Step 1: Prep and Base
So you've managed to pull yourself out of bed, showered and braced your face in the mirror ready to have at it, you go Glen Coco! First step is to prep your bases. I usually start off by spritzing my face with something hydrating, in most cases your skin will be dull and most likely thirsty if you've had a big night, so go for something like Caudalie Beauty Elixer [1] or MAC Fix+ [2].Next I apply some primer any will do really, you just need a barrier between your skin and make-up or else your thirsty skin will drink up whatever you apply on it with zeal. And lastly, curl your peepers. Nothing says I am awake than opened up eyes, so curl those damn lashes.
Step 2: Foundation
Next is foundation, go for something with full coverage that isn't cakey and in liquid form. I like Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation [3], which also contains some all amounts of shimmer, or my Holy Grail Laura Mercier Silk Creme [4]. Note: Please take care to avoid the eye area, foundation under the eyes is a no-no.
Step 3: Concealer
With this bad girl I have a love-relationship, but treat her nicely and she will work wonders. So use sparingly. Use a creamy concealer under the eye (different to what you use on blemishes), such as MAC Mineralize Concealer [5] or NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer [6], and say good bye to those ugly dark circles.Step 4: Eye Illuminator
This is probably my favourite and the most life saving step. Illuminator works wonders to brighten the eye area, however they don't conceal dark circles, so they must be used with concealer first. I like Benefit Ooh La Lift [7] or L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pen [8] but that God Damn YSL Touche Eclat works too. Instead of doing a straight line under your eyes opt for a upside-down triangle in line with your lashline, and pat with a dabbing motion till all gone.
Step 5: Water lining, eye-liner and mascara
When tired and lacking sleep I suggest no black liner, especially on the lids. It will make your eyes like smaller and undo all the hard work of illuminating the area. Try lining the lower and upper (if you can) water lines with fleshy pink white eye-liner. This will open up your eyes, making it look brighter and of course more awake. Try Benefit Eye Bright Pencil [9] or Stila Smudge Crayon [10]. With mascara, use sparingly and opt for feather looking lashes.
Step 6: Blush and Bronzer
The usual drill goes for blush and bronzer, both will add life and colour to your skin. I like to opt for something peachy pink usually of the NARS variety. Remember less is more.Step 7: Highlighter
Usually as the finishing touch I will brush some highlighter across my cheek bones or where the light hits eg. brow bone. I usually don't if I have mixed highlighter with my foundation. But I also like to add highlighter to my eyes, because looking awake is all about the eyes! I usually dab a little bit of highlighter in the inner corners of my eyes (dat V) with Urban Decay Naked 2 shade 'Bootycall' to make my eyes look bigger and more awake.Other Neat Tips:
- If you dare, try no mascara it will make you look younger.
- Also, drink up! Water only, and try to limit the amount of caffeine and sugar.
This isn't by any means the only way to do it, just what I know from personal experience, I am really not an expert despite what I like to think. Feel free to comment your suggestions below!
