How To: Look Fresh Faced and Awake

Think about it – when was the last time any of us busy individuals actually got our 8 hours of beauty sleep? Even after our normal skincare and makeup routines, we can sometimes still look half-asleep.

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Whether you’ve been furiously studying, been out all night or playing late night catch up of your favourite show, we’ve got you covered with the tips and tricks to looking fresh faced and awake the next morning!

Lose the lower lashline makeup

Ditch the eyeliner and mascara on your lower lashes, if you want your eyes to look large and awake. Makeup on the bottom can sometimes exaggerate dark circles and can make eyes appear smaller. Instead, line the upper lashline thinly, curl the lashes and apply plenty of mascara to the top lashes. Remember: when it comes to achieving bright eyes, stay top heavy.

Ditch the powders

When it comes to mimicking the look of a well-rested complexion, try to stay away from mattifying powders and stick with creams instead. Everything from cream blushes, bronzers and highlighters are available to quickly bring that youthful glow, as they look natural and catch the light beautifully for the appearance of healthy skin.

Go light with concealer

Skin can often look dull and sallow when we haven’t caught enough Z’s the night before. Select a concealer in a shade or two lighter than your skin tone, or a cover-up with radiating properties such as NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer ($35, available from Mecca) or Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer ($14.95, available from Priceline). Apply the product under the eyes, bringing the product down in a V-shape and blend. The lighter colour will enhance your complexion and perk up your skin like a shot of espresso.
Be bright with highlights

Bring attention to the high points of your eyes and face to distract from the classic effects of a late night. Use a pearlescent or shimmery face highlighter such as The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer ($34.95, available from David Jones) or Prestige Cosmetics Sun Baked Mineral Bronzer ($29.95, available from Priceline), and lightly apply product to the inner corner of the eyes, brow bones, cheekbones, bridge of the nose and Cupid’s bow. This will bring a boost of radiance to your eyes and face, so you can fake that good night’s sleep.

Say ‘no’ to nude lips

Save the nude and neutral lipsticks for another day; when it comes to looking fresh faced, the right lipstick can do wonders for brightening your entire face. The perfect ‘wide awake’ lipstick should be a little brighter than your natural lip colour and make your teeth appear whiter, whereas a nude lip can wash you out. Brighter mid-tone pinks, blue-toned reds and bright lippies are perfect for finishing off your look!