11 Products To Make You Look Glowing & Fresh

My complexion is heavily affected by my tendency to cry often and my inability to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. I'm a full-time college student juggling multiple jobs and projects. I also have a mood disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and I suffer from panic attacks. So beauty products that make you glow happen to be a huge godsend when it comes to saving my face.

Personally, the last thing I want is for my bad days to be obvious from my face alone. So I use concealing and brightening products not only to feel a little bit cuter, but also to motivate myself to finish the day after a cry session or a particularly restless night.

I'm a big believer in using beauty as a means of self-care, and these products are a huge part of my self-care routine, allowing me to feel beautiful in my own skin even on the worst of days. Sometimes it can be hard to get out of bed in the morning, let alone to feel like your beautiful, flawless self. On these days, I turn to some of my go-to products to brighten and freshen my skin.

Oftentimes, the mere reflection of my newly-glowing visage is enough to turn my mood around; the faux image of radiance and a well-rested body tricking me into feeling energized and hopeful. Here are 11 of my go-to products for feeling like a glowing, fresh-faced angel, despite dull or dark moments.

1. An Invigorating Mask

Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque, $32, Kiehls

Treating yourself to a mask can do wonders for your skin and put a considerable dent in your self-care checklist for the day. This Kiehl's mask, infused with real cranberry seeds, is incredibly energizing and will make your face feel super minty and tingly. It's perfect if you need a pick-me-up after a sleepless night or a long cry.

2. Soothing Rollerball

Cooling Water, $25, Milk Makeup

This rollerball contains caffeine and seawater, and is great for giving baggy under-eyes a jumpstart in the morning (although the product can be used all over your face, too). I personally love rubbing this baby under my peepers to soothe swelling post-cry.

3. Moisturizer For Radiant Skin

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, $48, Sephora

This has been my go-to face moisturizer for years, so I can vouch for the fact that it's truly magic. You only need to use a very small amount to achieve a fresh and hydrated glow, helping the product last for ages.

4. Brows On Fleek

Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel, $24, Benefit Cosmetics

One of the most important elements of looking put-together and wide awake for me is filling in and defining my very fine brows. Benefit's Gimme Brow is my favorite brow product, what with its precision brush, thickening formula, and rose-like scent. Groom your eyebrows to perfection, and see the difference it can make for your mood and your face.

5. Conceal And Brighten

Stretch Concealer, $18, Glossier

For someone who hates concealers and all things foundation, I was surprised to see how much I loved this incredibly lightweight elastic concealer. It hides and brightens dark circles without looking caked-on or feeling heavy. In fact, it won't feel like you have anything on at all.

6. Contour It Up

Maybelline Face Studio Master Contour, $9, Target

Very recently, I discovered the powers of contouring thanks to my 17-year-old sister who owns one of these babies. This kit will really help you achieve a flawless-looking contour. What could make you look more awake than a bronzer, blush, and highlighter combo?

7. Gold-Lined Eyes

24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Gold Mine, $20, Urban Decay

I like to use this incredibly vivid eye pencil to line my bottom lids for that perfect touch of whimsical sparkle. This color will truly make your eyes pop and appear to be lively no matter how crappy you may feel.

8. Glossy Eyes

Eye Vinyl in Bridge, $20, Milk Makeup

Swipe Milk Makeup's Eye Vinyl on your lids for some high shine looks that will truly take your eye game to the next level.

9. Rosy Cheeks

C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve, $6, Bigelow Chemists

Smudge a bit of rose salve onto your cheek bones for a rosy glow and a glossy finish. This nifty multitasker is also great on lips and eyelids. Plus, it smells amazing.

10. A Soft Flush Of Color

Generation G, $18, Glossier

Swipe on this super easy to apply lip color for a subtle and flushed pout. My personal favorite is Generation G in Jam, which helps me achieve the perfect spring berry lip.

But if you're feeling more adventurous, and would rather look like a fresh-faced alien, the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics x UO Lip Tar in Whatever is to die for.

11. The Essential Mascara

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Miss Manga Rock Mascara, $8, L'Oreal

Since coming across this product over the summer, I have yet to find mascara that makes my eyes look quite as awake and dynamic. Swipe this on your lashes to complete your bright-eyed and bushy-tailed aesthetic.

For all of those facing struggles but who still manage their hectic schedules, know that you're amazing and deserve to look and feel as radiant as you are.

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Images: Meg Zulch; Courtesy Brands