Mornings can be rough. In fact, I woke up with the gnarliest bags under my eyes this morning after waking up at 4 a.m. and not being able to go back to sleep. And isn’t it the worst when someone comments on how tired you look? “Nope, not sick, just exhausted, thanks for asking.” But whether you’re dealing with red eye jet lag or ongoing insomnia, you don’t need any heavy-duty products to help you look more put together. Keep reading for some au naturel tips for looking more away when you’re totally sleep deprived.
Invigorate the senses
Want to look more awake? It helps if you actually feel more awake. Whip up your favorite essential oil blend and diffuse them in your bathroom or bedroom as you get ready for the day. Don’t have essential oils? You can literally sniff a lemon. I know it sounds weird, but citrus is pretty powerful for the senses. The smell of citrus fruits can boost your serotonin, which makes you feel happier and thus look more awake.
Get in a quick workout
If you need some color in your cheeks, nothing get the blood flowing faster than a morning workout. Even when you’re feeling tired, a workout can give you the energy you need to get through your day. Bonus points for an outdoor workout like a morning run, which can help boost your mental focus and make you feel more alert.
Take a dip in some cold water
If you’re really brave, a cold shower is a tried-and-true way to wake up your nervous system. Blast yourself with cold water for the last 30 seconds or so of your shower, and you’ll instantly feel and look refreshed. If a cold shower sounds like torture, try filling the sink with the coldest water possible or running an ice cube over your face. The cold temperatures make your pores look tighter, which gives you an overall more even skintone, which makes you look more awake.
Chug some H20
Your entire body needs water. It hydrates your organs and your brain, while also plumping your cells and getting rid of any gray or sallow coloring. Drink a large glass of water as soon as you wake up and you’ll instantly feel more refreshed.
Throw on some color
If you grab a black or white top, it’s not going to do your tired skin any favors. Jewel tones and earth tones are always a safe bet, whatever goes best with your skintone, but doesn’t leave you looking washed out. Just for today, keep those muted neutrals in the closet and save them for a day you’re feeling more awake.
Use spoons
One of grandma’s favorite beauty tricks. Throw a couple of spoons in the fridge or freezer overnight and use them to cool down puffy eyes in the morning. Place the backs of the spoons under your eyes and as close to the inner eye as possible. Using just a tiny bit of pressure, glide the spoon toward the outer corners. The cool movement will help de-puff overtired eyes instantly.
