7 Beauty Buys to Fake a Full Night’s Sleep

It’s common knowledge that new mom = no sleep. And honestly, even with a pair of grade-schoolers there are still nights I’m deprived of slumber by a little voice in my face at 2am whispering “Mom, mom, mom, mom.” But that never means I want to spend the day looking like I only got five hours of shuteye.

That’s when I turn to a few tried-and-true products that give the illusion of a well-rested momma. Even when I’m yawning on the inside.

Skyn Iceland eye gelsGET GELLIN’

One of the most noticeable signs of sleep deprivation: dark, puffy under eyes. Send those bags packing with skyn ICELAND Hydr Cool Firming Eye Gels ($15 for 4 pairs). Pop a cushiony pair of these on under your eyes while you make your morning coffee. The cooling sensation depuffs while Ginkgo biloba leaf extract increases blood flow for brightening, and their signature Icelandic Complex re-energizes and hydrates with antioxidants and super fruits. All that magic in 10 minutes or less.

Bare Minerals tinted moisturizerBLOTCHINESS BEWARE

The basis for any rested look is even, moisturized skin. Redness or dry patches can make your skin look tired (even on the off chance that you aren’t). Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Hydrating Gel Cream ($29.50) works overtime by priming skin with a layer of light moisture (and SPF) and delivers a flawlessly radiant finish. Plus, it’s available in 16 shades, so finding your match is a snap. Apply with a damp makeup sponge to impart an even dewier look.

It bye bye undereye concealerCOVER THE EVIDENCE

The secret weapon of stylists is IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye™ concealer ($24). It’s thick yet creamy texture provides insane coverage without looking cakey or chalky. To apply, dab a teeny, tiny dot on your ring finger, then gently rub on your other ring finger in small circles for about 10 seconds to “warm” up the cream. Gently dab each finger under your eyes, concentrating on the inside bridge of your nose and down in a triangle. Keep patting until it disappears or use a concealer brush to smooth out the edges. If one of their six shades isn’t a perfect match, stick with a shade lighter than your skin tone to avoid creating shadows and darkening the area.

Benefit eye brightBRIGHT NEW OUTLOOK

Another simple trick to brighten your eyes for a wide-awake look is to highlight the inner corners with a shimmery pink or beige color. The fastest way to accomplish that is with a quick swipe of Benefit Eye Bright ($20), a creamy pencil in a luminous baby pink. Works splendidly as a brow bone highlighter as well, if you’re feeling saucy.

NYX Faux white linerGO NUDE

One of the best morning hacks I ever heard was to trade your dark liner for a nude one. Lining the waterline (the part between the root of your lower lashes and your eye) with a light color helps brighten the whites of your eyes. Try NYX Faux Whites Eye Brightener in Linen ($8), or one of their other pastel colors if you want your pretend sleep with a side of whimsy.

Rimmel Scandaleyes curling mascaraLASH OUT

The best way to open up your eyes (other than espresso) is with a coat of curling and thickening mascara. Rimmel London ScandalEyes Curve Alert Mascara ($6.99) does both beautifully, and in a single coat to boot. It doesn’t clump, doesn’t smudge, and doesn’t reveal that you’re running on a 45-minute catnap and Red Bull.

Ciate illuminating blushFAKE A FLUSH

A dull complexion is a dead giveaway that the Sandman skipped your house. Good thing there’s brightening blushes like Ciate London Glow-To Illuminating Blush ($26), which combines a matte blush with a swirl of ultra fine highlighting powder—it’s subtle so you dodge disco ball glitter territory. Just sweep on your cheekbone up toward your hairline for a perfect candle-lit glow. And it lasts for 12 hours. Which is more than I can say for your sleep schedule.

 

Natalie Kurz

Natalie is a writer and editor who published her first piece in 10th grade (in a national literary magazine, but her mother says it still counts). In her spare time, she's a parent to two kids (10 and 6) who provide her with daily fodder for her writing. And an added excuse to drink wine and eat chocolate.