I'm a night owl with the tendencies of an early bird — and as you can see, this introduces a problem. With school, blogging, internships, and brunch dates to micromanage, my sleeping schedule is royally corrupted. I'm the friend who will text you a ridiculous meme at one in the morning, followed by a "why am I soooo tired" at eight AM. So then: what's my secret to looking energized without actual sleep?
Well, secrets is more like it. When you've grown into a routine of hitting the snooze button, you also learn how to navigate the beauty and skincare battlefield when it comes to taming the zombie chic look (also known as: when you get five hours of shut eye). The characteristics are truly a horror story: dark circles, puffy sunken eyes, redness, drab complexion — the nightmare package.
Busy schedules might not even permit you the luxury of naps, so what is one to do when they want to look awake and refreshed sans sleeping? Luckily, you can combat the no-sleep issue with the power of your beauty cabinet. It's all about repurposing what you already have — from eyeliners to highlighters, avocados to coconut oil, rest assured you'll have quite a number of remedies to pick from. Of course, the best cure for lifeless skin will always be catching a few zzz's, but if you're in a time pinch, adopt these 11 tips into your bible ASAP. Sweet dreams!
1. Concealer
Bodyography Skin Perfecter Concealer, $19, Bodyography
Running on five hours of sleep? For beauty junkies, concealer is the first fixer that comes to mind. Application and formula are equal parts important. For the under-eye area, draw a triangle shape to ensure that all crevices are accounted for, blend, and watch as dark circles are instantly brightened! Opt for creamy formulas that provide coverage without drying the skin. This concealer from Bodyography does just the trick and is vegan-friendly — it's a win-win situation.
2. Face Masks
I Need You Pearl Mask, $1, Etude House
The way to my heart: one sheet mask, a glass of wine, and endless Netflix streaming. Face sheet masks are the true elixir of life— simply peel, sit back, relax, and let your skin nourish. And so what if you only caught a few zzz's last night? Sheet masks with pearl extract will restore glow and vitality to your complexion once again — no one will even suspect a thing.
3. DIY Avocado Face Mask
Welcome to the DIY front, where you can even transform your precious avocados into the ultimate skin antidote. Brit + Co has a handy guide on how to craft an avocado honey face mask — count me in! Yes, we're all aware of avocados and its heavenly pairing with sliced bread, but what about its beauty benefits? Avocados are packed with anti-aging vitamins and moisturizing properties for a youthful pick-me-up.
4. Face Scrubs
St. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub, $4, Walgreens
Got haggard skin and in desperate need of a hero? Look no further: face scrubs will rescue you from the depths of skin purgatory. A good 'ol scrubbing will eliminate dead skin and diminish discoloration, allowing brighter, rejuvenated skin to surface.
5. Highlighter
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Pearl, $38, Sephora
Yes, I am now $38 poorer, but it's worth it — anything is worth it for the highlighter of my dreams. My secret for those Monday mornings sans caffeine and sleep? Dotting highlighter in the inner corners of the eye — this will illuminate tired pupils and divert attention from under-eye bags and the like.
6. Rose Water
Heritage Store Rosewater, $11, Amazon
Trust me when I say that once you go rosewater, you can never go back. Keep a bottle at your desk for when you need a quick face reviver/reason to be distracted — just spritz and your skin will feel once again refreshed and brand spanking new. Added bonus: rosewater can also double as a makeup setting spray!
7. Coconut Oil
Viva Labs Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, $10, Amazon
At this point, there's no doubt that I worship everything coconut oil (or coconuts in general). Coconut oil is chock-full of benefits — benefits that especially come into use when you want to mask a lack of beauty rest. Apart from moisturizing the skin, coconut oil also can lighten dark spots, according to Allure, and leave you smelling like a tropical paradise. What are you waiting for? Stock up on a few jars and prepare for beauty enlightenment.
8. White Eyeliner
Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil in M-16, $21, Sephora
I picked up this tip from makeup/style extraordinaire Jenn Im — apply white liner to the waterline to reduce eye redness and return to "awake but surviving on three cups of coffee" mode. Bloodshot eyes, no more.
9. Exfoliate
Fresh Sugar Face Polish, $62, Sephora
One of the tragic fallouts of not getting enough shut eye is dull, lackluster skin. That's why you should never forget to exfoliate in the AM — this is key to improving skin texture and creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. Try out this face polish from Fresh for a natural exfoliator that will leave you with radiant, supple skin.
10. Eye Cream
Dead Sea Osmoter Eye Concentrate, $55, AHAVA
When you're in your early twenties, it's easy to think, I don't need eye cream... or do I? I had long associated eye cream with #JustMomThings, but as I've discovered: youthful, healthy skin begins with maintenance early on. AHAVA has a triple-charged superserum that will revolutionize the eye cream game. And don't judge a bottle by its size — this mighty eye concentrate reduces dark circles, decreases puffiness, and moisturizes the eye area all in one.
11. Hydrate!
Makeup hacks and skin remedies can only get you so far after all. Staying hydrated with water is crucial if your body is operating on little or no sleep. Water helps your body replenish lost fluids, and not to mention, a glass before bed ensures that you'll get proper beauty rest as H20 balances your hormones, energy levels, muscles, and joints. Drink up and say hello to revitalized skin!
Images: Courtesy Brands, Getty Images (2), Giphy
