Guest Post - How to Look Awake (Even Though You're Exhausted)

Hey Beauty Bees,

I am bringing to you today a guest blog post written by freelance beauty blogger, Vanessa Harper. The tips in this post are so helpful and I use some of them on a daily basis to help myself look more awake. Take a peek below, try some out and let me know which worked out best for you.

How to Look Awake (Even Though You're Exhausted)

We all hate when we wake up in the morning and look downright haggard. Whether you're an overworked supermom, a career gal burning the midnight oil, or you just had a little too much fun last night, tired eyes and a dull complexion can really bring down your whole look. Plus, looking exhausted can dramatically age you (cue the horror movie music). Fortunately, there are plenty of little tricks that can help you mask fatigue's effects. Here are some quick ways to revive your face and let you conquer your day:

Liven Up Your Complexion With Oil

While oil may be the nemesis for acne-prone skin, its hydrating and mild plumping effects can actually be beneficial for a dull complexion. Many cleansers found on drugstore shelves are designed for younger, more acne-prone skin. Their stripping effects can actually dry out mature skin, creating a dulling effect and exaggerating the appearance of fine lines. A surprising alternative that keeps your complexion hydrated and bright: using oil as a cleanser.

The oil cleansing method, or OCM, helps remove impurities such as product residue, dirt, and dead skin without the stripping and dehydrating effects seen with some cleansers. Some examples of commonly recommended cleansing oils include mineral oil, coconut oil, and olive oil. Katie over at Wellness Mama has put together a great user guide for those interested in the full deets of this hydrating skincare method.

Reduce Eye Puffiness at Home or With Your Doc's Help

You're going to be surprised by this, but reaching for your cutlery drawer may become part of your daily beauty regime. Holding an icy spoon on your eyes for about a minute can be enough to substantially reduce under-eye puffiness and the appearance of dark circles. That fullness that you sometimes get is called under eye congestion according to the Review of Ophthalmology, and it's caused by the dilation or opening of the blood vessels around your eyes. The blood then pools there and, through the skin, takes on a gray or purple hue. Putting something cold on this area, such as a chilled spoon, can help rapidly constrict those blood vessels and get you off the sag wagon.

Unfortunately, the icy spoon trick doesn't work for everyone, particularly those who have always suffered from dark circles and under-eye wrinkles. In that case, the only real "fix" is eyelid surgery. According to Boston surgeon Dr. Dax Guenther, a lower eyelid blepharoplasty (a fancy term for eyelid surgery) can target under-eye bags and circles in a quick surgery that takes about a week to recover from. The results are permanent. With an average cost around $4,500, according to plastic surgery forum RealSelf, that's a worthwhile investment for a boost in confidence and a lot of time saved during each morning makeup routine.

Open Up Your Eyes With Makeup Tricks

Your eyelash curler is your best friend on your groggier days. This tool will help curl and fan out your lashes, making your eyes seem being bigger and brighter. Complete the effect with a mascara to separate and elongate your eyelashes. Unless you have dark hair, it is best to stick with a brown mascara because the harshness of black may actually make your eyes seem sunken in, which is exactly what we are trying to avoid.

On your more sluggish mornings, you should also ditch the black eyeliner. While a darker liner can give your look a sultry edge, any smudging could make you look even more tired. Instead, reach for a neutral or cream-toned eyeliner and use it only on your waterline. This can help cover up any lingering redness in that region while helping your eyes seem more open and alert.

Tint & Tone the Tiredness Away

A high-quality tinted moisturizer is key to looking polished while simplifying your morning routine. A tinted moisturizer can help hydrate your skin and address any minor blemishes or uneven tone. Plus, if you find one with sun protection added, that is one less thing you have to do in the morning. If you have any more noticeable blemishes, use concealer on your problem areas before using the tinted moisturizer for a fast and easy put-together look.

After the tinted moisturizer, add some depth to your face with a subtle bronzer around your hairline, under your jaw, and along your upper cheekbones. This will add a subtle but dynamic effect to your face so you don't appear flat or unnaturally pale.

Despite how overwhelmed and busy life may seem, a fresh-looking face could be all you need to tackle your day with more confidence. Following these easy tips will help give you a more youthful and vibrant appearance without letting on about your lingering fatigue.