Makeup Tips for When You’re Tired or Sick

Following a restless night or when you feel ill, you can rely on a few makeup tricks to improve the look of your tired skin and puffy eyes. With a few key makeup products and proper application, you can head out looking presentable and feeling confident.

Hydrate Dehydrated Skin

You must cleanse and moisturize your skin to awaken your complexion, but those steps alone won’t make your tired and dehydrated skin look great. A tinted face product can make a big difference. But instead of using a high-coverage, thick foundation that emphasizes dryness, opt for a lightweight tinted moisturizer that evens out your skin tone and keeps your skin looking fresh.

If you need more coverage for dark circle and blemishes, use a concealer only in those spots. Additionally, you can apply a touch of creamy highlighter on your cheekbones to make your skin look dewy. If your skin is particularly dry, avoid using powder makeup, which can emphasize dry patches.

Mask a Pale Complexion

A pop of color on your cheeks can instantly brighten your face. Use a cream product instead of a powder to give your skin a fresher look. Choose a brighter color than you would normally use, such as a warm pink, fuchsia or peach color. Bronzer is another useful product. Apply a creamy, warm-toned bronzer along your hair line, on the temples, on the side of your face and under your cheeks, to warm up your complexion. If your skin tends to get oily, apply powder only on those areas of your face (usually forehead, nose and chin).

Wake Up Tired Eyes

Tired eyes are usually red and puffy, so it’s best to avoid heavy, dark makeup, especially on the lower lid, which emphasizes tiredness and puffiness. Sweep a flesh-toned eyeshadow on your upper lid to even out the skin tone. Then, use an eyelash curler to give an instant lift to your eyes and apply plenty of mascara on your upper lashes only. Finally, line your inner rim with a flesh-toned pencil, which instantly brightens your eyes. Avoid applying concealer too close to your lower lash line as it will emphasize the puffiness.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra things you can do to look more alert and healthy:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Use a brightening mask before you apply your makeup.
• Put two spoons in the freezer until they get cold and then gently press them under your eyes for a few minutes to help with de-puffing.
• Keep your face moisturizer and eye cream in the refrigerator. Apply them cold to your face and eyes to help de-puff them.
• Carry a hydrating toner or floral water in your purse and spritz your face throughout the day.