intense or overly done. It’s such an effective way of enhancing your eyes while keeping the overall look soft and polished.” Jorge Balzaretti, SUQQU senior make-up artist 

“If time is of the essence, a good facial fake tan is a godsend. Mix a few drops into your usual moisturiser. The colour will build gradually throughout the day, and instantly inject a bit of life back into your skin. Because it’s another hybrid product, you’ll find it really nourishes your complexion too.” – Alex

“One of the most effective and easy ways to open the eye is to curl the lashes. It’s quite common to skip this step, but the difference is dramatic. I've tried them all and those by Shiseido and SUQQU are the best, they have a unique shape, catch each individual lash and never pinch the skin. If you haven’t tried it, give it a go, it’s a game-changer.” – Cher 

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