13 Beauty Tricks To Help You Look Well Rested

“For years, make-up artists used white eyeliner to brighten tired eyes. However, I prefer to use a nude tone, like Sweed’s Satin Kohl Eyeliner in ‘Bright’. It’s more natural looking and not too glaring. Run it along the bottom waterline to neutralise any redness. It will also enhance the whites of your eyes and give them a fresher look.” – Alex

“Victoria Beckham’s Instant Brightening Waterline Pencil is another great option for brightening eyes. Like Sweed’s, it’s more of a neutral, creamy tone and it neutralises redness. It’s one of the best I’ve tried, and it never causes irritation.” – Jessica

“The first step to looking less tired is your base. Hydration is essential at this time of year and a good oil or serum can work wonders underneath foundation. It can give you a more natural glow that you may be missing. 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

“The skin around our eyes is often prone to darkness – usually because of dehydration at this time of year. Using a vitamin C eye cream won’t just strengthen this delicate skin, but it will also boost luminosity. I rate Drunk Elephant’s C-Tango Multivitamin Cream. It instantly improves radiance – I swear by it.” – Alex

“Sometimes, concealer alone isn’t enough to cover dark circles and hide the signs of tiredness. So, in addition, I recommend using correctors to neutralise dark shadows and pigmentation, like Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Vanish. Just a small amount gives your skin a real lift.” – Alex

“If you are using concealer, look for those that are luminous and light reflecting. They’ll add brightness and lift your complexion – apply them liberally over 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, rather than just the one area.” – Jessica

“Blusher energises the skin and puts colour back into your complexion. When you’re feeling run down and lacklustre, it’s better to use blush over bronzer. Why? Because bronzer creates depth and shadow, while blush brings your cheeks forward and creates a youthful, healthy glow. Apply it from the apples of your cheeks back towards your temples to create a more ‘lifted’ effect. I like to apply liquid and cream blushers with my fingers or a fluffy brush. The latter diffuses the colour seamlessly, whereas a denser brush will pack too much on. Always start light and build up the colour gradually – remember, blushers tend to be very pigmented. My favourites are Glossier’s Cloud Paints and REFY’s Cream Blush.” – Alex

“Another great blush is Summer Friday’s Blush Balm Stick. It’s one of the best I’ve tried when it comes to brightening glow, and it instantly wakes up a tired face. Apply it from the tops of your cheeks right down to the centre and onto the apples, buffing in as you go for a natural flush.” – Jessica

“Highlighters are another easy way to bring some light into your face. My favourite is Makeup By Mario’s Master Secret Glow. It’s so hydrating and can be worked into skin to create a plump, dewy radiance. 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 Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30 underneath your make-up to improve glow, while simultaneously protecting it. 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 skin.” – Alex

“Matte textures can make your skin and eyes look tired. Switch to light-reflective formulas instead – particularly cream eyeshadows like Glossier’s Lidstar. Even just using a 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. I swear by Rodial’s Instaglam Highlighter. I also recommend only applying products to your eyelid – avoid your bottom lash line. Harsh or dark lines can make your eyes look smaller and tired. Switch out dark shades for lighter, more tonal ones.” – Alex

“You might not think so, but stripping back your base make-up will actually help you look less washed out, so invest in a good hybrid skincare-rich foundation. Skincare within make-up helps to hide dehydration, dryness and it boosts glow. I rate the Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum. It connects all the gaps between skincare and make-up, giving radiant, sheer coverage, while also plumping up the complexion. It’s the best I’ve tried in a long time.” – 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 the ones by 111SKIN. Nothing works better to boost hydration at speed and reduce signs of puffiness. Team with FaceGym’s Multi-Sculpt Contouring Tool and you’ll notice your complexion looks firmer and suppler in no time.” – Alex

“Lancôme’s Lash Idôle waterproof formula is the best 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, widening the shape of your eye, giving them a fresher, more wide-awake appearance. 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 really full effect.” – Alex

“Well-groomed brows will automatically enhance and frame your features, making you look fresher and more awake. Try using Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze formula, which holds every hair in place for a 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 Dior’s Lip Glow Oils which hydrate, plump and smooth. They just give lips that healthy look I love.” – Alex

“If time is of the essence, a good facial fake tan can make all the difference. Add a few drops of one – like Tan-Luxe’s Super Glow Hyaluronic Serum – to your 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

“Lash curlers are essential for combatting tired eyes – I’d never be without mine. A little squeeze instantly opens the eye area without any other make-up needed. If you lock it in with a great lifting mascara, it’s the quickest way to look more awake. Not all eyelash curlers are made equal though, so be sure to invest in a quality pair like the ones from Shiseido and Kevyn Aucoin. They fit every eye shape and are very easy to use.” – Jessica

For more beauty tips & advice follow @AlexReaderMakeUp & @JessicaKMakeup on Instagram.