We've all been there. Tired, eyes half-open, and a long day ahead. Here are the best tips for looking and feeling more awake, no matter what the night had in store.
Prioritise Your Sleep
The most obvious advice — but also the most important. Sleep solves more problems than you might think, and your skin recovers best during the night. Always remove your makeup before bed, apply a light moisturiser, and put the phone away. The blue light from screens disrupts the body's natural rhythm and keeps the brain alert far longer than necessary. Give your body the best conditions to recover, and it will show in how you look come morning.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of tired-looking eyes, uneven skin, and low energy. Aim for at least two litres of water a day, and try swapping one cup of coffee for green tea. Green tea contains caffeine, but in lower doses than coffee, and is packed with antioxidants that help cleanse the body from the inside out. Feeling sluggish in the morning? That could be exactly the boost you need.
Cucumber and Eye Gels for the Eye Area
The old cucumber-slice trick actually works. Cucumber's cooling and anti-inflammatory properties reduce puffiness and diminish dark circles quickly. Keep the cucumber in the fridge so the chill gives you an extra boost. Want to take it a step further? Our Awakening Eye Gels with vitamin C and caffeine perk up the eye area and reduce dark circles in an instant — perfect for mornings when you need a little extra help. For added hydration and firmer skin around the eyes, Hydra Glow PDRN Eye Gels are an excellent choice.
Look After Your Lashes
Healthy, well-groomed lashes make the whole eye area look more alert and alive — without you having to do much else. Xlash Eyelash Serum is applied along the lash line each evening and gives visibly longer and fuller lashes in 28 days. In the morning, a quick curl with our Eyelash Curler and a coat of Lash Hero Mascara is all you need to open up your gaze and bring life to your eyes straight away.
Smart Makeup That Opens Up the Eyes
When you need to conceal a late night, colour-correcting concealer is your best friend. It neutralises the blue and grey undertones under the eyes and creates a more even base for foundation. Choose a foundation with a hint of luminosity rather than a matte finish — matte products can highlight fatigue and draw attention to fine lines.
White or nude kohl liner on the waterline is one of the quickest tricks for making the eyes appear larger and more open. Add a touch of blush in warm rosy tones to the cheeks for a fresh and awake look, and if you want to shift focus from the eyes, a bold lip colour does the trick beautifully.
A Few Extra Tricks
Cold tea bags over the eyes work in the same way as cucumber — they reduce puffiness and calm inflammation effectively. A cooler shower in the morning helps the skin and reduces swelling. And always remember to remove your makeup thoroughly in the evening with our Caring Eyes Make Up Remover, so your skin has the best conditions to recover overnight.
Looking awake is about the right routines, the right products, and a few clever makeup tricks when you need them.
