How to Look Good on No Sleep

Women are good at faking it, we all know this. We fake confidence, we fake “having it all together” and of course, on occasion, we fake it in the bedroom. That’s not where the pretending ends though, after a night of no sleep, whether it be from a cranky baby or a late booze-filled night, we are sometimes forced to fake a well rested and motivated game face.

Personally, I'd rather the cause of my late night to be from drinking and dancing as opposed to a late night at the office or a toddler who likes to sleep sideways, but unfortunately, for my case it's usually the latter. Either way, I am left looking tired, puffy, and miserable. Add that to my yoga pants, hoody, and flip flops and I probably could be mistaken for a homeless person. Change, anyone?

So what are these refreshing beauty tricks besides extra caffeine, a cold shower, and cucumber slices? Enter the magical world of faking it with makeup.

Pregame Tricks

Before you begin your optical illusion with creams, cover ups, and color, there are few tricks that are essential if you really want to pull this off. I know some of these seem like too much work when you're running on two hours of snooze, but they help and not just for your face, but overall attitude too.

1. Green or black tea works best, after they have chilled place them over your eyes for at least 15 minutes.
2. NEVER skip the shower, even if you’re pressed for time, don’t pass up the chance to rinse off last night’s foggy memories from your body. Dry shampoo can handle the hair.
3. Eye drops are your friends, always keep a red-reducing drop in your makeup bag to help turn those zombie pupils into human ones.
4. Apply eye cream, and if late nights are a common thing for you, keep that eye cream in the fridge for some extra depuffing power.
5. Add some water to your late night and morning, whether it be from a bottle or fruit it doesn’t matter. I know, I know, you need caffeine, so do I, but the water will quench your dehydration, bringing your body back to life. I repeat water is ESSENTIAL! Before bed on a "planned" late night, I chug a bottle of water with two Tylenol.
6. If you can muster up the energy, take 5 minutes to stretch, jog in place, or do some basic yoga. I know, I just laughed a little myself, but seriously the movements will increase blood flow and circulation bringing color back to your pasty-face. Luckily and not so luckily, my kids provide this instantaneous movement with their whining, complaining, and crazy selves that require me to get up and get moving before anyone dies of hunger or gets hit with a princess wand. See, kids are helpful!

The Game Changers

Now for the makeup portion of faking your wake up. You might need to purchase some of these products but if lack of zzz's is a reoccurring event for you, than these are definitely worth it.

1. Try a BB or CC cream to even out blotchy skin and to hydrate your skin. Pop it in the fridge 10 minutes prior to use it for an extra boost. No joke, I use my organic Physicians Formula BB cream everyday because it's quick, concealing, and protective.
2. Choose a brightening, yellow-based concealer to hide your darker than usually under-eye bags. Apply a few dots under each eye then blend.
3. Sweep an Oil-Free luminizing powder to the tops of your cheekbones, forehead, and down the bridge of your nose. This will help brighten and lighten while giving you that natural glow you so desperately need. I do this pretty much anytime I put on makeup for an event, it really does give you that glow.
4. Skip the dark liner and opt for beige eyeliner. Lining the inner rims of your eyes will camouflage any redness and widen the appearance of your eye. Bet you didn't know that one.
5. Use blue-based mascara instead of all black. The blue tint will amp up the whites of your eyes making it the perfect finishing touch!
6. Always apply lipstick or gloss. A nude lip is a sort of giveaway that you didn’t have time or cared less to finish your look. Opt for lighter shade and purchase a matching blush. The combo pulls it all together.

While this may seem like a lot to do after a night that has left you borderline night-of-the-living-dead, it’s really not. Have these items ready in your makeup bag and refrain from pushing the snooze button for the third time. That extra 5 minutes will help bring you back to life.