‘Hey! How are you?’ ‘Good! Tired, but good,’ has been my routine response for the past 18 months (coinciding with the birth of my son). Now, if there’s one thing being sleep-deprived 24/7 has taught me, it’s some foolproof tricks to looking more energised (read: less knackered) in mere minutes. So, here goes...
The first thing a terrible night’s sleep steals from me (along with my sanity) is any sign of glow. Instead, my skin feels dry, lacklustre and the fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes are much more noticeable (I feel eyes are the first thing to give the sleepless game away). In lieu of decent rest I swear by Vieve’s Skin Nova, £31; a primer with skincare-grade ingredients, it’s essentially a good night’s sleep bottled – delivering a healthy, radiant sheen that instantly perks up skin without looking like you’re wearing loads of make-up. The best bit: it actually lasts from day-to-night, which in my experience is pretty elusive.
Next up, make-up’s answer to caffeine: a trusty concealer. TikTok tried to declare that concealer was over. Pah! Those content creators clearly haven’t seen the shopping bags residing under my eyes. Concealer is essential, but not all are made equal. For formulas that blend into your skin effortlessly (rather than sitting on top with telltale smears), it’s worth spending a little extra. My current flame is Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Concealer, £38, which covertly covers without ever looking cakey – lending just the right amount of coverage to look like my skin, only better. Plus, it’s in it for the long-haul and does not budge (I’m talking 7.30am nursery run to lights out).
Now, for lipstick. It seems obvious, but adding a pop of colour to your face will not only make you look more awake, but boost your mood, too. Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience Refillable Lipstick, £49, is pretty much perfection – delivering an intense shot of colour while leaving your lips feeling suitably soft. Once you’ve swiped your chosen shade on your lips, try dotting it on your cheeks (even if it’s a bright red, it still works) and blending it in using your fingertips for a flattering, uniform flush.
Finally, never underestimate the power of perfume. There’s a direct link between our sense of smell and our memory bank – meaning certain fragrances can take us back to a happy memory and make us feel energised, at ease and relaxed (which subsequently shows on our face). In desperate need of a holiday? Try sun- drenched florals, oceanic notes or anything resembling suncream. Loved baking as a kid? Reach for comforting vanilla or sweet fruits and scent yourself happy. Believe me – in these sleep-deprived times, your beauty cupboard really can come to the rescue.
Shop: Your Fake The Tiredness Away Face-Saving Essentials
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Vieve’s Skin Nova Instant Radiance Primer is a godsend for pepping up sleep-deprived skin. Simply apply neat pre-foundation to amp up glow.
www.selfridges.com
Cosy and confident, Victoria Beckham Beauty 21:50 Rêverie Eau de Parfum combines amber, vanilla, tonka bean and cedarwood for a ‘what are you wearing’ scent with staying power.
www.boots.com
L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Satin Lipstick feels like formulas that are triple the price with impressive colour.
www.lookfantastic.com
Forget house keys! Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Concealer is the most important thing in my handbag right now.
www.selfridges.com
Creamy with a satin finish, Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience Refillable Lipstick, is the ideal formula to use on both lips and cheeks.
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Sweep all over to pep up a dull complexion.
www.allbeauty.com
Wide awake eyes with just one flick.
Yorkshire lass, pizza lover and perpetual hoarder of lipsticks, Joely Walker heads up the beauty section of Grazia UK. You’ll find her going back to basics for #GraziaBeautySchool, waxing lyrical about new launches for #BeautyHaulOfFame and grilling celebrities for their insider tips (hello, Helen Mirren). Want to ask her a beauty question? Find her on @JoelyGabrielle
