How To Brighten Up a Tired Face

There are times when all of us need to know how to brighten up a tired face!  We all have those days…or weeks…or sometimes even months where despite our best efforts, we just look tired.  I’m here as a seasoned “looking tired” veteran to give you some of my most reliable products and tips to brighten you up!

One of the major signs pointing to my lack of sleep, is always under my eyes.  Whether they are puffy, droopy, or just darker than normal, they are always the first to go. For me, feeling and looking refreshed is closely tied to the products I use on my skin. This GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream from Origins has made a big difference in reducing puffiness, and after a couple weeks, lightened up my dark circles.  It also has a luminescence that gently reflects light.

Next up, instead of just trying to cover up my circles, I used this Under Eye Brightening Corrector from Becca.  When I first heard about this, I wondered if it was just one more step, and completely unnecessary.  The more I have experimented with it, the more I love it! It helps my concealer go on smoother and brightens from underneath.

Once you have applied the color corrector, you can  apply concealer.  My favorite is Line Smoothing from Clinique.  If you already have a foundation or concealer you love, use that!  Spread it under your eye and blend it out across the top of your cheekbone, towards your hairline.  This will create a bright foundation to catch light.  I added some light contour to the sides of my nose and my cheeks.  It is also fun to lightly sweep some pale, luminous eyeshadow over the top of your cheekbone and under your brow.  Add a bit to the inner corner of your eye as well!

I avoided blush for years, and looking back on it…I have no idea what I was thinking!  Just a few taps of a bright, happy color on your cheeks instantly wakes everything up! I like to use this E.L.F Stipple Brush to make sure I’m just lightly sweeping it on.  Too much blush is hard to come back from! I quickly added some liner and mascara to my top lashes, drawing my tired eyes upward and open.

This is my favorite part! I love a bright, bold lip, and it can do wonders for your whole look.  I always look and feel more put together once I have applied my lip color.  If you want more of a matte lipstick look give Matte Petal from Clinique a try.  If you prefer an on-the-go gloss and you aren’t afraid of hot pink, I’m loving the Intense Butter Gloss in Funnel Delight from NYX right now.  Be brave and give them a try, your bright happy face will thank you for it!

Here is my before (yikes haha) and after!  I’m always more productive when I’m put together, and a little makeup goes a long way!

These are a few of my go-to tips for how to brighten up a tired face!  I’d love to hear your tips and favorite products as well.  Enjoy your week, and get some sleep! XO

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