12 Make-Up Tricks To Help You Look Less Tired

“Cold weather, late nights and indulgence over the festive season can make tired under eyes look even more pronounced. Try mixing your concealer with a milky toner like the Rhode glazing milk or The Breakout Hack toner. Apply a little of both formulas to the back of your hand then, using a fine tip buffer brush, mix together and gently pat under the eyes. It’ll instantly brighten and add a much-needed hit of hydration.” – Mollie Burdell, make-up artist & SheerLuxe contributor

“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 Reader, make-up artist

“Most of us have concerns around under-eye discolouration, which can instantly make us look tired, even when we’re not. Sometimes, concealer alone just isn’t enough. This is where a colour corrector makes all the difference and applying one before concealer helps to neutralise darkness and brighten the area, creating a fresher, more awake appearance. I love the Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Sticks, they’re brilliant under the eyes and can also be used around the face to subtly even out skin tone where needed.” – Adeola Gboyega, make-up artist & SheerLuxe contributor

“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 pink tones to open up the eyes and make them appear brighter.” – Cher Webb, make-up artist 

“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 

“Never underestimate the power of a lash lift and tint at this time of year. It’s a real godsend as it makes the lashes look constantly ‘camera ready’ even when you feel far from it.” – Mollie 

“If time is of the essence, a good facial self-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 way to instantly make yourself look more awake is with a bit of blush. I’d recommend going for a sheer cream formula during the winter months (when your skin can be a little drier) for day-to-day use, I love the Merit Flush Balm or Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks. Apply it directly to the apples of the cheeks and gently blend out with your fingers tips, a sponge or brush – for both powder and cream formulas I always use the smaller side of the Hourglass Veil Powder Brush.” – Mollie 

“Brows really do frame the face. Most days, I don’t feel polished until my brows are set and lifted – it instantly opens up the eyes and makes me feel more put together. A brow gel is such a simple but effective step. I love the KJH Brand Nano Set Brow Gel. It’s a versatile, pro-level formula that allows you to shape, lift and define with ease. The long nano-bristle brush gives precise control, while the flexible, all-day hold keeps every hair in place without stiffness or flaking. From softly fluffed to sleek and laminated, it delivers natural, comfortable, perfectly set brows.” – Adeola

“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

“For me, bronzer is a non-negotiable step, especially during the colder months when the complexion can start to look a little dull. A touch of warmth instantly wakes up the skin and brings back that healthy glow. The subtle warmth of bronzer helps the complexion look more radiant and refreshed. I love the NARS Laguna Cream Bronzer, its creamy formula glides seamlessly onto the skin, delivering long-lasting, second-skin warmth with a natural, sun-kissed finish.” – Adeola 

“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 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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