We've all been there: You've stayed up way too late working, partying, binge-watching—basically, anything other than sleeping—only to wake with a face that looks the exact opposite of fresh.
When life gets in the way of solid snooze time, the first place it shows is on your dial for everybody to see. Want to avoid all that stress? It's important to know the best ways to trick everyone into thinking you switched off the lights well before those a.m. hours rolled around.
Ahead, we've compiled the easiest ways to appear as though you got in a solid eight hours, even if you only got eight minutes. Because nobody should ever have to hear the cringe-inducing "You look tired…" line.
Raid Your Cutlery Drawer
The first tip for achieving a faux glow is one you've probably heard before—but that's because it works. Grab two spoons, and place them in the freezer while you make yourself a coffee. Once they've cooled, gently press the spoons (curved side in) into your eye sockets. Hold the spoons in place for a few seconds, and follow with a brightening eye cream to rehydrate the chilled area.
Reach For the Cold Water
As nice as it feels getting your cleanse on in the warmth, water this temperature doesn't do your skin any favors. "Cool water refreshes the complexion better than warm water, thanks to vaso-constriction," says makeup artist Allie Clark. "The cool temperature causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing redness and swelling, particularly around the eyes." Team this with the spoon trick, and your skin’s well on its way to being nursed back to a glowing state of awake.
Give Yourself A One-Minute Massage
If you're a fan of facials, it's probably due in part to how plump and smooth your face feels after a solid session at the spa. The thing is (pro products aside) your post-appointment complexion comes courtesy of a good facial massage, which you can also take into your own hands at home with a face oil or serum.
"Apply a generous amount of product to the compass points of your face: your forehead, cheeks, and chin," says Clark. "With your fingertips, smooth from the center of your forehead out to your temples, across the planes of your cheeks from your nose to ears, and from the center of your chin along your jawline. Repeat the same pattern, this time massaging in small circles. Using your ring fingers, press lightly into the inner corners of the eyes, sweeping toward the outer corners." Repeat this process two to three times, and blot off any excess oil before taking a moment to appreciate how good your skin feels after these 60 seconds well spent.
Brighten Up
On any normal "I just slept so great last night" day, your regular moisturizer will do here just fine. But this isn't a normal day. This is a day when you need a little extra pep in your skin prep, so look for products that contain ingredients like caffeine and green tea. These work magic on your body, and they can do wonders at kicking your face skin into gear, too.
Mix Up Your Makeup
Tired skin is dull skin, and the trick to fighting a flat complexion is always illuminator. While a fine tap along the cheekbones is a great way to create shine daily, when you're really desperate for a boost, the best place to start is with your base. "Mixing illuminating cream with your foundation adds a touch of radiance," says Clark. Look for a product with a golden, peachy glow rather than a silver one for a more vacation-fresh, less Tin Man appearance.
Get Good Lines Around Your Eyes
Today's not the day for a smoky smudge, of course. But it's also not the time to reach for that white liner you rushed to buy when you first heard about its eye-opening abilities. Turns out, a nude pencil works way better. "Nude is less obvious than white," says Clark. "Skin-toned liner on the waterline helps to open the eyes, making them look bigger and more awake."
